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seemed to be falling for them.
    “As you are a skilled seductress, then perhaps, taking the time out to become better acquainted is just the thing. Call it a happy reunion, you could use it as research. I hear Boney likes his mistresses well skilled in the many fine arts of seduction.”
    She forgot to breathe. He meant to—her mind whirled frantically. Daphne had warned her about playing with fire countless times in the past and now, she’d finally be feeling the burn. She was suddenly all too aware of the rock solid grip he had on her arms.
    “You will regret what you are about to do,” she whispered.
    “Oh, I never regret nights with a well-educated women skilled in the arts of seduction, Isabella.”
    Her heart stalled. Now, she held her breath waiting for him to proceed with a little bit of trepidation, and a bit of excitement. She couldn’t reach the amulet. She glanced down to it. It was as dull as an unpolished piece of glass. For the first time in her life, it failed to warn her of incoming danger, and she knew why. He was no threat to her bodily. The only danger he presented to her was the peril of losing her heart to him.
    His lips touched hers. Gently at first, gradually, the kiss deepened. She moaned. She had to end this. She had to stop him.
    He broke the kiss, as if he could sense her panicked thoughts.
    “Don’t worry, Duchess. I won’t hurt you. After all, once I make you mine, you shall remain mine for the end of my days. Because once a wolf claims a mate, they mate for life.”
    “Christopher, no.”
    Her words made him stop. He looked deeply into her eyes, as if he searched for the girl she’d once been. He wouldn’t find her. She’d died long ago.
    She was his Duchess…and he was her spy.
     

  Chapter Three
     
    “Mark my words, Christopher, you will regret your next course of action. I will put a curse on you.”
    “Curses are only for the witches that embrace the darkness. You’ve already assured me you are no such witch, Isabella. So, I can only surmise that my soul is safe with you, and I gather that my heart would be as well.”
    She hated the look of hunger in his eyes. He looked as if he wanted to gobble her up! She could feel him trying to consume her body and soul with just one of his scorching gazes. Gooseflesh continued to prickle along her arms.
    “The sort of curse I’d lay on you wouldn’t be considered a dark curse. How would you like me to make you speak like a little girl for the next year?”
    He snorted, telling her that he didn’t take her threat seriously.
    “I do not think you’d compare well to the other men I have been with.”
    A long pause followed her declaration. Anger simmered in his dark eyes. She shivered.
    “I knew you’d had lovers, but you don’t need to make it sound as if you’ve bedded the whole male population of France.”
    She swallowed the thick lump forming in her throat. Well, she’d effectively painted a mental picture of herself for him now. He would definitely believe that she’d become Boney’s latest conquest. She shouldn’t feel ashamed of herself, and yet, she did. She wanted to despise herself for leading him astray in such a foul manner. If he thought she was going to allow her to ravish her in the dead of the night like this, then he was dreadfully mistaken. She had her reputation and her honour to protect. Not to mention the fact that she couldn’t risk falling pregnant with his child, not when so much hinged on her escaping to England. His passion for her stand in her way. For once in her life, she had to use her wits and not her emotions or powers to get her out of this fine mess.
    We cannot tarry. We must away.” If she had to turn the tables on him, and tell him that she would go with him just to be rid of him, then, she would do that.
    “Ah, now you have finally come round to your senses.”
    “Aye, I have.”
    “I am glad you picked the easy way, Isabella. If I’d been pushed, I would have dragged you