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Broderick’s groan was guttural, primal, as he brushed his finger over her sensitive nub. He claimed her mouth, swallowing her moans as she rocked against him. Her hips moved of their own accord, seeking more, and when he slid two fingers deep inside her, she buried her face in his neck, her cry muffled against his skin.

Her climax tore through her swiftly, leaving her trembling in his arms. Broderick held her tight, his lips at her temple, his breath hot and ragged.

“God’s blood, woman,” Broderick growled, and lifted her as he guided the head of his cock to her entrance, where he sank into her slowly, savoring the feel of her tight walls stretching to accommodate him. Davina groaned and Broderick covered her mouth with his. They laughed and then moaned as he gripped her hips and thrust up to meet her. Davina rode his shaft withabandon, panting and bouncing until she trembled with a silent climax.

Setting her down gently on the mattress, he pinned her in place with his body. His hands worked quickly, sliding up her skirts as his mouth claimed hers in a kiss that left her breathless.

She bit her lip to stifle another moan, her cheeks flushing with heat. “But we’re in a monastery,” she protested again, her voice trembling with a mix of embarrassment and desire.

“Aye, we are,” he agreed, his deep chuckle rumbling against her neck. “Which is why ye’ll need tae be very, very quiet, Blossom.”

The giggles she buried in the crook of his neck turned to muffled moans as Broderick thrust his hips into her. Each drag and thrust brought him closer to his own crest of pleasure.

He set a slow, steady rhythm, each languid thrust driving her closer and closer to the edge. When Davina buried her face in his shoulder, biting down to keep from crying out as he drove harder, the flexing of her core around his shaft was his undoing and he dove with her over that cliff into ecstasy until he shuddered his release. Breathless, he collapsed atop her, spreading kisses across her throat, her cheeks, her lips, where he lingered and savored her warm, wet tongue.

After he brought Davina and himself to at least two more climaxes, eating up the precious time before dawn, he finally shifted his weight and lay beside her, tucking her perfectly to his side. His arm draped over her waist as she nestled against his chest. Her breath was warm through his linen shirt, and her laughter was soft but genuine.

“You are so wicked,” she said, shaking her head.

“Aye,” he replied with a grin, pressing a kiss to her hair. “But ye love me for it.”

She sighed contentedly, resting her head on his shoulder. “Mayhap I do.”

As the flickering light of the oil lamp danced across the walls, Broderick’s expression grew more serious. “I should warn ye, lass. When I sleep durin’ the day, it will seem…unnatural. I willnae breathe, nor will my heart beat. My body will cool as if I’m truly dead. If ye dinnae want tae stay beside me while I’m like that, I’ll understand.”

Davina looked up at him, her eyes soft but determined. “I’ll see what I can endure,” she said simply, snuggling closer to him.

He smiled faintly, brushing a kiss across her brow. “Thank ye, blossom.” His voice curled low, a rasp of affection beneath the weight of his fatigue.

Not long after, the first wave of lethargy crept over him, heavy as a storm-laden sky. His limbs dulled, his breath slowed. He warned her softly, his words thickening with each passing moment. “This is when I’m most vulnerable, lass.”

The second wave struck harder, dragging at his eyelids until they sagged despite his will.

She sat up and placed her hand upon his cheek, piercing him with her earnest sapphire gaze. “I’ll watch over you,” she whispered, fierce tenderness lacing her vow. “While you sleep, I’ll think of what we can do at the castle to…”

But before her promise could reach its end, the third wave crashed through him like a rising tide, and his body slumped against her. His breath grew shallow, his form heavy and still. Darkness swallowed him whole, pulling him into the deep, unnatural slumber of the Vamsyrian.

And in Broderick’s dream, Davina cradled him tighter, her pulse a quiet rhythm beneath his stillness. She kissed his lips. “I’ll keep you safe, my love,” she vowed in the hush of the chamber,her words a whispered shield against the shadows.

Chapter Thirty-One

Broderick burst through the door, carrying Davina in his arms, her delighted snickers curling against his neck as she clung to him. His stride was swift and eager.

“At last,” he growled playfully, his eyes smoldering with hunger. “I have ye all tae myself.”

He set her on her feet, only to capture her mouth in a greedy kiss, claiming her lips as though he might never taste them again. Heat flared between her legs, her core clenching in response.

When he finally let her breathe, she licked the tip of his nose, teasing. “They may come pounding on our door once they discover we’ve avoided the public bedding.”

“Nonsense,” he said, his grin wicked. “There’s plenty o’ food and drink tae keep them occupied. Where we’ve gone’ll be the furthest thing from their minds.” His gaze darkened, filled with unrestrained want. “I’ll no’ bide another moment, woman. I want ye beneath me. Now.”

Laughter from the hall drew their attention as Nicabar strodepast, Rosselyn caught up in his arms, her giggles bright as morning bells. “The way is blocked!” Rosselyn called out, her joy echoing as Nicabar carried her up the stairs toward their own wedding chamber.

Davina arched an inquisitive brow at Broderick, who merely smirked as he closed the door firmly and drew her toward the towering four-poster bed.

“A rather large band of Gypsies under my employ has been instructed no’ tae let anyone through,” he explained against her throat, his lips branding her skin with warmth. “Now then…tae the matter o’ beddin’ me wife.”

Her heart swelled, her chest blooming with tender heat. “I shall never tire of hearing you call me that,” she confessed, her voice husky with affection.