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“You wouldsomeone else upstairs?” Someone who just happened to be his father “You would be happy knowing I bed other women?”

A pained expression marred her fine features “You know the answer, Benedict, but I am not in a position to make demands”

“The blighter is punishing you Can you not see that?” Worthen just couldn’t keep his daentlemen will have you Tomorrow I shall visit Chadderton You won’t have to bow and scrape to him”

“Chadderton? The ht of the old devil’s bony fingers roa over Cassandra’s soft skin made Benedict mentally retch

“There’s Lord Theakston,” Worthen countered “He has always adest son”

Confusion sought to lared at the earl “And you did not think to visit those gentle here?”

“The harrowing events of the day have turnedbuffoon”

Another resigned sigh escaped Cassandra’s lips “Benedict, I will marry you or I will utter for all I care, but I will not be a pawn in his power game”

Worthenof obscenities beneath his breath

It took Benedict every effort to suppress the surge of joy that would have him bend the knee and pretend the last five years never existed Bitterness surfaced She had ruined his life once before and was set to ruin it again Still, the prospect of having her at his beck and call proved as te as the forbidden fruit

“My dowry is substantial enough that I would not be a financial burden”

“Your dowry is unacceptable” Pride would see him refuse every penny the earl offered

“Now, listen here If you think to use this scandal to bleed ain,” Worthen snapped

Benedict ignored the earl’s tantruhter, I’ll marry her without a dowry I don’t need your money, and I don’t need your condescension I shall set aside a portion of equal value to be used for settleal documents drawn to protect her interests”

Cassandra’s eyes widened in disbelief “What are you saying? That you will marry me?”