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out a pained groan as he did so. She held her breath. Maybe she’d unintentionally killed him. She ran toward him.
    “Don’t be dead, please, Christopher, don’t be dead.” Falling to her knees, she reached toward him. She quickly took her glove off her right hand. Gently, she touched his forehead. Heat spiraled through her with the soft contact. She could love this man for the rest of her life, and as their connection took root, she realized that she was destined to love him. She’d always been destined to love him. Dragging in a shattering breath, she sought to rid her mind of the images soaring through it.
    He groaned, and slowly opened his eyes. “That thing packed one hell of a punch,” he said, rubbing his head.
    “Oh, Christopher, I am so sorry. I didn’t know that it would cause you that much injury.”
    “If this was another time…I’d now have enough evidence against you to have you burned at the stake.”
    “But you wouldn’t. You’re not that kind of a man.”
    “I’m not, am I?”
    “Aye,” she smiled. “You’re a saint. You wouldn’t do that to another soul.”
    “I relent. You’re quite right. I could never see you burn that way. Burn with passion, aye.”
    His words unsettled her. Drawing away from him, she pulled her glove back on. She couldn’t face touching him with her bare skin any longer. The emotions their skin to skin contact aroused, nearly brought her to her knees.
    “Come with me,” he said, reaching for her hand. She stood up, and hastily moved away from him.
    “My answer shall not change, sir. You will go on without me. And I am not a courtesan.”
    “Indeed.” He seemed unconvinced. “I can hardly blame you, Isabella. You were taken and probably made to do things, things that have scarred you.”
    “That is utter tosh, and you should know better. Pierre is a wretch, but he never abused me that way. Now, now, I do not regret using this against you.” She placed her hand protectively around her emerald.
    “You should have that bloody emerald taken away from you.”
    “Just try it…and see where it will get you. Shame your manners have degraded in the years since last we met.”
    She lost her balance and fell against him. He caught her, bringing her close to his chest. A delighted sparkle entered his eyes. She wetted her lips, and tried to free herself…but Christopher had a stronger grip than any other man she’d ever encountered.
    “Ah, Isabella. My Isabella.”
    She was breathless. He had his own kind of magic when it came to her. “Release me, sir. This has gone on long enough. I will not be manhandled like this. You have taken the game too far.”
    “Game? This is a game that can end in death, Isabella. Don’t you understand that?”
    His words cut like a dagger into her heart.
    “Aye. If you don’t heed my warning, it shall end in your death. I have made a deal that shall land me in England, so you needn’t worry. You may tell my family that I am coming home. Now, pray, leave me in peace.”
    “Ah, I understand. You have an appointment with destiny to keep. You agreed to become the little Corsican’s lover, didn’t you? Your favours will earn you, his favour. A whore is a whore no matter how noble her intentions.”
    “You bastard,” she said, she slapped him, and he caught her wrists and held her back from hitting him again. “I am no whore, you vile filthy beast. You are no Saint…you are a monster!”
    “Behave yourself, Duchess.”
    “And you can hold your tongue. You besmirch my character, and think I shall still go with you.”
    “If you won’t come willingly, then, I shall take your choice out of it.” He pulled her against him, and she thrashed wildly in his arms. “Calm yourself, Isabella. You’re acting like a petulant child.” She ceased her struggles, and became limp in his arms.
    “Devil take you, Christopher. Fine, have your way. I admit it. I am a courtesan. I am a fallen woman.” The lies burned her mouth, but he