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24787d3
|
Oh, God. Not again." Not again? "Do you make a habit of driving into people's houses?"
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humor
life
christina-dodd
virtue-falls
thriller
suspense
|
Christina Dodd |
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0c6bb54
|
He didn't want to do this... He had come here to hide.
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|
life
christina-dodd
virtue-falls
thriller
suspense
|
Christina Dodd |
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db5e33c
|
I'm sorry about the screaming. I thought you were him.
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|
life
christina-dodd
virtue-falls
thriller
nightmare
suspense
|
Christina Dodd |
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8612093
|
I was out on a lonely road that stretched forever into the darkness. I wanted to run, to get away from him, but it was so dark, I was afraid of where I was going.
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|
fear
darkness
life
christina-dodd
virtue-falls
thriller
lonely
suspense
|
Christina Dodd |
|
b9bd5f9
|
As long as I'm holding you, all of my dreams have already come true.
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|
want
sex
love
gabriel-prescott
hannah-grey
desire
|
Christina Dodd |
|
72fdb10
|
As long as your father's alive, you aren't yet the duchess. All that deference isn't truly warranted, is it?" In an oppressive tone, Lady Gertrude said, "My niece is the marchioness of Sherbourne and the future duchess, a position that warrants great respect among the ton. She is, in fact, frequently called Her Grace, and given all the privileges of her future rank." He had been soundly rebuked, and he bowed his head in recognition of a wor..
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ranks
respect-women
|
Christina Dodd |
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e1e8a89
|
The greatest knight in all of England, fallen from glory by a single blow. What a shame." "A greater shame to dwell on it," Charles suggested. "So shut your mouth, Arthur."
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Christina Dodd |
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cc0f2e7
|
That's ridiculous." So ridiculous. "He's an adult. All adults know how to apologize." "I beg to disagree, Your Highness. Only half of the adults know how to apologize. The other half are men, and speaking for my gender, I assure you a man will move heaven and earth rather than say, I'm sorry ."
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Christina Dodd |
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069d8d7
|
You aren't wasting any time getting to the altar. Is there a reason for the hurry?" Every jaw within hearing dropped. Mr. Knight twisted around like a vengeful whirlwind. In unison, the guests stepped back. But for the first time, Lady Shapster hadn't the power to shame or terrify Eleanor. Maybe Eleanor had matured. Maybe the last four years, the last few days, the last few minutes, had shown her real adversity. For whatever reason, a rush ..
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|
verbal-attack
|
Christina Dodd |
|
77143dc
|
Areila walked like she had somewhere to go. I stood by the fountain and watched her pass, but I didn't speak. It was the lady's prerogative to pretend she didn't see me. She got to the edge of the park; I swear, her foot hovered right over the line, when she turned with military precision and marched back. She stopped in front of me and said, "Hello."
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love-story
suspense-romance
|
Christina Dodd |
|
3e2cf67
|
What a delight you are! Blessed with the ripe sweetness of a woman, yet as green and untutored as any girl." He made her sound, she realized with bemusement, as charming and pleasing with her cowardice as any courtesan with her wiles."
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Christina Dodd |
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2934a9d
|
You are my wife. You fulfill my every dream. Nothing you do can send me away. Even if you'd been raped, I would not abandon you." Recalling her mission, she said, "But you must. The king--" "Does very well without me." "The queen--" "Will come to see me if she desires." "England--" "Can sink below the waves. As long as I'm with you, I won't care."
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Christina Dodd |
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8c21847
|
insouciance,
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|
|
Christina Dodd |
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b482156
|
But someone had been in here, probably a large African-American fairy godfather, for laid out on the bed was a dress,
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Christina Dodd |
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acc8e2b
|
He could plan an attack, prolong a siege; those abilities could be trained to deal with the female mind. She considered him her passionate lover. She consented to marry him as the protector of her lands. Yet there had to be a stratagem that directed Saura's thoughts away from the practicalities of body and property and toward this melding of minds that William labeled love.
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|
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Christina Dodd |
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71cb07b
|
Diriday is the perfect mount for me." In that low, deep, beastly growl, he replied, "It's good to know you'll... ride... as I wish." She flushed. Her toes curled, and her nipples tightened into firm beads that ached to be touched. How had he done it? She'd said the most obvious thing, and he'd made it clear he wasn't talking about the horse. He pried her bare fingers from the rail of the stall and kissed them. "I find Lady Gertrude is a goo..
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remington-knight
|
Christina Dodd |
|
8542bdf
|
I don't... we can't..." His white teeth flashed in his tanned face, and he pulled her up against him so that she stood on her toes, so that her balance depended on him. "I can't believe I've managed to wait so long." What did he mean, so long? They'd met only two days ago. Then she saw his expression as he lowered his head to hers, and she realized that for this man, two days of restraint were an eternity. The man saw what he wanted and he ..
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|
remington-knight
first-kiss
|
Christina Dodd |
|
8a41b67
|
You must think I'm... unchaste." He didn't laugh at her, or even look amused. "No, I think you're lonely." "What?" "I'm not lonely." She had her duties. She had her relatives. She lived a productive life. "You kiss like a woman who stands on the outside, always peering in the window of life and wishing she were there, yet never having the guts to demand entrance." "That's not true." Curse him, it was exactly true. He paid her no heed. "Th..
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|
remington-knight
passionate-love
|
Christina Dodd |
|
8f90a34
|
I had a great many adventures on my trip." She glanced back at him, her eyelashes fluttering in womanly enticement. "You'd be astonished to hear them all." How did she do that? Beckon him with a glance, ensuring that he would trail after her like a lovesick swain? Two days ago she'd scarcely had the courage to look him in the eyes. A few kisses- a few very good kisses- and she was flirting. She added, "Someday I'll tell you... if you ask ni..
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enticing
yellow-rose
|
Christina Dodd |
|
8484ef8
|
But she is a woman, and a haughty woman at that." "That's a bitter dose for haughty men to swallow," Saura answered with humor. "You show a formidable insight." His humor acknowledged hers."
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Christina Dodd |
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3ed75e3
|
Please come. I know my William is there somewhere, buried beneath the mountain of anger and disgust. My son is still there, but only lost. Please help me find him.
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Christina Dodd |
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50fc13e
|
You know, Guinevere Mary, the kind of woman you could be, and I know it, too. And I won't be satisfied until you are." Her"
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|
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Christina Dodd |
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2f5ff67
|
If you stayed here alone, more than your reputation would be ruined." His gaze dropped to her lips, her breasts, and lingered. Eleanor knew very well her traveling clothes were dark, sturdy and covered every inch of skin up to her throat, but his scrutiny made her want to check her buttons to see if they'd somehow disappeared. Her breasts swelled, and her nipples pressed against her bodice. It was an odd sensation, breathtaking in its boldn..
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|
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Christina Dodd |
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8162037
|
He stretched his face toward her lips. "I'm going to kiss you. We've kissed before, remember? " Pitching his tone to be low and seductive, he asked, "You liked it, didn't you?" Her voice wobbled. "Very much." She was so trusting. So damnably, beautifully honest. "I put my tongue in your mouth, explored and tasted. Like this." He brushed her lips, his mind anticipating the shy blossom of her mouth beneath his. He loved the little catch of br..
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|
passionate-kiss
|
Christina Dodd |
|
b847ebb
|
From his observation so far, she was not the typical English noblewoman. He had been prepared to break her, like a spirited horse who had never worn saddle or bridle. Instead, when he looked at her, he saw a diffident woman without any sense of her own consequence. Her face was gently rounded, with dimples in her cheeks, an indent in her chin, and full, supple lips. She swept her black hair into an unfashionable roll at the back of her head..
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feminine-beauty
flame
|
Christina Dodd |
|
9441fdc
|
Her legs were clutching at him now, twining around him. She was trying to draw him in, and she didn't even know what she was doing. She was drowning in instinct, and he loved it. Loved knowing that this woman, so soft and tender, could blaze to passion with a single touch. And he was going to give her... more than a touch. Leaning his head down, he breathed in her fragrance. "My darling girl, tonight is the first of a thousand nights. Remem..
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Christina Dodd |
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4599c3e
|
She'd melted onto the cushions, almost numb with satiation, and with a chuckle that had sounded both diabolical and satisfied, he'd picked her up and carried her to her bedchamber.
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Christina Dodd |
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cc48842
|
What a dichotomy she was! She seemed timid until he spoke derisively of her title, and then she spoke in an icy ferocity. A few minutes later, with a few words artfully couched to sound like a threat, he once again reduced her to diffidence. If he was not careful, this woman would fascinate him.
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|
timid
eleanor-de-lacy
|
Christina Dodd |
|
3d21345
|
Lady Shapster pointed a long finger at Eleanor. "You don't aspire to marry ." Eleanor wanted to leap at her, to stifle her and that dreadful, smooth, accusatory tone. Mr. Knight's lips drew back from his teeth, and his voice was scarcely audible when he said, "Do not tell me what I aspire to do. You know nothing about me or my aspirations. Now- want to leave. I'll escort you to the door." "Such a scene," Beau Brummel murmured. "So sad wh..
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|
remington-knight
|
Christina Dodd |
|
1024e05
|
The imposter's long, sturdy traveling cloak covered plain, dark, modest traveling clothes. Like the duchess, she was tall and well-rounded, and she spoke with the duchess's aristocratic accent. Also like the duchess, she wore her black hair smoothed back from her face. Yet for the discerning eye, the differences were obvious. The imposter had a sweeter, rounder face, dominated by large blue eyes striking in their serenity. Her voice was hus..
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|
duchess
serene
eleanor-de-lacy
sweet
|
Christina Dodd |
|
31ad2e8
|
After all, what was the point of showing trepidation? It would merely be another proof that, although Eleanor had traveled across war-torn Europe as the duchess's companion, she hadn't acquired the verve and confidence that characterized Madeline's every move. This wasn't from lack of trials; the two women had faced trials aplenty. It was because- Eleanor sighed as she allowed the butler to take her cloak- Eleanor was born timid. She never ..
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|
serene
timid
eleanor-de-lacy
|
Christina Dodd |
|
3c019a3
|
She heard nothing but experienced a sensation that prickled along her spine like a warm touch caressing her skin. Slowly, with the care of prey beneath a predator's survey, she turned her head- and met the gaze of the elegant gentleman lounging at the door. In her travels, she had seen many a striking and charming man, but none had been as handsome as this- and all had been more charming. This man was a statue in stark black and white, hewn..
|
|
eleanor-de-lacy
remington-knight
handsome
|
Christina Dodd |
|
ac2f63a
|
His silence made her lift one shoulder defensively. If he was trying to intimidate her, he was doing a first-rate job. Just when she was going to say something else- she didn't know what, but something that would crush this beast and his pretensions- he started forward. At once she realized she had named him correctly. He was a beast. He moved like a panther on the prowl, all smooth and leggy- and he prowled toward her. The closer he got, t..
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|
eleanor-and-rem
remington-knight
|
Christina Dodd |
|
9946d25
|
Again he reached for her. Again he brought her up against him. But this time he showed her how very much he'd restrained himself before. Sliding his hand along the base of her neck, he thrust his fingers in her shorn hair and cradled her skull. He put his open mouth on hers, demanding response at once with the thrust of his tongue, and when she didn't open to him, he nipped at her lower lip. She cried our, an incoherent, startled sound. He ..
|
|
kissing
passionate
|
Christina Dodd |
|
ce81029
|
Again he reached for her. Again he brought her up against him. But this time he showed her how very much he'd restrained himself before. Sliding his hand along the base of her neck, he thrust his fingers in her shorn hair and cradled her skull. He put his open mouth on hers, demanding response at once with the thrust of his tongue, and when she didn't open to him, he nipped at her lower lip. She cried out, an incoherent, startled sound. He ..
|
|
kissing
remington-knight
passionate
|
Christina Dodd |
|
3b4815b
|
His duchess rode like a woman born to the saddle, moving gracefully with the horse. Here, on the riding path in Green Park, her smooth mask of serenity slipped, and she became a woman saturated in bliss. It was as if the wind in her face and the great beast beneath her made her forget who she wished to be- and instead made her who she was. Remington wanted her to look like that for him, too. He wanted her to rise and fall above him, her fac..
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|
sexual-attraction
|
Christina Dodd |
|
2ee98f4
|
You didn't even know of my existence a month ago." "But I did. I've known your existence for over eight years, ever since my man of business returned to Boston from England and told me that the duke of Magnus had been blessed with a daughter. A most beautiful daughter." He placed the book back on the shelf, and he didn't need the stool. "My man of business did not exaggerate." Disconcerted, Eleanor said, "Well... thank you." Although he was..
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|
eleanor-and-rem
flame
|
Christina Dodd |
|
3bbfb4e
|
Furthermore, she poured tea on a regular basis. Madeline didn't care to, while Eleanor found comfort in the scent, the warmth, the routine. But right now, with all of Mr. Knight's attention focused on her, the task became an ordeal. The pot seemed to weigh too much. The cup rattled in the saucer as she picked it up. She tilted the pot, aimed the spout toward the cup- And in that same, smiling, deceptively pleasant voice, Mr. Knight said, "I..
|
|
eleanor-de-lacy
remington-knight
intimate
|
Christina Dodd |
|
8a629f6
|
What in Hades were you doing, lady? I almost hit you." Remington rose to confront him, but before he could say a word, Madeline came up like an infuriated wasp. "What was I doing? What were you doing? You almost hit this dog." Her cheeks and the tip of her nose glowed scarlet with fury. Her eyes sparked with brilliant blue. She had a smudge on one cheek and her hat was askew, but that didn't matter, for all the passion she had revealed in t..
|
|
disarming
eleanor-de-lacy
|
Christina Dodd |
|
b4ebf99
|
It's that when the best hostesses pluck someone to be their new original, they can sometimes drop him as swiftly." "I hold in my palm a guarantee they will not." Lifting her hand to his again, he pressed his lips to the back of her fingers. This was awful! Awful that he flirted with her. Awful that she relished his attentions. "I wish you wouldn't... court me. It makes me uncomfortable." Taking no notice of her appeal, he remained on his kn..
|
|
eleanor-de-lacy
|
Christina Dodd |
|
bcba13d
|
Now that you're here, you cannot leave." He leaned close and whispered, "My future wife stays in my house- with me." . Eleanor was trapped in this man's house. "I can't stay here." She shrank from Mr. Knight, from the visions he inspired. Visions of villainous seduction and of social banishment. And beneath it all, a desperate excitement, an excitement that she wouldn't admit to, but it was there nonetheless. If he came to her bedchamber in..
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|
remington-knight
|
Christina Dodd |
|
00c5046
|
He did not need to be distracted by a woman. A gorgeous woman, yes, but just a woman. He didn't understand her. That was the problem. She was beautiful but unaware of her beauty. She was rich but not grasping. She was timid, yet she rode fearlessly, and for a scroungy dog she roared like a lion. Because of her, he'd had his best boots nipped by a mutt's sharp teeth. Because of her, he'd ordered all flower arrangements changed from red to ye..
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|
eleanor-de-lacy
|
Christina Dodd |
|
5cf998d
|
But I fear my senses can't be trusted in this new land." Eleanor sneaked a glance at his harsh and handsome features. No matter how much she wanted to dislike his presumption and his arrogance, she found herself drawn to him. She would have noticed him if he'd been courting Madeline, and quivered over the most careless glance. But with all his attention focused on her in the belief she was Madeline, her mind was blank. She couldn't taste he..
|
|
timid
eleanor-de-lacy
|
Christina Dodd |
|
9cdc9e6
|
What an expression of relief, my dear fiancee. However did you make your way through London society with such a revealing face? Not that I object, you understand." Leaning toward her, Mr. Knight smiled with the kind of intimate bewitchment that made her swallow to relieve her suddenly dry mouth. "When a woman is as beautiful as you are, she's usually adept at hiding her emotions. With you, I'll always know what gives you pleasure, and striv..
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|
remington-knight
|
Christina Dodd |