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Still nu silently into the darkness of night "Where are you takingto her side as they descended the st

eps

"Don't bother searching for your reticule It's lying on the table beside your husband Be grateful for that Because I assure you, I'm a far better and , you'll know soon enough"

Reaching the foot of the stairs, Aurora whipped about to face hier and confusion "I refuse to take another step until you tellme, and why You obviously followed us here; 'tis not exactly your type of establishe for me What?"

A flicker of a smile crossed the viscount's patrician features, and he paused on the bottoested softly "Has that thought occurred to you?"

"Yes—and I dismissed it just as quickly Because unless you have another reason for seeking vengeance—one of which I'm unaware—I refuse to believe you were so totally devastated by our severed betrothal that you'd resort to violence So why are you dragging me off like a pirate's prize?"

"An interesting choice of words, and a ent conclusion" Guillford's sestured toward the path with his pistol "Both of which I'd be happy to address—after we're ensconced in ain or test the lio I assure you, I'erous to you than Macall ever was I have nothing to lose and everything to gain So don't toy withher away from the Cove

Instantly Mr Scollard's words, his fervent warning, sprang to Aurora's ers that await, from sources expected and unknown They lurk in nureat propellant Vengeance wieldsby far, for it offers reith no risk

Wisps of dread converged into abhorrent realization The lighthouse keeper had been alerting her and Julian to the fact that not one, but two enemies loomed ahead to be faced: first Macall and then Guillford Macall was the expected source, the one propelled by greed and vengeance

Making Guillford the unknown danger, propelled by a desperation he hi to lose and everything to gain—or, as Mr Scollard had phrased it, reith no risk

But why? Based upon what? What had made Lord Guillford so desperate that he'd resort to kidnapping, oal?

Don't underestie Don't…

That intangible re the explanation she sought, at least for now Later, she'd uncover her answers First she had to escape

Abruptly she ca on her feet "Wait," sheto…"

"The only thing you're going to do isher ar "You're noa man doesn't render you squeamish, I doubt a mere abduction will As I said, don't toy withfor time It won't work" He saw her start of surprise "Did you think I wasn't aware of what you were doing? Never underestiht and resourceful young wohter and e is waiting just beyond those trees"