zhouzhi36

@@@@@ A smile of triumph lifted the corners of her mouth and she played her trump card"Your mother is overjoyed that I'm hereWhat are you going to tell her if you throw me out? Because I'll tell her the truth, and it'll break her heart Rhett paced heavily from end to end of the big roomUnder his breath he muttered curses, profanity and vulgarity such as Scarlett had never heardThis was the Rhett that was only hearsay to her, the Rhett who had followed the gold rush to California and defended his claim with a knife and heavy boots This was Rhett the rumrunner, habitue of the lowest taverns in Havana, Rhett the lawless adventurer, friend and companion of renegades like himselfShe watched, shocked and fascinated and excited despite the menace in himSuddenly his animal-like pacing stopped and he turned to face herHis black eyes glittered, but no longer with rageThey held humor, dark and bitter and waryHe was Rhett Butler, Charleston gentleman"Check," he said with a wry twisted smile"I overlooked the unpredictable mobility of the queenBut not mate, Scarlett He held out his opened palms in momentary surrenderShe didn't understand what he was saying, but the gesture and his tone of voice told her that she'd won "So I'll stay?" "You'll stay until you want to goI don't expect it to be very long "But you're wrong, Rhett! I love it here An old, familiar expression crossed his faceHe was amused and skeptical and all-knowing "How long have you been in Charleston, Scarlett?" "Since last night "And you've learned to love itQuick work, I congratulate you on your sensitivity