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uneasy whoop, she hurried toward the platform and climbed up the stairs at its side. |
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The iciness of Thorn's gaze seemed to thaw for just a moment. "What brings you here, Miss Walker?" he asked, his raised voice barely audible above the rhythmic footfalls. |
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"You do, of course," she said. "I'm your servant, after all." She carefully put down her bundle at the edge of the platform. |
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A ghost of a grin teased the edges of his mouth. "I shan't forget that, Miss Walker. Shall you?" |
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She snorted and looked away, only to find Ainsley regarding her speculatively. "Perhaps next time I visit Thorn's inn you will tend to me; you seem like a fine serving wench." |
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She dipped her head in acknowledgement, looking sidelong at Thorn to see if he reacted at all to Ainsley's request that Mariah tend to him. |
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Sure enough, there was a very gratifying scowl on Thorn's face. "I've another serving girl besides Miss Walker, plus René is still with me," he told Ainsley. "When you come for a visit, there will be plenty to tend to you, never fear." He took Mariah's elbow, and the strength of his grip sent a pleasant warmth cascading through her. "We must leave soon so as to be back before nightfall," he said. |
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"Wait!" Ainsley's statement was issued like a command. Mariah stared at him. Even Thorn appeared slightly taken aback. "You may not leave until I have provided to you the hospitality of the fort." |
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"Unnecessary, Randolph," Thorn said. His eyes had narrowed, and he watched the still-parading men uneasily. |
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"Of course it's necessary, Charles," boomed Ainsley. |
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Though she had wondered when she had first met him, this was the first time Mariah had heard Thorn's first name: Charles. |
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To her, he seemed more like a Thorn. |
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"Parade, halt!" Randolph Ainsley called. Immediately, the lines of soldiers stopped, continuing to stand at attention. "Michaels, come here!" Ainsley waved to one of the soldiers at the end of the parade line. The young man hurried |
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