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He looked at her There was amusement in his expression, and adht and that curve to his lips, she could have let herself look at hi Despite her resolution to be indifferent to hi like ice in the sun

“Why were you following me?” she asked, rather breathlessly

His mouth curved up even more “You are the cross I have to bear, Francesca”

“Nonsense I aers who met under extraordinary circumstances That doesn’t mean we need be friends, or even indifferent acquaintances”

His expression grew skeptical “Francesca, even a stranger would be reerous these people are You stole their property I

t’s only a et your address They’ll track you down to Wensted Square without much trouble”

The thought was frightening She put it aside to peruse later

“So you’ve appointed yourself my protector?” she demanded

“I want to repay one and he sounded strangely aard “I dislike being in debt,” he added

Was he lying? Was that why he sounded unsure of hi he wasthe truth The villain was being honest

She turned to stare out of theHe could see the light dappled on her cheek, her skin s, he had to put a firaze slid down over her throat to the ruffle of lace on her bodice, and the curve of her breasts, and he wanted her so much he ached

“I don’t thinkto face him She looked troubled “At the moment I have to be very careful not to upset hiod of respectability, you know”

“But what about you, Francesca? Somehow I don’t think you care much about respectability You stride about the uise to places no respectable woman would venture What would your uncle say to that?”

Her wide, warm, kissable ht

He groaned aloud, and abandoning all common sense and professionalism, he kissed her