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He wondered whether she was thinking of hierous, wicked Mr Thorne If she knew the truth…would she be interested then?

“Mr Thorne” The soft, French-accented voice brought his Aphrodite, in a cloud of sweet perfu at his side

“Madas “I have news”

Her hand tre away “Very well If you ait forrooht-backedface of a pugilist, approached the roo her hand on his shoulder toin his ear Dobson nodded and proceeded to lead the way from the salon into the quieter, private areas of the house

“Mada roo hiiven information to Aphrodite’s enemies Dobson didn’t look like a spy, but then Sebastian had learned that in life nothing was as it seemed

With the door closed, the gaiety wasroom was furnished very differently, too, from the flamboyant air of the public areas of the club The colors here were soft and restful, and there were soed on a snized Aphrodite’s three daughters Vivianna, Lady Montego woman with chestnut hair and hazel eyes Marietta, Lady Roseby, was more conventionally pretty, with fair hair and blue eyes and an angelic s her ree with her dark hair and eyes But there was so elusive in her smile, as if she were here under protest

Sebastian knew she expected never to see hiain, but that was herfollowing the fire, and so he had Hoould he arrange their next ? A chance encounter? A surprise visit? Or should he siht be worth it, just to see the expression on her face…

The door opening startled him, and he turned, Francesca’s likeness still in his hand Maeve senuinely pleased to see him

“Mr Thorne, Mr Dobson said you were here I cane, coffee, tea?”

“Thank you, no”

“I’ely nervous

“I remember you, Maeve,” he said, and waited

Maeve gave hilance from under her lashes that took in theI can do, Mr Thorne…?”

“There’s nothin

g more, thank you, Maeve Perhaps another time…?”