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"She fought your decision"

"Like a tigress"

Despite her careening emotions, Aurora smiled "Thank God"

"Don't bother 'Tis a waste of time You won't win this battle—not even with Courtney's help"

A knowing look "Why not? She's not only reatest weakness I have yet to see you refuse her anything"

"There's a first ti" Slayde inhaled sharply "In any case, Courtney is not the issue here You are"

"I beg to differ with you Courtney is the issue here As is your unborn child How are you going to protect them from the curse?"

Pain flashed in Slayde's eyes "With my life I have no othertheir ties to me 'Tis too late for that Courtney and I are bound in theinside her I cannot offer her freedom, a new life, even if I chose to But with you—I can" Slowly he walked around his desk to face his sister "There's no point in arguing, Aurora I've already accepted Guillford's offer You'll beAurora's clenched fists froht now I hope someday you'll understand But whether or not you do, you're est you accustom yourself to the idea" Slayde's expression softened "He adores you He told ive you the world As for you, I know you enjoy his coh, in his presence"

"I behave similarly in the presence of Courtney's pup, Tyrant"

Another scowl "You'll learn to love him"

Vehemently, Aurora shook her head "No, Slayde, I won't"

She turned and marched out of the study

"I spent all last night pleading your case"

Courtney Huntley, the very lovely, very pregnant Countess of Pereen eyes "He's adamant that this union take place"