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Two years earlier, Nick had seen a man standing with that peculiar stillness just before he had jumped to
his death from a bridge over the Thames.
As Nick s gaze raked over her, he saw that the hem of her long skirt was caught beneath her heel. The
sight spurred him into action. Moving forward in a few stealthy strides, he lifted himself easily,
soundlessly, onto the wall.
She did not see him coming until he had almost reached her. She turned, and Nick saw the flash of her
dark eyes just as she lost her balance. Seizing her before she could fall, Nick hauled her against his chest.
His forearm locked securely just beneath her breasts. The simple action of pulling her body against his
was strangely satisfying, like a puzzle piece snapping neatly into place. She gave a low cry, automatically
clutching at his arm. The loose lock of fine blond hair blew across Nick s face, and the fresh, faintly salty
fragrance of female skin rose to his nostrils. The scent made his mouth water. Nick was startled by his
instant reaction to her he had never experienced such visceral response to a woman. He wanted to leap
from the wall and carry her off like one of the wolves that had once roamed the medieval forests, and find
some place to devour his prey in private.
She was rigid in his hold, her breath coming in gasps. Let go of me, she said, prying at his arms. Why
the devil did you do that?
You were going to fall.
I was not! I was perfectly fine until you rushed at me and nearly knocked me over
Your heel is caught in the hem of your skirts.
Moving cautiously, she lifted her foot and perceived that he was correct. So it is, she said shortly.
Having rescued people from every conceivable situation, Nick was accustomed to receiving at least a
perfunctory show of gratitude. Aren t you going to thank me for saving you?
I have excellent reflexes. I could have saved myself.
Nick let out an incredulous laugh, both annoyed and fascinated by her stubbornness. If it weren t for
me, you would have broken your little neck.
I assure you, sir, that this so-called rescue was entirely unnecessary. However, since it is obvious that
you are going to persist& thank you. Now please take your hands from me. Her tone rendered the
words devoid of appreciation.
Nick grinned, appreciating the fearlessness of her manner, despite the fact that her heart was pounding
wildly against the inside of his wrist. Carefully he loosened his arm and helped her to turn by slow
degrees. She wobbled a little and dug her fingers into his coat sleeves in a spasm of anxiety. I ve got
you, he said steadily.
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She faced him, and they both froze as their gazes locked. Nick forgot the wall beneath his feet. It
seemed as if they were poised in midair, in a blue wash of moonlight that made everything look unreal.
Recognition shot through him like a bolt of lightning. Incredibly, he found himself staring into the features
that had almost become more familiar to him than his own.
Charlotte.
I ve got you, he repeated with a faint smile.
Chapter Three
Sit, the stranger told Lottie, his huge hands closing around her shoulders and pushing her down. She
obeyed carefully, lowering herself to the wall with her legs dangling. The man swung to the ground,
landing lightly from the six-foot drop. He held up his arms for her. Lottie hesitated as a cold fist seemed
to squeeze around her heart. Every instinct warned her not to jump into his arms. He looked like a
predator waiting to snatch her.
Come, he murmured. The moon struck glints of jolting blue in his eyes.
Reluctantly Lottie leaned forward with her arms outstretched. As she repelled from the stone surface,
her hands settled on his shoulders, and he took hold of her waist. He tempered her descent with an ease
that betrayed immense physical strength. His hands lingered at her waist, assuring her balance before he
released her.
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