Leslie Lafoy (41 page)

Why on earth that taunt bothered her—and bothered her deeply—she didn’t know. It was, however, quite liberating if not completely honest to counter, “Which sums up perfectly my sentiments concerning your opinions of me, Mr. Terrell.”

“Good,” he said, openly assessing her. “We have an agreement. Our first.”

“And quite likely our only one.”

“No. One more is absolutely essential. I’m responsible for the child’s protection and I’ll make decisions in that regard. You’ll agree to respect them.”

“Only if I consider them wise ones, Mr. Terrell. I won’t surrender my good judgment to you or anyone else.”

There was a long moment of silence during which the rented carriage slowed and drew out of traffic. As it eased to a stop in front of Emmaline’s shop, Terrell leaned forward in the seat, took the door handle in hand, and said, “I’m a fairly reasonable man. I’m willing to discuss whatever issues may arise, but only to a certain extent. When I draw the line, it’s drawn and I won’t tolerate dissension or resistance from either you or Mohan.”

“How very imperial of you,” Alex observed icily.

He grinned, dimpling his cheek and sending another jolt into the center of her being. “I can go toe to toe with the best. You’ve met your match, Duchess.” Then he winked, popped open the door, and vaulted out onto the snow-covered walk.

PRAISE FOR LESLIE L
A
FOY

COME WHAT MAY

“Wonderful.”

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Booklist

JACKSON’S WAY

“With strong character and interesting plot twists, LaFoy transcends the mundane in this sparkling historical romance that follows in the footsteps of Meagan McKinney and Karen Robards.”

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Booklist

MADDIE’S JUSTICE

“Leslie LaFoy takes risks by writing a unique story … where the characters, their emotional baggage and their relationship are paramount. This enables her to expand the boundaries of the genre and wins this reader’s admiration.”

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Romantic Times

“A charming and entertaining historical romance with a touch of humor.”

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Booklist
(starred review)

IT HAPPENED ONE NIGHT

“Funny and touching … it sizzles.”

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The Atlanta Constitution

THE PERFECT SEDUCTION

Copyright © 2003 by Leslie LaFoy.

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be used or reproduced in any manner whatsoever without written permission except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical articles or reviews. For information address St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

ISBN: 0-312-98763-3

St. Martin’s Paperbacks edition / December 2003

St. Martin’s Paperbacks are published by St. Martin’s Press, 175 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY 10010.

eISBN 9781466829718

First eBook edition: September 2012