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Broderick caught the faint twitch of Tammus’s lips, the hint of a smirk. He warned Davina mentally,“He’s baitin’ ye, lass. Don’tgive him what he wants.”

But Davina seethed before snapping, “Fergus MacLeod attacked me in the middle of the night, Uncle.”

Tammus’s smirk faded, but he nodded. “Precisely my point. MacDougal isn’t your husband. He can only protect you so much.” His gaze shifted back to Broderick. “So, tell me, lad. Are you interested in wedding my niece?”

The question hung in the air, heavy with implication. Davina stiffened beside him, her thoughts a sudden swirl of panic and disbelief.

He let the silence stretch for a moment before replying, his tone measured. “I appreciate the proposition, milord, but I’m no’ the marryin’ type.”

Tammus’s eyes narrowed. “Nor do you seem to be the greedy type. I expected you to jump at the chance to claim land and a prosperous business.”

Broderick cleared his throat and scratched his temple, the motion casual.“The man does have a point, lass,”he teased Davina.“A fortune to claim, and a bonnie lass to warm my bed.”

“Don’t you dare!”she snapped internally.

A roguish smile curved his lips. “’Tis a mighty generous offer, sir, but I’ll admit, she’s a bit too…” He paused, pretending to search for the word.

“Stubborn?” Tammus supplied.

Broderick nodded. “Aye, ye’ve a keen insight, milord. That’s the word.”

Davina seethed beside him, her temper flaring like a spark to dry tinder.“What are you doing?”

“Ye want me to win him over, don’t ye?”

“If I were to marry,” Broderick added aloud, “I’d like my wife to be a little more…”

“Submissive?” Tammus offered again.

Broderick chuckled softly. “Ye’ve a way with words, milord. I’ll say that.”

Davina straightened, her voice tight but controlled. “Uncle, do I have your permission to let Broderick accompany me with the suitors?”

Tammus studied her for a long moment before nodding. “Aye. I see no harm in it. In fact, I welcome his help.”

Davina’s face lit with satisfaction as Tammus relented. “Thank you, Uncle.” She curtsied with a grace that belied the frustration simmering beneath her calm exterior. Then briskly turned toward the door, clearly eager to escape the room.

“Hold, niece,” Tammus barked, cutting her retreat short.

She paused, spine straightening once more.

Tammus’s gaze drifted to Broderick. “I expect regular reports. You’ll keep me apprised of any…unsavory developments?”

Broderick dipped his chin. “Of course, milord. Ye’ll know all ye need tae know.”

Davina gave Broderick a sidelong glance, her thoughts brushing his mind again—dry and laced with irritation.“You enjoyed that far too much.”

Broderick offered a crooked smile as they left the room.“Aye, but admit it…it worked.”

“Oh, and Davina.”

She froze mid-step, her shoulders tightening before she turned back to face Tammus, her expression carefully composed. “Aye, Uncle?”

“I can’t find where you’ve been keeping the rest of the books for the business transactions in all this mess.” His gaze hardened, scrutinizing her. “Where are they?”

“Of all the…” Davina’s jaw ticked, but she walked to the shelfbehind him.

Broderick sensed the elder man’s insecurities about his inability to quickly get the information he needed to assess the estate. It had nothing to do with the condition of the office. The study was pristine, organized, and in order.