NOEL FELT A PRESENCE and opened his eyes to find Elise standing before him. His heart jolted. Dressed in the short satin and lace gown and robe he had urged her to bring, her auburn hair flowing around her face and shoulders, he was left mute by the sheer beauty of her. Stunned by her sensuality that was as natural as her laughter, her smile, the love she gave her son, and the kindness she offered him though he fought against it.
No matter how badly he tried to frighten her, to keep her at arms’ length, she wasn’t repelled by his rage or afraid of his power. Should he believe that this was the one woman he could lose himself in and she would not run? The knowledge was overwhelming. He had waited so long to find a woman like this. Had given up the hope of ever encountering her long ago.
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