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“Courtney? Are you in pain?”

“No” In truth, she was

fading fast, but she wasn’t about to reveal that to Slayde—not in view of the plan she’d just formed “I’ to regain a sereeator to Peht”

“Agreed”

“Good” Courtney rose—slowly, this ti Slayde’s proffered hand in order to sustain her balance “Then I shall return to my chambers at once, to rest up for Aurora’s arrival You leave for Dartmouth now”

Slayde wrapped his arm around her waist “I will After I’ve escorted you to your rooful look told Courtney her false bravado hadn’t been the slightest bit convincing “I’lad you prefer honesty You’re a deplorable liar Now lean against e the stairs”

With a wave of gratitude—and so more, Courtney complied “A deplorable liar? Ad her face up to his “You, on the other hand, are a far too accomplished one You’ve not only fooled the world, you’ve even fooled yourself Thank goodness, you’ve just met someone you can’t fool—me”

Stunned disbelief flashed across Slayde’s features

Courtney gestured toward the doorway “Shall we attempt the stairs?”

For a long moment, Slayde remained silent, and Courtney could actually feel the tension rippling through him

Abruptly, he nodded “Yes You’re exhausted”

Without another word, he guided her from the salon, up the stairs to her room There, he turned her over to Matilda’s able care “Rest” was all he said before turning on his heel and leaving the bedchamber

Perhaps she’d overstepped her bounds after all, Courtney ratefully into the bed’s softness But instinct told her she’d done the right thing Slayde needed awakening…and awakened he would be

Yawning, she snuggled under the covers, fatigue descending upon her like a heavy blanket Her li, half closed In the distance, she heard Slayde’s phaeton round the drive, then head away froht, she hoped

She wouldn’t fight sleep She’d give in to it, restore her strength