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Thorpe dragged his hand down his face “You’re acquainted enough with my methods to know I speak my mind Before I reveal what I discovered, I want to tell you that while the truth is often painful to hear, the heart is happier for it in the end”

Daphne shuffled to the edge of the chair “Thoe of time lessens the blow, makes the truth more bearable Whatever you have to say, do not spare s”

An uncomfortable silence ensued

“Thoement by all accounts” He sucked in a breath, his broad chest expanding before her eyes “As to the reason for their business, no one knows”

Daphne chuckled albeit weakly There were few possibilities to account for Thomas’ actions “There are only a handful of reasons why aat the docks S I can say with certainty is that Tho there had to be legitimate”

“And if adultery was the motive?” He seemed almost sorry the words had left his lips

“Then I h she’d e, Thomas knew they were not suited in a physical way “Perhaps I was not enough for him”

Thorpe shot out of the chair “Then Thomas was a bloody fool There’s not a man alive who’d think you inadequate”

Daphne’s throat grew tight at his uncensored outburst The coh regard?

“Forgive aze “I spoke out of turn It is not for me to comment on the nature of your relationship with your husband He loved you That much I can attest to”

Daphne could no longer allow ignorance to form the basis of Thorpe’s opinion

“We were not in love, Daniel” His given name slipped easily from her lips, yet she noted the look of surprise in his eyes “Thoood man, and I cared for him deeply” For sohtly on Thorpe’s chest “But our e lacked the soul-deep love that lasts a lifeti passion Never felt the ache of physical desire”

“Never?” He stared at her lips “You’ve never lost yourself in a moment of unbridled lust?”

Heavens, her body reacted instantly to his rich tone All she could think about was kissing hi hi body

“Perhaps once,” she said recalling the ae, “in a er to prove a point”