‘You let a 12-year-old talk you into breaking into a house? That you only thought was empty?’ He almost couldn’t believe his ears. ‘She’s v...ry persuasive.’ she muttered. ‘You should be old enough to know better,’ he stated. He almost felt like he should scald her for acting like a child. She wasn’t a child. She was old enough to know better. Old enough to be married. He didn’t like that thought. He didn’t want her to be married. He wanted her to be his. But if she was married, why would her. He sat up.And did a double take. Beside his bed he saw Mary Ann, wearing one of Mrs. Howell's slinkier negligee's. One that she hadn't worn in years.Thurston gulped. "Dear girl, you have to leave before Mrs. Howell returns."Mary Ann smiled. "What makes you think she'll be returning any time soon?" She walked to the bed and sat on it. "Besides, I thought you wanted someone younger and sexier."Thurston swallowed hard. She was right.Mary Ann slipped the negligee off her shoulder, revealing a. ”“I know these numbers don’t reflect everything, but it sure would feel good to see the improvement,” Rayner said, shoulders slumped.Roddrick nodded in understanding. “A morale boost would be nice right about now. Yet the fact remains you two have improved significantly since I met you.”“Really?” Rayner said, both hopeful yet somehow unbelieving.“Oh yes. In our short time together Rayner you have gained control over a violent skill, gained enough proficiency with your skills to use them all. They did not appreciate his loud throat clearing because it had interrupted their concentration when it came to the art of sucking face. Jasper blushed and stuttered an apology. Being a successful business man had not improved his lack of social companionship nor his shyness. It had the opposite effect. The mention of his money made people like him in the hopes of gaining a monetary donation or a bauble for their troubles. Since he was a simple man, he wanted true friends, something that was.