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“Benteen, please don’t do this” He had no cause to be jealous, but she couldn’t seem to convince him of it

His fingers dug into her shoulderbone to pull her the rest of the way to him There was a fire in his kiss, as if he wanted to sear his brand on her lips and mark her the way he marked all the rest of his possessions When he lifted his head, her breath was coered and aroused at the same time The contradiction showed in the fiery sparkle of her eyes and the swollen softness of her lips Pivoting, Lorna turned to survey the daes in the mirror

“There isn’t ti when I came in”

She whirled around, furious with hi her callint in his eye as he studied her Closing her htly, Lorna brushed past him to walk swiftly to the door She could hear the rattle of the wheels outside

The carriage was just pulling to a stop when Lorna opened the door An inner sense told her that Benteen was a step behind her She squared her shoulders against hiuest The boys were already running forward to rass stain on the seat of Webb’s short pants, her irritation increased

Bull Giles swung down fro over Lorna She was conscious of it, but she wasn’t able to meet his eyes, not when she knew that Benteen was keenly observing both of them It created a strain in her ood iuest

She called Webb and Arthur to her side as Bull Gileshis hand to assist the woman seated in back When Lady Crawford stepped out, Lorna was struck again by the wo, an effectsatin skirt, both jet-black She looked older than she had the last tie lines showed around her dark, nearly black eyes—but oddly no less beautiful

As Lady Crawford reet her, Lorna’s instinct told her to curtsy, but Benteen’s hand closed on the curve of her waist as if to check the rip and remained erect

“It’s a great pleasure to see you again, your ladyship” Lorna welcomed the woman with a proffered hand that was briefly taken and released

“Please Let’s dispense with the for I would like you to callpointedly to Benteen “This is your husband?”

While his wife made the introductions, Elaine watched her son’s face closely but she saw no recognition there It wasn’t surprising really, considering how sed fro class He showed afrom him and wondered at its cause

The two little boys were introduced to her The heritage of Calder blood showed strongly in both of them, and Elaine remarked on it Inwardly she was unco old was soht, and the children were proof of her advancing age, regardless of the lies the mirror told

“Mr Giles” She partially turned to address the guide “Would you fetch e seat?” Certain of his obedience, she kept her attention focused on the couple, her glance strayingto show my appreciation for your hospitality today I wasn’t aware of your two children or I would have included a sift for them”

“You shouldn’t have brought us anything,” Lorna protested

“My wife is right We must refuse,” Benteen stated with a show of that stubborn Calder pride Elaine remembered so well