“I…” she began in that rich, smoky voice, a thread of heat running through it. “I…don’t… I need to…” She fell silent, breathing fast, staring at him. Then before he could say anything she abruptly turned and fled down the path that led around the lake. Cedric stood very still, fighting the urge to go after her, catch her. Take her down on the forest floor and distract himself, ground himself in her lithe, strong body. But his urges were always controlled and he didn’t like how uncontrolled this one felt. Anyway, he never chased women, not when they came so easily to him, and so he wasn’t about to start, no matter how much the idea appealed to him. Besides, he had more important matters to take care of…. Like becoming the Duke of Springbrook. _____________ Cedric Blackwood didn't hav

