ABWF Excerpt

"I pray you will not flirt with me, my lord." She stared
straight ahead, hands knotted in her lap. Perhaps if she
did not look at him, she wouldn't be so susceptible to his
dangerous spell

He sighed and settled back on the bench. "Why not? It
is a very enjoyable pastime."

"I hardly consider it a pastime. I fear I do not know how to
flirt, anyway."

"It is not such a difficult skill. I should be delighted to
instruct you, if you would like. I am considered
something of an expert."

"Thank you, but I must decline your offer. I fear any
lessons you give would be far too advanced for me."

"We can begin with the most simple techniques and
then progress to more advanced lessons."

"Michael!"

"Very well, I won't press you."

"I think it would be best if I returned to the house." She
leaped up from the bench, intending to put as much
distance as possible between them. She was not fast
enough. Michael rose in one swift motion, catching her
wrists in his iron grasp, and hauled her to his chest.

"Wh-what are you doing?" she gasped.

"Capturing your hands so that you don't hit me."

"Hit you? Why would I want to hit you?"

"Because I'm going to kiss you. Properly."

From the book: A Bargain With Fate by
Ann Elizabeth Cree

Imprint and Series: Harlequin Regency
Reader's Choice 11/01

ISBN: 0373511671

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The edition published by arrangement with
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