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word and—”

“Heartstrings?” Wycliff snorted “Did you not sever all eo?”

“I hardened eful stepfather To a grandid north wind And to the viscount who conducted his dalliances with eager enthusiasm yet kicked his son aside like the runt of the litter “Consequently, I find Miss Vale’s need to place justice before her own safety a rather attractive trait”

“Her original character appeals to you in unexpected ways”

“Indeed” He did not dare evaluate the rolling somersaults that played havoc with his stomach whenever she smiled Or the lust that burned in his veins with the merest touch

“You’re drawn to her innocence and integrity,” Wycliff continued

“Yes” Lawrence knehere the conversation was heading “As one ain, Miss Vale could prove as inconstant as every other woman of his acquaintance

Wycliff sipped his brandy, his curious gaze fixed on Lawrence “Considering you’re obsessed with Miss Vale’s welfare, I find your logic lacking”

Of course his logic was lacking

It was not his brain leading him on this merry dance The woman stared at him with doe eyes and parted lips as if he were her saviour The only man in the world who valued her opinion

“A wise round, stamp his patriarchal foot and send her back to her idyllic hoer lurked in the shadows A y commanded the air whenever they spoke about the Brethren “But you did not see her eyes dance as brightly as the night star when I told her she was to acco”

Wycliff placed his crystal tu happiness in a wo as any aphrodisiac Only a fool would believe himself immune Desire blurs the senses”

“Control is so I have mastered” When a man abstained from the hordes of rew desperate to prove they had the prowess to break his resolve None did

Wycliff chuckled “And yet here you are, breathless with anticipation at the thought of Miss Vale dressed in an exotic costume”

Damnation!