Page 120 of Terms of Trade (Trade Wind 4)

Her breath caught in her throat and her fingers flexed into the velvet carriage bench. A year of that and she would lose herself. With child or not, she would become so attached, so enamored, she wouldn’t want to let go of him—even if it meant her demise.

“No, Nicholas. Look at us—nearly every night together for six months. We’re already so…connected. Coupling as we did last night even one more time, let alone for a year…”

“It would be heaven.”

“Yes,” she whispered.

“Then say yes.”

“Don’t ask that of me!”

“You speak as if our coupling is a scourge, like opium! As ifIam!”

The carriage came to a stop.

“You’re the opposite of opium, but every bit as compelling. Opium would numb me. You’ve made me feel more than I believed possible. But that’s just as dangerous. More so.”

“It doesn’t have to be.”

Tired and scared, she shook her head. “I’m not explaining myself to you anymore. This isn’t a negotiation, and you don’t have to agree. You don’t even have to understand. This is what I’ve decided for myself! If you respect me, then respect my wishes.”

“Give me a chance, Helen. Giveusa chance. We’re both tired. Let’s go in and—”

“Stop trying to trap me! I’m sorry, Nicholas, but I’m going inside. I must be alone to think clearly. I’ll know soon enough about…and send word, one way or another. I promise. Until then, please—you must stay away.”

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