“Beauty is something that is hard to debate. Every man thinks his ideal the best. But the wittiest woman rise to the top of this structure, conventional beauty often taking a back seat to a woman possessed of a clever tongue.”

“His quick eyes seemed to miss nothing, and she couldn’t hide themotion of her fingers squeezing the fabric of her skirts. His gaze rose back to her face, lingering on herlips, then meeting her eyes. Even giving away her nerves with the telltale sign of her pinched fingers, sherefused to look away.“Andreas, I think I’ve fallen in love.”“Roman.” There was a wealth of unspoken meaning in that one word, so darkly uttered. But Roman’stoo-beautiful mouth crooked, head cocked, eyes watching.”

“I want to know who she is particularly close toamong the staff here.” Who is besotted with her. Hell,they probably all were. Except Donald, who rarelybroke his stoic façade. And Andreas. “And whatquestions she asks.”Donald inclined his head, hair slipping a fractionmore. “It will be done.” He watched Andreas for amoment. “And she and her family will be safe here,”he said, gaze steady, eyes just an extra bit bright.Andreas nodded sharply back, dismissed himquickly, all while trying to hold back the curseslayering his tongue at the words that were both saidand unsaid. Donald was infected too.Goddamn biscuits.”

“Shetouched his hand, and he went stock-still. Sheleaned over to examine it, the top of her headbrushing beneath his nose. Only his suddenimmobility stopped him from violently pulling away.“From the candles?” Had she bathed in bloodyhoney?”

“Gabriel didn't need to look back. To see. He trusted his friend. He smiled grimly. And wasn't that the crux?”

“She leaned down, a fraction closer, and for somereason unknown to man, he lifted his head the tiniestbit. Enough so she could brush his cheek with herlips. “Good night, Mr. Merrick.”

“Sometimes one appears to have more freedom than one actually possesses. It is easy to see what one wishes to see.”