“James and I happened onto the scene and foiled the robber's plans. We're good at that-foiling plans,I mean. Don't you agree,Miss Ashton?""There seems to be very little on which we agree, Mr. Langley.”

“The trail gets a might steep through here. I'd advise you to start paying attention instead of daydreaming about your beau." His tone annoyed her and she couldn't resist answering in kind. "What's the matter, Mr. Langley, afraid I'll fall off a cliff, and you won't be able to collect your reward? That is what your after,isn't it? The reward. Just like in the posters:Wanted dead or alive,Julia Ashton,for unspeakable crimes of the heart.”

“Ethan's gaze returned to the swell of her breast above the top of her gown. "Cord once mentioned a room here at Sheffield House on the second floor, rather out of the way,I understand, and rarely used.I don't think anyone would miss us if we disappeared for a while, do you?"Her pulse quickened. She couldn't look away from the smoky heat in his eyes or the sensual curve of his lips. They were equally matched, she thought, and perfectly mated,her mind slipping ahead to what would happen in that room. "No,I don't believe they would miss us in the least."His look burned hotter. He glanced at the crush of people surrounding them, spoke just loudly enough for them to hear. "Come,my love.It's a bit warm in here.Why don't we take a stroll in the garden?"Grace bit back a smile. "That is a very good notion,my lord.I believe the night is clear enough for us to see the stars.The Great Bear and the Little Lion should be visible tonight and I am ever so eager to see them."Ethan's smile held a trace of amusement that disappeared beneath a look of sensual heat.”

“Ethan! What on earth are you doing?""Excuse us,please.It is very warm in here and my wife has begun to feel a little faint." With a smile fixed on his face,giving a series of the same brief explanation,he carried her through the crush,out the front door of the mansion,along the gravel drive to where his carriage was parked."Home,Jennings," he said to the coachman as a footman opened the door. "And don't spare the horses." Setting her swiftly on the carriage seat, he climbed in and took a place beside her."Are you insane?" Grace stared at him with disbelief as the matched pair of grays stepped into their traces and the coach jolted forward. "We can't just leave. We're the guests of honor! What will people think?""They will thank that I am ravenous for my wife's lovely body,and I am.""But-""Another word,Grace, and I swear I will take you right here."Her eyes widened for an instant, then she sat back on the seat of the carriage, careful to keep facing forward, casting him only an occasional sideways glance.If his body hadn't been throbbing with such urgent need,he might have smiled.”

“I'm afraid I've got to leave for a while. Will you be all right while I'm gone.""I'm pregnant,Ethan,not dying of the plague.I'll be quite all right while you are away."He seemed to miss the humor. "Are you certain?""Actually,I could use a moment to myself.You've been hovering over me like a hen with a chick since the day you came home."His mouth faintly curved. "And I shall continue to do so until your babe has arrived.”

“I've met your cousin," he told her, and her veins turned to ice."Oh,really? When was that?""A little over two years ago.I'm afraid it wasn't a very pleasant encounter.""What a surprise," she said sarcastically. Then she couldn't resist asking, "What did you think of her?"Hawk watched her intently. "She seemed nice enough. She's no better at following orders than you are-and not nearly as pretty." He grinned broadly. It was the first real smile she'd seen."What would you like for dinner?" she asked, moving the subject to safer ground. Her cheeks burned from the compliment-or insult-she wasn't sure which.”

“Another hour of strained silence passed. Hawk left to speak with an aquaintance in another car."Would you like to tell me about it?" James offered as soon as his friend was out of earshot.Mandy looked out the window, shamefaced. "I'd really rather not discuss it, if you don't mind.""You know, even if he is a friend, I'd be happy to black his eye if-""No!""Whatever you say." He sighed resignedly, leaning back against the tapestry seats.”