Page 76

She grinned at him, her cheeks flushed with happiness. “Aye, my sweet husband.”

Arthur blinked, glancing around the hall as if searching for someone. “Where is—”

“What is it, my love?” Mairi interrupted, tugging on his arm until he sat beside her. Her voice dropped to a whisper, her lips brushing his ear. “Is it shameful for me to admit that I want the festivities to end so we can…” Her words trailed off, a blush spreading across her cheeks. “You’ve no idea how long I’ve waited for this night.”

A flicker of desire crossed Arthur’s face. Her compliance, her eagerness—it was everything he wanted.

But Broderick wasn’t finished. He brought Davina back into the scene, placing her at the edge of the crowd like a seductive siren. She stood there, her sapphire eyes blazing with defiance, her lips curled into a taunting smile.

Arthur narrowed his eyes, his gaze darting between the two women.

Mairi tugged on his arm again, her voice soft and pleading. “Come, my love. Let us go to our marriage bed.”

Arthur hesitated for only a moment before turning back to Mairi. A slow smile spread across his face. “Aye, lass. Let us.”

Mairi blushed and grinned, taking his hand as they stood.

Broderick eased out of the dream, satisfaction curling through him. The seed had been planted. Forbes wouldn’t even realize it, but the idea had already taken hold. Davina wasn’t what he wanted—not truly.

Broderick stepped back from the bed, his work done. Without a sound, he slipped out the way he’d come, vanishing into the night like a phantom.

After Broderick prowled the village for a victim to feed, he strolled the surrounding forest until the morning silence was broken by the stirrings of the village. The nights stretched longer as the season edged toward winter. When the horizon tinged with pale light, he headed for his lair. Dashing through the trees, he approached the cave—and halted several feet from the entrance.

He sighed.

Veronique.

Her sweet, youthful scent drifted on the bitter chill.

Shaking his head, he braced himself and stepped inside. The dark swallowed him, but he didn’t need light to see her. She stood there—topless—waiting for him.

He grumbled under his breath. “’Tis far too cold for ye tae be wanderin’ about half-naked.” He stalked deeper into the cave, his tone edged with threat. “And ye’re ignoring my wishes again. I told ye not tae come here, Veronique.Ever.”

She moved to block his path, her bare breasts jutting proudly toward him, the soft curves of her youth on full display. Her shawl and blouse hung from her elbows, and her hands settled on her hips, defiant.

He took in the sight with a weary glance and shook his head.

“I have been waiting for you,” she murmured in French.

“Did ye not give yerself time tae sleep?” he asked, annoyed. “Amice will be awake by now and needin’ yer help. Ye’ll be no good tae her if ye’re half-dead from exhaustion.”

“I rested,” she replied. “I rose early to meet you before—”

“Veronique.”

She stepped closer, her hands gliding up his chest and around his neck. She tried to draw him down to kiss her, pressing her body flush against his.

He pushed her away and tugged her blouse and shawl back into place.

“Veronique, ye need tae return tae the camp. Now.”

“Pourquoi, Broderick?” she pleaded. She reached for him again, her voice trembling. “Je t’aime, Broderick.Can you not see?”

He caught her wrists gently but firmly.

“Veronique, ye dinnae love me. This is just a passin’ infatuation. Ye need tae understand—”

“I understand you, Broderick. I embrace what you are. Will she? I am much more woman than that Davina. If she were truly a woman worth your heart, you would not have left her chamber.”