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“The manner in which I spenddirectly into his eyes, her hands now on her hips

“Do you think so?” he glared back at her “Do you think so, indeed? May I remind you that you will not leave the circumference of my protection, and therefore, my family name for at least another month Therefore, you will conduct yourself in a manner I deem fit for your station in life”

Mandy’s mouth opened and stayed that hile she tried to find the words hich to slap hi your ward, no matter how unsatisfactory you may have found it, not count in your book of ethics?”

He frowned as though puzzled by so she had just said and his reply was teize That unfortunate incident will not be repeated”

She seethed from his words Unfortunate incident? Unfortunate? She wanted to haul off and hit hially as she kne and said, “Really? I aers in the air and told hio to the devil” With that, she turned sharply and started to walk off, when she found his grip on her forearm and she turned to stare at his hand and then at his face, one brow going up

He released her i fire as he said, “Take heed, roorandfather doted on you and spoiled you to the point where you lack all goodto ad to receive” His eyes were litter

“You wouldn’t dare!” she hissed

When he finally answered this challenge his voice was low, hoarse, and controlled as he said, “You think not?”

She hauled off and tried to smack hi her from her purpose

She yanked her hand out of his hold, “Is that who you are? Do you manhandle females when they displease you? I have heard of such men Despicable!”

He groaned with pure frustration and ran a hand through his uncovered black hair, “If you think that of me, I wonder that you would drive me to it”

The sound of horses made them both stiffen and look away from each other He said on a low note, “Hurry…into the stable”

It was the closest building out of view, so she complied without demur, as he folloith his horse A few moments later they were both relieved to hear her brother’s voice, which brought them outdoors once more

“Ned!” Mandy said flinging herself at hi land in a storm “Oh Ned”

He grinned, “Missed me, eh?”