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Page 328

| Sasha stepped around in front of him, forcing him to look at her again. "Ashton, don't you think it's time to let me in on what this thing is between you and Stanford?" she asked, placing her hands on her hips. "It is not entirely because there is hate between you. There is something else. Don't you think I deserve to know since I am constantly the target of that man's vengeance as well as you? Ashton, it is only fair." |

| Captain Kelton stepped up to Ashton just then with his hand extended. "Son, I want to thank you for taking charge this morning," he said, shaking Ashton's hand vigorously. "It is not every day that my paddlewheeler is attacked by gunmen. Though well equipped with firearms, it is not in my line to command those who are firing them." A large man in a dark blue suit with gold buttons gracing the front and a thick, dark mustache that bounced as he talked, he continued shaking Ashton's hand. "You saved the day, lad. You saved the day." |

| Ashton's lips lifted slowly into a smile, the flattery making his face take on a crimson color beneath his bronze tan. "I was glad to oblige, sir," he said, in truth feeling guilty that he was the cause of the attack. "Glad to oblige." |

| "When we reach Narrung, I want to set you and your lady up in one of the finest hotels and make sure you get the finest of champagne and food for your entire stay there," Captain Kelton said, finally dropping his hand from Ashton's. |

| He smiled down at Sasha, his dark eyes showing their appreciation of her delicate loveliness. "How does that sound to you, ma'am?" he said. "You and your husband can have a holiday before headin' |

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