Page 98

With careful intention, he flipped her hand and placed something in her palm.

Her breath hitched.

Her hair comb.

After all this time, he had kept it. Just as she had clung to hisbrooch like a lifeline. Emotion swelled in her throat, tightening until it ached, and her gaze snapped back to his.

In his eyes, she glimpsed that same flicker of vulnerability she had seen on their first night together—the firelight glinting in his pupils when he had told her she was beautiful. She curled her fingers tightly around the comb, her pulse quickening. A tremulous smile teased the corners of her lips.

Broderick’s emerald gaze darkened, heavy-lidded and smoldering, promising things far beyond the confines of vows and contracts.

The priest cleared his throat, drawing her attention. “Will you, Broderick MacDougal, take this woman, Davina Stewart, to be your lawful wedded wife, to guide and protect, to provide for and care for, as Christ loveth His Church, frae this day forward, ’til death do you part?”

“Aye,” Broderick said, without hesitation, his eyes locked to Davina’s.

Davina’s hand trembled in Broderick’s. His grip tightened, warm and unwavering.

“And will you, Davina Stewart, take this man, Broderick MacDougal, to be yer lawful wedded husband, to love, honor, and obey, to serve him and submit to him in all things lawful, frae this day forward, ‘til death do you part?”

Obey. Submit.The words struck her like a lash, threatening to strip her of the freedom she’d fought so hard to reclaim. Her pulse fluttered wildly, but the steady pressure of Broderick’s hand and the comforting weight of the comb in her palm grounded her. This wasn’t Ian. This was different. She was different.

Out of the corner of her eye, her uncle leaned forward, watchful.

Lilias cleared her throat, a soft, nervous sound that filled the charged silence.

But Broderick’s tenderness held fast. He raised her hand to his lips once more, the brush of his mouth a quiet vow, full of patient strength.

“Aye,” she whispered, the word seeping from her lips.

A flicker of relief crossed Broderick’s face—so brief she almost missed it. But his grip on her hand tightened, anchoring her to him in that fraught moment.

Tammus audibly exhaled, and Davina rolled her eyes, a thread of dry humor winding through her anxiety.

Broderick chuckled under his breath, a deep growl that rippled down her spine.

The priest quickly rattled off the Latin phrase that bound them in matrimony: “Ego conjungo vos in matrimonium, in nomine Patris, et Filii, et Spiritus Sancti. Amen.” His shoulders dropped in obvious relief. “Potestis osculum dare sponsam.”

Broderick’s gaze smoldered, and that roguish grin brought out that damned dimple that always weakened her knees.

The priest leaned closer and whispered, “That means, ‘You may kiss the bride.’”

Broderick twisted his lips in annoyance. “I bloody well know what it means.” He returned his heated gaze to her and pulled her into his arms. His hooded eyes dropped to her mouth, hungry and relentless. Before she could gather her wits, Broderick slanted his mouth over hers. His arms tightened, and the full length of his body molded to hers, fitting as though they’d been carved from the same stone. A soft whimper escaped her lips, betraying her simmering desire.

“Bloody hell,” Tammus growled. “Save it for the bedchamber.”

Soft laughter fluttered around them, but Broderick keptplundering her mouth with languishing sensuality. Davina would have melted into the floor if he wasn’t the sole reason for keeping her on her feet. This kiss branded her, thoroughly claiming her, for all to witness.

Rustling around her indicated the few witnesses in attendance were leaving.

When Broderick allowed her to come up for air, his mouth hovered over hers, his eyes searching her face with oozing satisfaction. “Ye’re mine now, Blossom,” he murmured, his voice low enough for her ears alone.

Tammus cleared his throat rather loudly. “Just to be clear, MacDougal, I’m not leaving until this marriage is consummated. I’ll not have ye escaping the noose on a technicality.”

Broderick’s deep chuckle vibrated against her breasts, and his eyes never left hers. “Ye’ve my word, Lord Tammus. I’ll see tae it that Davina’s place as my wife is beyond question.”

Davina’s cheeks flamed and she tried to push out of his arms, but to no avail.

Tammus grunted and left the room.