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Nuht to offer assistance Miles had wondered why she’d not come

“I believe the legal term is arson Someone is determined to cast me in the role of villain”

“Do you know the fiend responsible?”

“Not yet, but I will” Oh, he wouldn’t rest until the blackguard paid for his crime

“There’s talk in the village That’s how I knew to come here”

“Is there? And what are the good people of Cuckfield saying?” He raised his hand to stall her “Don’t tell me They say the devil has returned to rain fire on all those who seek to challenge him” The coh the furrows on her brow deepened

“Yes,” she breathed “That is exactly what they are saying” Shame marred her flawless features “That you caused the fire in a fit of rage” She paused as her eyes studied his “Though I know it’s not true”

Damnation!

“Do all the people in Cuckfield have such a bad opinion of h his hair Oh, he could show them the devil if that’s what they wanted “Did you doubt me, too?”

Miles waited eagerly for her answer Her opinionhe demanded from those few people close to him He would know if she lied

“I did not believe it for a second” She stepped forward, so close he could sers she placed her hand lightly on his shirt sleeve Her gentle touch did things to hied you once, before I knew you, before I knew the facts Now I know better”

A lump formed in his throat as he picked out the compliment woven within her words “And now, do you feel you knoell enough to make that declaration?”

The dainty hand on his arm fluttered in response The air between the far erous He focused on her slightly openGod, he wanted to kiss her Yet once he started, he would struggle to stop

“I could know you better,” she began, and although her tone sounded as smooth as velvet, it was not h to believe the best of you”

Miles raised a challenging brow Oh, he wanted to hear ood opinion until it made him dizzy