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Then he had moved towards her fast and she was in his arht He kissed her with savage hunger, ain

'I was beginning to think they'd killed you,' he said, his voice husky Heher throat with feverish intensity, then returned to herher in the flame of his own passion 'I've been out of od­forsaken little country to shreds looking for you I'd have paid anything, done anything, to get you back safely

Her blue eyes shone at hi…'

He drew back, looking down at her 'Say that again'

'Darling,' she repeated obediently, her hands touching the black hair at the nape of his neck, delving into the thick strands with fingers that seemed to have nerves in every pore, sensitive to his body in a way that made her shiver

'Tell antly

Her happiness was so all-consu her pride or her self-respect 'I love you, I love you,' she whispered

'Again,' he ordered

She lifted her blue eyes to his face again, a slightly rebellious expression in them now 'Stonor?'

'I want to hear you say it,' he said, the lean face filled with the old arrogance

'I think we still s by the word love,' she said, suddenly saddened

'Do we?' He brushed her upturned mouth with his lips 'We'll have plenty of time to find out after we're married'

Marie stood very still, her eyes fixed on his face 'Mar­ried, Stonor?'

'Yes,' he said lightly 'You've broken my spirit, damn you How can I let you roa yourself into trouble like this? I'd never have anotheryou I' to have to carry on where your father left off, wrapping you in cotton wool, showering you with expensive presents, spoiling and adoring you…'

She took his face in both her hands, her pleading palainst his hard cheeks