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"Because if it hadn't been for her, you w-wouldn't be here, and I'd never be so lucky to m-meet—-" Her voice caught. "You."

Ah, God.

She really was the loveliest little thing, but even knowing that she deserved better, even knowing he could only dirty someone like her -

He just couldn't let her go.



















Eighteen

"THIS IS SO WEIRD,"she couldn't help remarking an hour later. The two of them sat next to each other on the stretcher while enjoying their drive-thru meal of burgers, fries, and shakes. She couldn't remember feeling any happier. It was the best date ever, but it was also the strangest, since theywereat the back of an ambulance van.

"Are you sure we're not depriving anyone of medical assistance while we're using this?"

Acheron gave her an odd look. "This is mine."

"You have your own ambulance?"

"Only as of today," he answered with a shrug. "I thought it would make a good investment, considering the current nature of our relationship."

Pippi couldn't stop her head from reeling. "Are you saying you bought this today just—-"

"I promised, didn't I? No risks."

A helpless laugh escaped her. "Oh, Acheron—-ah!" Her words ended in a gasp as she suddenly found herself in a straddling position, and she, of course, was riding him.

"I love it when you say my name." His mouth nuzzled the side of her neck as he spoke, and Pippi's head fell back at the tantalizing sensation. "But I love it even more when I'm able to make you..."

His head moved up without warning, his tongue licking the curve of her ear, and she buckled against him.

"Aaah!"

"Scream."

Blast this man.

She tried to pull away, but Acheron only released a lazy chuckle that had her spine tingling. "Let go—-" They weren't alone, for God's sake, and it would be one time too many if Wickham were to witness her melting in his arms again. "Acheron, come on—-" Pippi broke off as his lips reached the corner of her lips.