“Lord Sheffield tucked a stray tendril behind her ear and cupped her cheek in one hand. Do you see a kissing ball anywhere? N-no. She darted a quick glance about the room. It was decorated as a Vene...”

“A footman approached bearing a tray of sparkling wine. Lord Sheffield motioned the footman away before he could offer them a glass of champagne. Forgive me, he murmured in Amelias ear. I cannot wai...”

“She lifted her chin and glared at him. If you had but asked, I wouldve informed you that I do not attend masquerades. That is precisely why I didnt ask.”

“Have you consideredbetween now and any future leg-shackling, that isthe possibility of spending some time not running things? Oh, I do, she said earnestly. Twice daily! I try very hard not to run t...”

“As a lady of clocklike precision yourself, you may appreciate my schedule. I have kept strictly to it every day for the past decade. From eight in the morning to eight in the evening, I devote myse...”

“He leaned back. What, may I ask, is the nature of our business? She inclined her head. Just so. It came to my attention earlier today that you had canceled the seventy-fifth annual Christmas Eve ba...”

“And if you ever - and I do mean ever - try to leave me, Im goin with you.”

“..he wanted her.And at another time, as another man, he would have her. Without hesitation. As lover. . . as more.”

“Annabelle gave him a chiding smile. If youre implying that Im spoiled, I assure you that I am not.You should be. His warm gaze slid over her pink-tinted face and slender upper body, then sought her...”