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He hated that she had her back to the alley, but he needed a clear view of the e

Miss Vale glanced up at hier and fear flashed in her eyes andconcoction “What are we to do?” she whispered, the breeze of her hot breath on his cheek tightening the coil of desire

He scanned the loose brown tendrils of hair escaping her pink bonnet and caressing her neck, the milky-white breasts that rose to meet him with every rapid inhalation Those sweet lips remained parted while she awaited his reply

“For the second ti we must play lovers, Miss Vale”

“Lovers?” She appeared so fragile swamped in his coat “I do possess a little ” She placed her palms flat on his chest, and his heart missed a beat “Ihim a sensual smile, she trailed her hands up over his arms and shoulders “Make it clear you are mine”

If she pushed her fingers into his hair, it would be his undoing Like a ed at his safety ropes, threatened to snap every strand and send hi out to sea Unburdened Free

Mistimed footsteps came closer From the distinct sound and e of the victim card burst into his e? The ? The hts?

Over his dead body!

“Can you reach for your knife, Miss Vale?”

“Not with my arms draped around your neck Is it safe for me to step back?”

Lawrence glanced into the gloo “No,” he whispered into her ear “Don’t ”

“My left leg”

“Then I beg forgiveness in advance for ”

“Do what you e to her voice belied her confident words

Lawrence reached down to the ruffles of her pantaloons—Good God!—and slid his hand up her thigh