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imagining it; the gamut of emotions she had experienced that day were so far from normal, perhaps she was taking leave of her senses. But when his soft but firm lips touched hers, the sensations that began to smolder within Nadine were real. Like dry tinder that had been waiting to be ignited, her entire being began to respond to his kiss. The feel of his lips was devastating. Just the slightest touch made her knees feel weak and she longed for more. But somewhere in the back of her mind reality muscled its way forward, and when Nadine was fully cognizant of the inappropriateness of her actions, she yanked her head back.
    â€œJust what are you doing?” she exclaimed, totally surprised by him, but even more surprised at herself.
    â€œI never pass up invitations like the one you just gave me,” he countered, his voice husky, seductive.
    â€œI don’t know what you’re talking about.” She was completely shaken by what had just transpired.
    â€œWell, you are in deep trouble if you do not.” A knowledgeable gleam entered his eye.
    Flustered, Nadine shifted her approach. “You’re the one who will be in deep trouble if you don’t tell me what you’re doing here. I’m going to have to report this to Catherine or even Madame Deane.”
    â€œIs that right?” His dark gaze raked over her insultingly. “I do not feel I owe any kind of explanation to a woman who talks to herself, and to statues. But if you must know, my name is Ulysses Deane, and I do have business, as you put it, here. I own Sovereign.”
    Embarrassed, Nadine watched Ulysses’ back after he passed by her. Quickly, her discomfort and surprise turned into anger. “I don’t care if you do own the place. You are one rude, presumptuous man!” she blurted as the door closed behind him.
    The gall of this guy, Nadine thought as she stood staring at the door, her latest encounter with Ulysses Deane flitting through her mind. Needless to say by now she was in no mood for a long leisurely bath. Mr. Deane had spoiled all that. Instead she marched over to the bathroom door and locked it from the inside, then turned and flattened her back against it as she thought he might return. Yet deep inside Nadine knew barring him from the room could not rid her of the feelings he had created inside of her.
    She closed her eyes to better feel the warmth that was still there. The sensation called up disdain in one part of her, while another longed to embrace it, explore it. The kiss was so new and deliriously frightening; it seeped into and caressed the most private parts of her. She felt embarrassed again, and automatically, her hand covered her mouth. How could she dote on these ungodly feelings created by a man who was a complete stranger? He was so different from the men she usually found attractive. They were all very dark-skinned with hair that was close-cut and neat. Ulysses Deane did not fit either one of those molds. His looks reflected his heritage. He was a foreigner, not a brother, and Nadine’s old friend, guilt, prodded her again, but this time it was for being attracted to a man outside of her race.
    Nervous and ill at ease, Nadine decided that tonight, a quick washup would do just as well as a bath. She ran the water and started the task, her ears keen to every sound around her. Her senses ready. But for what?
    She held the soft towel up to her face, burying her features in it, then patted her flawless skin dry. Nadine chastised herself for the direction of her thoughts, but it was like scolding a child for desiring sweets. The feel of Ulysses’ bare body so close to hers as he gazed knowingly into her eyes kept surfacing. It was as if he sensed beneath her affront some deeper feelings. Then he had kissed her. She had been kissed before, but never like that, and never by such an attractive man who, but for a square of terry cloth, was naked.
    Although Nadine’s eyes had been riveted