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“I don’t believe in curses Neither do you You told me so yourself”

“I said I didn’t believe the black diamond was cursed,” he corrected “Unfortunately, the search for it is And ht in the middle of that search”

“The search is over”

“No It’s not”

“As far as the Huntleys are concerned, it is You delivered the diamond to Armon”

“No, I didn’t”

A shocked silence, broken only by the ticking of the clock

“What did you say?” Courtney asked at last

Slayde sat up, torn between ematism, protection and candor “We need to talk”

“Evidently we do” Courtney pushed herself to a sitting position, tugging up her gown in aard, self-conscious motions

“Lethe could recall his frank outburst Daed his thoughts or his actions, least of all nohen there was so much at stake Why the hell had he suddenly beco his heart and his mind?

“I can’t reach the buttons If you would just fasten thee the rest” Courtney’s head was bowed, her voice own

Studying the lustrous crown of red-gold hair, Slayde experienced a wave of sharet He was responsible for Courtney’s self-censure, her humiliation He’d acted selfishly, incited by his unprecedented, burgeoning feelings—soh she obliterated his control, his reason, his sanity, he’d taken advantage of her, knowing there could be no future between theht but pain And nohat in God’s name could he say to ease the confusion and self-doubt she was feeling?

Ease them? Hell, he was about to intensify them

“Courtney” He hooked his forefinger beneath her chin “Before I delve into what I suspect will be a very complicated explanation, it’s important to o You’re beautiful And I’ve never wanted anyone the way I want you”