"But I can't imagine how could you ever think to eliminate someone who meant so much to you from your mind forever. I think I would be sad if someone I really love decided to destroy every good and beautiful memory about me. Even if I knew I could never meet my family again, I would always cherish my memories with them."  He sent her a lethal glare."I can't believe I'm having this conversation with you."  "Sorry, I just think memories are too precious to forget. You should hold it to your heart."  "And I think you should hold your tongue. The last bloody thing I want is your mushy opinion on my personal matters. Henceforth, you better keep your thoughts to yourself."  That was surely hurt, after sharing a moment of friendliness, like suddenly being squirted with a gush of cold water after bathing in the warm sunlight. &n

Day 6  Their time together would soon come to an end. He suggested her to finish the flower painting today, so she was sitting on the stool and applying color to the outlined petals. Something had changed significantly between them since yesterday. She was completely at ease with him now she dared to ask the question that rouse her curiosity so far.  "I know gentlemen practicing swordplay for exercise. My father practices boxing and fencing frequently as well, but I'm sure he cannot do what you did."  He watched her for a short while and replied bluntly."You mean, killing people."  She swallowed, trying to find a tactful choice of words."I mean... you are very well trained in... fighting art, armed and unarmed. Does your family have a military background?"  He returned his focus on the canvas.

Amanda got their undivided attention rightaway. The other women on the table now focused solely on her in stunned surprise, nobody was able to make a reply.  A proud smile curving Amanda's lips at their expression."It was a good long time ago when he was still so young, sixteen or seventeen perhaps... I'm older than him... only by a year or two..." Amanda corrected when she saw her listeners frowning."I tell you, those days were terrific. He was one of the greatest lover I ever had."  Ava picked up her tea and took a quick, long swallow, feeling a sudden uneasiness stirred inside her.  "And he was not only prodigious in his wealth and achievement, but also in his performance and his ..." she paused deliberately to make a significant effect.".....personal attribute."  Ava

He frowned at her reaction. He was rather uncertain what really was going on. Her eyes wandered over his body and rested somewhere along his chest. What was the meaning of it? "What are you doing?" She asked nervously as he halted just inches away from her. "Help you to the sofa." he replied shortly as he gripped her upper arm and pulled her up. She rose from the settee, too late to realize her body was shaking like a leaf and suddenly a rain of blinding spark fell on her vision, the room was smothered by darkness. Her head crushed something sturdy and she felt a strong grip on her other arm. Everything was black for a while and when she began to regain her consciousness again the first thing she recognized was her own breath, short and unsteady, then a scent, a familiar scent of clean male skin and fresh linen, and a subtle smell of oil paint, and that warmth generated from the body holding her still. Next, she was crad

"Please stop here." She exclaimed when the familiar road to home appeared in a distance. Her house was still a hundred meters meters away, but she didn't want to be seen descending from a fancy coach by anyone. The carriage drew to a halt, a moment later, the door opened and the servant appeared. "Be careful, Miss." he said politely as he helped her climb down the coach. The servant looked at the row of cottages a distance away. "Do you need me to escort you home, Miss?" She was just about to refuse his offer, when a sudden thought occurred to her. "That's very kind of you, Freddy, it's your name? Isn't it?" "Yes, Miss." Freddy followed behind her as they walked along the path. "How long have you worked for His Grace, Freddy?" she asked casually. "This is my fifth year, Miss." "I see that he treat