Cupid had struck his heart to the core but had forgotten to put even a mere scratch on his beloved's.

He gave a nod. "My future lies in your hands." "Not your future, Gerard, but the path leading to it," she suggested

He gave a nod. "My future lies in your hands." "Not your future, Gerard, but the path leading to it," she suggested.

His disheveled appearance could not hide his attractive qualities. And at first sight she could have sworn she'd come upon a character from one of her books¬¬—the gallant prince turned pirate. Perhaps it was his tall, strong form and unshaven face that gave him such a roguish appearance. It also wasn't hard to look into his blue eyes, which peered out from beneath his lengthy wet mop of black hair.

I did not think you would be this impressed with my visit. I should come to see you more often.""Oh Fredrick," she said, not amused. "I am so glad to see a familiar face.""Is that all? A familiar face?" He let out a sigh. "For a minute I thought you'd missed me."She let go of him and stood back to swat him playfully on the arm. "Do not play with me, Fredrick. Of course I missed you. You have been away from my company for far too long.

... You make me feel as if I am a bird soaring in the sky. When you are not with me, I am bound to the ground." He touched her soft cheek. "I want you to marry me, Ruby. Will you?

Do I get a reward?" he asked as he brought her hand to his mouth for a kiss.Ruby darted her eyes away from him as she blushed with embarrassment. "For my rescue?" she dared.His eyes twinkled. "For rescuing each other." He placed his hand along her back and pulled her against his chest.

It was quite apparent that he'd been bestowed all the charms of any handsomely clad rake. A demeanor to match, Ruby thought.

Feris was taller than the average man and his looks were sinister in the form of long dark hair and deep-set eyes. He had an untouchable, magnetic quality that consumed any beholder whose gaze fell upon him as he spoke, and when he fell silent, his penetrating stare easily defied any predators.