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“I’m in a pisser of a mood Roarke Give me an appointment, at your convenience, then take off”

“An appointht his attention He cocked a broatching her roll her eyes and gesture “Unless she’s having so you”

Resigned, Eve glanced over, shook her head “She’s a friend of rinned and turned both thuot lucky”

“You did” Roarke picked the drink up and set it on an adjoining table where greedy hands fought over it “I just saved your life”

“Goddamn it—”

“If you want to get drunk, Eve, at least do it with so” He scanned thethat can be purchased here” He took her hand as he rose “Come on”

“I’ht here”

All patience, he bent down until his face was close to hers “What you are is hoping to get drunk enough so that you can take a few punches at so about the consequences With et drunk, you don’t have to worry You can take all the punches you want”

“Why?”

“Because you have soets towith the surprise of that statement, he hauled her to her feet and toward the door

“I’ home,” she decided

“No, you’re not”

“Listen, pal—”

That was as far as she got before her back was shoved against the wall and his ht The wind had been knocked out of her by the suddenness, and the rage under it, and the shock of need that slammed into her like a fist

It was quick, seconds only, before her mouth was free “Stop it,” she demanded, and hated that her voice was only a shaky whisper