Page 97 of Taken By the Vicious Highlander

“Lilith!”

Her eyes glistened, but she blinked quickly, turning away as she discreetly wiped at the corners of her eyes.

Damon felt something twist in his chest. Something like regret, something that made him want to?—

Nay. I cannae cross that line again.

“Ye’re makin’ a scene,” he said, leaning closer to her before plucking a bloom from the bucket in the stall and offering it to her.

She stiffened. Her gaze snapped to his, her anger flaring hot and unrestrained. “Ye have to be jokin’.”

Damon smirked. “And yet here we are.”

She snatched the bloom from his hand, and he saw her resist the urge to throw it in his face. Instead, she inhaled sharply and stepped back.

“I’m tired of ye actin’ like ye always ken better. Like ye always have the upper hand.”

He tilted his head. “Yedorealize I actuallydoken better, aye?”

Her hands clenched into fists. Oh, how she wanted to smack him. Damon couldn’t help but smirk even wider, knowing it would only upset her further.

“Careful now, wife. Wouldnae want to injure that pretty hand any further.”

“I cannae stand ye.”

He leaned down till his lips were just inches above her own, his voice dark and amused. “Aye, lass, Iken.” And then, just to be an arse, he wrapped his arms around her waist, murmuring just loud enough for those watching, “I cannae seem to keep me hands off ye.”

Lilith made a sound like she was choking on her fury as he led her toward the trees, away from the market square, away from prying eyes.

As soon as they were out of sight, she yanked her arm free.

She either wants to punch me or kiss me. I cannae tell.

“Tell me what the lad gave ye, lass. It’s obvious that ye wish to share it with me.”

“What Iwishfor is to be left alone!”

Damon crossed his arms over his chest in disbelief. “Out of everything ye could have said, I believethattheleast, lass.”

Lilith let out a frustrated noise, rubbing her temples. “Ye exhaust me,” she muttered.

“I’ll take that as a compliment.”

“I dinnae ken where I stand with ye. One minute you’re kissin’ me temple and whisperin’ sweet things in me ear, the next ye’re pushin’ me away, and the next ye’re worried about me broken hand.”

Damon saw red. “Broken hand?”

Lilith quickly hid her bruised knuckles, a blush creeping up her cheeks with violent recklessness.

“What do ye mean,broken hand? Why is it nae affixed?”

“Mrs. Bryant told me I didnae need a cast?—”

“Nay doubt because ye went to her so late that she couldnae reset anything even if she tried to. Am I right?”

Lilith paled, which only frustrated him more.

“Damn it, woman!” Damon exclaimed, raking his hand through his hair.