Chapter 90

Anne focused on Cedric's face, secretly enjoying the wealth of emotions that flitted across his features as he told her the story. "You don't think the Arab will return for you, do you?"

Cedric smiled. "He left London shortly after he delivered the mares to me. He simply had to make a show of pride before he left, and I had to respond in kind. It is the way of things when the stakes are so high."

He showed more animation than she'd seen from him since he'd gone blind. For a brief few minutes he'd been the old Cedric again, the one who

Anne shook her head, dispelling thoughts of the past, thoughts that stung too deeply.

"You men and your pride. Is there nothing else that matters to you?"

Cedric's deep laugh poured over her. "Oh, my dear, you bait me with your innocence by asking that."

"What do you mean?"

Cedric cupped her chin and tilted his head down in reply, finding her lips with ease. Anne stiffened as his tongue traced the seam of her lips. Her hands fisted against his ches