BOOK 3

'Yes/ replied Felix, holding his ground. 'I hope Belle will do me that honour.'

'Belle.' Brand managed to make Felix's nickname for her sound obscene.

'That's what I call her.' Felix puffed out his chest, looking pleased with himself.

Brand's mouth curved down as he turned to Isabella and drawled, 'Your suitor is obviously a man of imagination. I do see the appeal, of course, but don't you think he's a little old for you. Belle?'

'Now, listen . . .' Felix began to bend his knees in a boxer's crouch. 'I'll have you know—'

'No,' said Brand. 'I'll have you know that Isabella is still my wife and, as such, my responsibility—'

'I am not your responsibility,' Isabella interrupted hotly. 'I'm a grown woman and I'm responsible for myself.'

Just for a second. Brand looked almost nonplussed. Then he laughed softly and said, 'So you are. Sometimes I forget.'

When he turned back to Felix there was a look in his eye that Isabella had only seen there once before and when she saw a fist begin to bun