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“We need to talk,” Davina began, her voice tight, “about our…agreement.” She stepped into the moonlight, its pale glow tracing the lines of tension in her face.

His lips twitched into a faint smirk, though he kept his focuson his boots. Of course, she’d bring that up. There was a part of him that hoped she would—hoped she’d use it as a shield to keep him at bay. It gave her a sense of control, and that suited him just fine. This battle for dominance kept his walls up as well, making it easier for him to stay in control of himself, to resist her allure. Because God help him, this woman was driving him senseless.

He finished with his boots and straightened, turning to face her fully. “Our agreement,” he drawled, his deep voice filling the space, “was that I’d help ye rid yourself of those suitors. And in return…” His gaze slid over her, lingering on the way the moonlight kissed the curve of her hips beneath the nightdress. “Ye’d be mine.”

Her cheeks flushed, but her chin lifted in defiance. “I didn’t agree tothis.”

His smile turned predatory. “Oh, lass. Ye knew exactly what ye were agreeing tae. This marriage of convenience is just a bonus. Ye’re gettin’ what ye want. Ye’ll have yer freedom. But I want my payment.”

He stepped toward her, slow and deliberate, his bare feet silent on the stone floor. Like a wolf stalking its prey. She backed into the shadows of the nursery, her hands curling into fists at her sides as she retreated through the still-open door. But before she could slip away, Broderick’s hand shot out, gripping her wrist with just enough force to make her stop. His fingers wrapped around her like iron warmed by fire—unyielding, but not cruel.

He pulled her smoothly back into the room, closing the door behind her with a quiet click before latching it. The sound echoed in the stillness, final and unyielding, sealing them together in the dim chamber.

Her back hit the door, and he pressed close, her body radiating heat that lured him as surely as her scent. His mouth hovered near hers, so close he could feel the soft puff of her breath. But when he leaned in to claim her lips, she turned her head away, her jaw tight with defiance. She side-stepped him, slipping from his shadow.

He allowed it, grinning, stepping back just enough to give her space. He did enjoy the chase. He liked the way her eyes darted toward the door, calculating her options, even as her chest rose and fell in shallow, rapid breaths. The anticipation only made the game sweeter—for both of them.

“Let me make this simple,” he said, his voice deceptively calm, though his blood thundered in his veins. “We both ken why we’re here, Davina. Tammus won’t leave until this marriage is consummated. Yer freedom? Yer control of this castle? It all hinges on this moment. So, if ye want tae get back tae ruling things the way ye see fit, ye’ll have tae yield.”

Her eyes narrowed, lips parting as though to protest, but she hesitated. He saw the battle flicker in her gaze, the swift calculations behind her guarded expression. Her mind was spinning, working angles against the walls she’d built around her heart. He reached out, pressing his senses against her mind, searching for a crack in her defenses—but she’d shut him out completely, her barriers still solid as stone.

“That’s not the only reason you’re doing this,” she said, her voice quiet yet resolute. “You wanted this for yourself.”

“Ye mean Stewart Glen?” Broderick released a rough chuckle, his smile curling wider. “Nay,” he admitted, stepping closer again. She held her ground, though tension stiffened her spine. “I’ve other matters tae see tae, Blossom. I’ve no interest in yer land, nor in yer business.”

He prowled around her, closing the space between them until her breath brushed his skin. Catching a loose lock of her cinnamon hair, he rolled the silky strands between his fingers, savoring the texture. Standing before her, he tilted her chin upward with a single curled finger, forcing her gaze to meet his.

“But let’s no’ pretend I’m the only one wantin’ this.” His finger traced the space between them. “Ye kept my brooch, did ye not? That night in Aberdeen—ye wouldn’t have clung tae it if ye didnae want tae remember.”

Her lips parting on a soft inhale that betrayed her defenses.

“I kept yer comb,” he continued, his voice lowering to a dangerous murmur. “For the very same reason. I havenae been able tae forget that night, Davina. And I know ye havenae either. So, let’s finish what we started and be done with it.”

She shifted, a flicker of resistance flashing in her eyes as she tried to put space between them. Not this time. His arms coiled around her waist, pulling her tight against him. He dipped his head to nuzzle the delicate curve of her ear.

“Just give in,” he whispered, his lips brushing her skin like a dark promise. “I’ll show ye pleasures ye’ve never dreamt of. And then I’ll be gone.” His voice hardened, steel beneath the silk. “Once I’ve had my fill, o’ course.”

Her body, rigid, and her walls slam even higher, thicker.

“Fine,” she snapped. “We’ll consummate this marriage. Then you’ll go.”

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. “Nay, Blossom. ’Tis no’ enough. I told ye, yer no’ leaving my bed until I’m satisfied. And I willnae be satisfied until I have yer complete surrender.”

Her jaw tightened, and she raised her chin defiantly. “That’s never going to happen.”

He smirked, his voice a low growl. “Then it looks like ye’ll be in my bed for a very long time, lass.”

Broderick cocked an eyebrow as Davina’s defiance flared bright in her eyes, but he didn’t miss the betraying flicker beneath her bravado—the way her breath hitched, the way her pulse fluttered beneath the delicate skin of her throat. She tried to pull away again, but he wouldn’t allow it. His arms tightened, drawing her flush against him, every inch of her soft curves molding to his hard frame as he bent his head once more.

His mouth hovered over hers, so close that her shallow breaths warmed his lips. She could have turned her head, could have twisted from his hold if she truly wished. But she didn’t. Her breath grew quicker, her lips parting ever so slightly. Her sapphire eyes locked into his, hooded but wary, darkening with a heat that betrayed her words.

The tension between them stretched taut, straining to the breaking point.

“Tell me ye want leave,” he whispered against her mouth, his voice rough.

“I… I want to leave,” she said, her voice quivering.

Broderick’s smile curved slow and knowing. He dropped his gaze to her lips. “Nay, ye dinnae. Ye cannae bide another moment for me to kiss ye.”