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He searched her eyes “Is that what you think I want to do? Look after you?”

“I think you’re the sort of man ill always take care of those he thinks are weaker than himself”

“Ah, and what sort of man is that?”

“A hero,” she said siuid arms about his neck

“Francesca…” He smoothed her hair back behind her ear “I’s I would not share with you, but I have found one redee feature in myself You I love you I think I’ve loved you since the day you dragged od-awful storhtinto You have h to face up to who I am and what I must do”

Her fingers treainst his lips “Hush,” she whispered, “don’t say it if you don’t mean it”

“Damn and blast it! Of course I mean it I love you”

She laughed shakily “You love rand passion, and as far as I’s always end in despair Or madness”

“Well, we can be different Our grand passion will end in a long and happy e That is,” he added, almost shyly, “if you will marry me”

“Oh Sebastian,” she whispered “I love you, too I realized it the night of Lady Annear’s ball”

He stroked her face, his eyes gentle

“The life of an earl isn’t as dangerous as that of Mr Thorne, but if it wasn’t for you, I would never have had the courage to face ed me, Francesca You’ve healed me And I can promise you that I will cherish you forever”

“You didn’t need healing,” she said “You are already perfect”

Sebastian grinned “Wonderful! Noant you to repeat toover breakfast”

“I haven’t said I’ll