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“Then whyhim curiously He seemed out of sorts

“Because your suitor, Sir Owens, see his past and present activities in such a way as to hinder Ned’s chances of clearing himself”

“First, Sir Owen is not my suitor! He is mistaken in his belief about Skippy—as I alared at him It was so important that he understand she was not interested in Sir Owen Why? Why should she care?

“Not your suitor? That didn’t seem to be the case when he had you in his arms…” the duke snapped

“Had me…in his arms?” she was livid

“Like this,” said the duke who then took her forcefully into his embrace

Mandy made no push to resist She didn’t want to She knew she was behaving like a tart, but she wanted this and had hoped for this moment with him with all her heart Why noould she resist?

The look he gave her was full with hunger His blue eyes seemed to devour her just before he brushed her lips with his own, gently kissing her, before that kiss became more insistent and she parted her lips to receive more

His touch exploded a river of fire in her veins She burned for hiht possible It was as though she had been waiting for him all her adult life There was no one like to him

There was no feeling like the one he drew froently touching his lips to her ears, to her neck, nibbling as she arched to hisshe ht forever yearn for hier wanted her, but for no he did want her and she wanted him

“Why did you sit alone with him?” he asked hoarsely

“I…he saw ive me away…”

“So you kissed him to make him keep your secret?” he demanded as he looked into her eyes

“No, he tried to kiss hly and put a hand to push at his chest

“Don’t push ain, er