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The newcoe,

his chin “I’m his lordship’s coachman He wandered off, and I couldn’t find him”

“Then I suggest you drag him back to the hole he crept out of,” Christian’s hard tone caused the coachman to step back, “else he’ll find himself buried in a permanent one”

Rose peered around the broad expanse of Christian’s chest “Was your master at the manor? Was there anyone else there with him?”

The coachman shuffled uncomfortably “I just do as I’m told It ain’t for me to comment on his lordship’s business” The servant reached down and pulled his et you back to the carriage”

“But … but what about my dove?”

“Happen she’ll find her way back”

They stood in silence and watched until the coachman and the crazed lord disappeared from view

Christian swung around to face her Puffs of white ulate his breathing

“You swore you’d stay at Everleigh” His hands settled on her upper ar a look of panic “You gave me your word What if I’d not come back when I did? What if Mrs Hibbet hadn’t seen you cli the stile?”

Rose sed “I needed to know you were safe I needed to know you were not trapped in that burning building” Tears welled, and her heart raced so fast she feared it ht burst from her chest “I just needed to see you”

He stared into her eyes for the longest ti to me?”

She didn't knohat he meant or how to answer

“On one hand, you est of men,” he continued “I could race up a mountain, climb that damn tree Punch any man who threatened to harm you And yet inside …” He paused and shook his head “Pay me no heed”

She didn’t knohy, but she stepped closer, wrapped her arms around hih said nothing She could have stayed like that forever — war embrace