lending its emphasis to the rakish arch of his eyebrows, and the thickly lashed eyes held the same wicked taunt, as if he kn

no longer so apparent. Not apparent at all. His face radiated an inner vitality, an

ve me. The temptation to reacquaint myself with your v

e even wished to renew their acquaintance. But Sir Gabriel Carter was annoyed. The sense of having bee

ew men whose minds Gabriel could not read, and Adrian Blackwood was one of them. Which made any negot

urely enough distraction for one night, Adrian,'

him and a light laugh rippled from his throat. 'Y

along Gabriel's spine. He

d whimsically, then turned back to Vivienne. His body seemed to tighten like a s

g. You were a very young, eighteen and deter

ught with pride. And pride kept her face as smooth as alabaster, her eyes bland

at have you been doing with yourself, Adrian? If I remember correctly, your ideas on life were over-refined and

of other things besides. He was without a doubt the most compelling man that Vivienne had ever encountered. Despite the ex

r, with every day. I will not fail,' he said, and for

company you keep t

!' His eyes glittered between mockery and sheer devilry. 'But. I'm sure you will not be

ticular by-play. His instincts were picking up the current running between

ets for his amusement,' he drawled with a nod towa

ine and hoped it was enough. Hate him she might, but i

untrue,' Adrian mocked, and the glitter

he light laugh Vivienne gave

sked. Not him-her father was right about that-but still she could not r

'How much have you changed in

at

scepticism. 'I would wi

ident smile. 'I'm the one who is serious about life, Adrian. You are the on

is eyebrows lifted sardonically. 'Or are you still the frightened little gi

the man's crude counter-stroke. 'I won't have you or any

eed him to stand up for her. She could do it herself. Particularly where Adrian Blackwood was concerned! 'He is

st all your subtlety

ored, Vivienne. I'll make a point of keeping you on your toe

ly at Adrian. She didn't like the thought that people might be interpreting her dec

pulate her... to stir her into accepting his challenge, as he had with the

Let me guess,' she drawled, her eyes tel

ensual movement again. 'That will b

*