Page 111 of Filthy Lovin Heroes

“Malcolm! Holly! There you are!” Malcolm’s mother’s voice echoed down the hallway. “Come quickly, it’s time to light the tree. Everyone’s waiting for you. It’s almost midnight.”

Malcolm reached out for me, but I crossed my arms over my chest as I shook my head.

He was insane if he thought I was going back in the ballroom with him now.

With his back turned to his mother, he folded me into his arms and whispered into my ear, “This discussion is far from over. You’re mine Holly Ives as much as I am yours.”

Then that Mother Fucker kissed me. And it wasn’t a quick peck on the lips. It was a soul-searing kiss, which had me opening my mouth to grant him better access.

He broke it off. “You are mine.”

Then he stalked off to his guests.

Holy hell.

If I had been wearing panties, they’d have been soaked.

I had a chemical weakness for this man, and it was only going to end by drastic means.

I had to leave Lachlan.

Now.

Glancing out the window, the falling snow made leaving by climbing out a window an absolutely ridiculous idea.

Shame. I liked the drama of it.

I made my way back to the front of the castle. I bypassed the ballroom, refusing to even glance inside. One look at Malcolm and my resolve would weaken.

In the main front hall, Jaime stood by the massive wooden front doors.

I recognized the young man from my arrival. I’d seen him around Lachlan working while I was here. He always blushed when he saw me.

Sweet. Why couldn’t I fall for some sweet guy like that? Hell, we were probably the same age. Instead, I was in love with the broody, bossy asshole duke.

“Jaime, can you give me a ride to the airport.”

“Now?” His glance dropped lower to my attire.

“Now.”

“His Grace’s vehicles are away in the garages. But there are taxis out front for the guests.”

“A taxi sounds perfect.”

He shifted his weight from one foot to the other. “Should I gather your luggage?”

“No need. I’m ready to go now.”

He shrugged out of the dark wool coat that he wore. “You’ll need this, my Lady.” He held it out to me as I slipped my arms into the sleeves. It was still warm from his body. He wore the Lachlan staff uniform of a blue button-down shirt and blue pants. He’d need another coat, but I’m sure there was a closet full of them.

Jaime swallowed. “What should I say to His Grace?”

I looked down. The jacket arms were too long, and the coat’s hem went past my knees. A badge with Lachlan ducal crest was sewn on the chest pocket.

I ripped the crest off and handed it to Jaime. “Give him this.”

He dipped his head, then opened the front door for me. A frigid gust blew inside, but I put my head down and dove outside.

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