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"By experience, no By definition, yes You're athe world, taking on ventures that yield huge e doses of exhilaration and triumph"

A corner of Julian's h But you failed to ers, the risks, the consequences of restoring oneit frohtly, with one eye open, and never to be caught with my back turned If I did, let's just say there are many who for various reasons and in various parts of the world would be delighted to plunge a knife into it"

Aurora's brows drew together, not so much orry as with speculation "In other words, you have quite a few enemies"

"Enough"

"Can you tell me about them? Or about your exploits, for that matter?"

"Perhaps soed "For now, you need only know the facts My life is turbulent Turbulent and dangerous"

"I suspected as much"

"You're not intimidated?"

A smile curved Aurora's lips "Why should I be? You vowed to Slayde that you'd keep me safe"

"So I did" Julian was clai to do with his deteraze fell to her lips, sparking a nearly uncontrollable urge to drag her into his arht "Once we've restored the black diaors ofdamned well he didn't e, the erotic fantasy of Aurora as his wife, necessitated having her with hi him—every possible moment

Evidently Aurora sensed the direction his thoughts had taken, because her awareness of hi a bit faster, her lips parting beneath his heated gaze "Stay behind?" she ed

"U to touch herher nape in slow, heated strokes "I own a great deal of property, including a led her head, pressed his lips to the pulse at her throat, fully aware he was using seduction to influence her decision and feeling not a shred of guilt for doing so "When I'land, I spend most of my time there I think you'd like it You couldmy absence" His mouth slid around, tasted the delicate line of her jaw "I employ a small staff of servants there They could look after you while I'm abroad I'd be away several months at a time…"

"No" Aurora was tre into fists at her sides "I've had h tranquility and confinement to last a lifetime If we marry, I want to accompany you on your adventures"

"I think that could be arranged," Julianthe corner of her ripping her shoulders, urging her closer "If there's excessive risk involved, I reserve the right to insist that you stay in England, safe"

"So long as that isn't too often," she qualified breathlessly "I'm not afraid of risk"