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Gregor’s face had cleared, and he took her hand in his, his fingers closing hard “If he will think that, if that is so, then weIf Abercauldy is as determined as you say, and he discovers our plans, he will move to stop us We cannot risk that”

That was true, Meg kneas true

She took a deep breath “Gregor…I do not think you realize howme No, listen! If you…if ed, then it is possible Abercauldy will see you as an object in his path, that he will seek to remove you Destroy you If he has murdered before, then it will hardly matter to him”

Gregor’s s “I am not afraid of the Duke of Abercauldy Dinna let that influence your decision, Meg I have survived worse than him But whatever your decision is, you must make it verra soon”

Meg knew she was in danger and her choices were lior and they could face hi over her decision, and noas simple

“I will keep you safe, Meg,” Gregor’s voice was soft and low He hadher shoulder, his breath in her hair “I will protect you That is part of my vow, and be in no doubt, I will honor it”

They ords she had wanted to hear, and yet they were all about honor and protection There was nothing about holding her, kissing her, taking her to his bed Meg’s face flahts, and the sudden realization that or did not want her in that way Why should he? She was plain, tart-tongued Meg Mackintosh Why should he desire her? How hued to bed her!

The words spilled from her lips

“I…A e does not mean we must share other than our vows It could be in naers, after all I do not mind if…”

His ahtly, as though clearing it “We are no ers than many other husbands and wives when they first wed And you forget, Meg, if a e is not properly done, it can be turned aside Do you want that?”

She gazed up into his face, trying to read him

It was impossible

“What are you saying?” she asked in a low voice “That you think it would be wiser to…to consummate it? That it is in our best interests to do so?” Her breath was quick and fast, but she controlled it Was this his reasoning? That they al? Was that all that mattered to him?

“Aye, it would be sensible Don’t you agree?”

Sensible