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“What should I do if I hear or see anything strange tonight?” she asked as they cliet all about her woes It wasn’t until he suggested they retire early that the hts returned

“If you’re able, knock onyour bed” He opened the door of her chamber and stepped aside for her to enter “Would you like me to check your room?”

Panic flared Her heart thu alone with hio, she had sat across fro when it caenuine e slowly like the petals of a spring bud

“No I’m confident it will be fine And you will be just across the hall”

He raised his chin in acknowledgeht, but it would help our cause if so unusual did happen”

She hugged the edge of the door, watched hi to open his door “I’ht I doubt either of us will sleep”

Stepping inside his roo questions, you’re bound to be in need of a little rest”

It was her cue to yawn and bid hi kept her there

“My head is throbbing fro,” she said with a chuckle “Perhaps it is only fair I get to ask a question of my own before we retire”

The corners of his ree to be honest You may ask whatever you wish”

Why did you not want me?

What did I do tome?

The questions did not suddenly spring into her mind She carried them around with her always A permanent reminder of her inadequacy But she would not de an answer

“You askedintimate I would like you to answer the sa her taut“Do you have a lover? Is that why you do not appear enamoured with Miss Smythe?”

Tristan stared at her; his expression wavered One ht blue eyes, the next she saw sadness and pain A heavy tension hung in the air