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She smiled, raised her hand to touch his cheek but then stopped “When we are done with this mess, e can put it all behind us, then ill be free to begin again”

“After all that occurred between us last night, perhaps we ht to dessert”

Isabella batted him on the arm “You really are so adorable when you’re in a playful mood”

He feigned disappoints are adorable I want you to crave iddy”

She stared into his eyes; the heated look seared his soul “If Ithis evening But I will find a way to show ratitude for all your help”

Her words were enough to focus his ht, he would leave with answers Then he could dedicate his time to more pleasurable pursuits

“Then weenthusiasm

She bit down

on her botto, “I think I should be the one to talk to Henry He noticed me arrive—”

“I should iine everyone noticed you arrive But perhaps I should speak to him I’m impartial and so can be more objective” He knew as soon as the comment left his lips that impartial was the last word he would use to describe the depth of his involvement

“I disagree” She raised her chin in protest “One word froant mouth and I fear you will not be able to contain yourself”

Isabella was right, of course He wanted to throttle thea woman half out of her wits

“Very well” He nodded despite feeling some apprehension “But focus on the reason he found it necessary to tors butof his father’s death”

She nodded “What will you do?”

“I shall hide behind a planter and watch you”