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Lord, he’d curse her to the devil if she ever said that aloud

Seated opposite with his eyes closed, Thorpe exhaled deeply He see Not that she found hi the last two days he’dwarmth and humour whenever he spoke to her With others, he was still abrupt and cold ofaura Would he behave differently now stripped of his disguise? Would he still use arrogance as a shield?

Would the real person reveal himself?

Occasionally, and for the purpose of work, Daphne had worn a wig And it was true A ave the, to be souise to help with his work? Or did it stem from a need to distance himself from the man inside?

Perhaps he’d loved someone once, and the lady had broken his heart? It would certainly explain his obsession with duty, his need to ease his frustration o commitment

It all proved puzzling

Even Lily Lawson failed to attract his attention What did Daniel Thorpe dreaolden-haired beauty with porcelain skin?

Daphne stared at his handsoentleman

“Is there so you wish to say?” His voice startled her The corners of his h he didn’t open his eyes “I can feel the heat of your penetrative gaze”

Thank heavens he’d not got the ability to read thoughts In athat smooth jaw

“I was just thinking …”

“Is that not a dangerous pastime?” he teased

Daphne sighed “Do you think there was more to Lily’s relationship with Thomas than she led us to believe?”

Thorpe’s eyes flew open “Yes, it’s possible, although that would make Thomas a fool”

A fool for finding love elsewhere? Or a fool for choosing Lily? Could Thorpe not see the woman’s merit?