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“Is … is that an offer, sir?” She batted her long lashes more times than he cared to count

From her flirtatious tone, he knew he had captured her interest Perhaps the evening would not be a complete disaster after all And froh dowry to ease his financial burden somewhat

“It is,” he replied with an air of confidence

Tristan inhaled deeply “I can’t let you do that”

Matthew shrugged “It is not your decision to make” Indeed, he had a sudden desire to be rid of his friend, to be left alone with the delightful Miss S utterly scandalous to devour

He heard theTristan had but a h the shrubbery The guests wandering about at the top of the garden would not suspect a solitary gentleman of any impropriety

“You must decide what you want to do, Miss Smythe,” Tristan said with some impatience

Miss Slanced down at her slippers He could al as she desperately tried to consider her options

“Are you able to provide for me, sir?”

He struggled to suppress an arrogant smirk The lady would have no complaints Of that he was certain “Have no fear I shall ensure all your needs are met”

A pretty pink blush touched Miss Smythe’s cheeks, and she inclined her head “Then I accept”

Tristan muttered a curse

A frisson of exciteh Matthew’s body

How odd

The pleasurable sensation soothed his bruised pride It et that, a mere thirty ame of the Season, and lost far more than he had intended