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Broderick was gone. So was his cloak.

Her breath caught.How in God’s name…?

She swept a hand over the rumpled bedcovers, trying to smooth away the evidence of their tryst. Her heart still thundered, lips tingling with the ghost of his kiss. She crouched to peer under the bed—nothing. No sign. No trace. He’d vanished like mist in the morning sun.

The latch rattled again. “Davina?” Rosselyn called, more insistent this time.

Davina closed her eyes and drew a steadying breath. “Aye,Roz. Just a moment.”

She cast one last glance around the chamber before crossing the floor. She cracked the door open, schooling her features into something resembling calm.

Rosselyn stood on the threshold, brow furrowed with concern. Davina stepped aside to let her in, heart still racing.

Rosselyn’s gaze swept over her, swift and assessing. “Why was the door locked?” she asked, her tone as soft as it was curious.

Davina hesitated for a moment, then lifted her chin. “After MacLeod invaded my private space, I didn’t feel comfortable leaving it open with a suitor in the house.”

Rosselyn’s expression darkened at the mention of MacLeod’s intrusion. “Aye, you’re right, of course. I should’ve thought of that myself.” She shook her head, her voice filled with regret. “You should lock it from now on, Davina. Always.”

Davina nodded, though her mind was already drifting. Her eyes flicked around the room, searching for any trace of Broderick. A faint ripple in the balcony drapes caught her eye.Ah.

The smallest hint of his exit brought a flicker of relief—he was gone, but not far. Still, the heat of his touch lingered on her skin, the taste of his kiss clinging to her lips.

Rosselyn’s voice pulled her back. “How did it go with Ewan?”

Davina turned, managing a faint smile. “He’s very charming,” she said, keeping her tone breezy. “But we didn’t have much time to get to know one another. We’ll be supping with him this evening.”

“So, Broderick wasn’t helpful?”

Davina shrugged, lingering near the door to keep Rosselyn’s back to the balcony. “As I said, we didn’t have much time with him, but I will say having him around is comforting. He keepsthe men on their best behavior. We’ll see what supper uncovers.”

Rosselyn nodded, her hands folding neatly in front of her. “Well, the preparations are well underway. Tammus made sure we’ve included all his favorites.”

“Thank you.” Davina smiled.

“Will you be needing anything else?” Rosselyn asked.

Davina pressed a hand to her temple, feigning a touch of weariness. “I’ve a headache starting. I think I’ll lie down for a bit.”

“Shall I bring you some tea?”

“Nay, I’ll be fine. Thank you.”

Rosselyn pecked a quick kiss to Davina’s cheek and excused herself.

Davina latched the door behind her and leaned back against it, exhaling a long, shaky breath. Her fingers drifted to her lips, brushing where his had been.

She turned and her breath caught in her chest. Lounging in a chair by the hearth was Broderick, as though he’d never left.

His long legs stretched out before him, crossed at the ankles. His fingers laced behind his head, pulling the fabric of his shirt taut over his broad chest. His dark auburn hair glinted in the firelight, and his emerald eyes were locked on her, burning with a heat that made her stomach flip.

“Did ye miss me, lass?” he drawled, his deep voice dripping with amusement.

Davina swallowed hard and lifted her chin, crossing the room to sit opposite him. She laced her hands in her lap—her best attempt at composure.

“Ye surprised me a bit.” He drew his bottom lip between his teeth, and Davina imagined herself nibbling on that mouth. “Have I unleashed a beast within ye?”

“Perhaps I thought you deserved a taste of your own remedy,” she said, her tone edgier than she felt.