Page 52 of Forbidden Bond

“Your answer to the question didn’t matter.”

“So why did you…? It was a test? To see if I would do the right thing, do the McDade thing?”

“The issue was allowing you to go. I should never have permitted that. It’s a mistake I won’t make again.”

As that night had proven.

“We still have to deal with my father. To make a decision on—Lach and I thought he should resign, go into exile, I guess. We can’t ask him to answer for his crimes legally without pulling everyone into the spotlight.” He said nothing though his focus stayed fixed. “Is this another test? I’ll do whatever you want me to do. Vote whichever way you want me to vote.”

“There’s no vote. I command.”

And he had a knack of knowing what was best for her, even when she didn’t.

“We should have dinner with Lach or something, get his view—”

“We’ve discussed it.”

What the hell? “You’ve… you and Lach?”

“Aye.”

That truth knocked around in her skull as he stripped her down. Only when he walked her backwards up against the wall did she focus.

“What did you discuss?”

“Your grandfather’s house will be sold. All proceeds and assets will be evenly split between you and Lachlan.”

“How did you get my father to agree with that? I thought everything would go to him.”

“What the will says is irrelevant. This is how it’s going to be.”

No votes, only commands. Shit, her man turned her on without even trying.

The estate. Concentrate. There would be money. Which reminded her of earlier.

“Why would you put the loft in my name? We’re not married, we don’t have kids together.”

“Are we going to get married?”

“Yes.”

“Have kids?”

“Sure.”

“Then what difference does it make whether it’s now or then?”

Interesting angle.

“It’s your home,” she said. “This is your home too. Why have we never stayed here?”

“I try not to set foot in this house unless it’s necessary. It’s kept in order, maintained, always ready and available to any McDade, but I have no desire to live here.”

“Bad memories?”

“This is the McDade past. It’s a family home. The name is important, but it echoes when there’s no life in it.”

“Whisper and Razer could stay here too. Are Score and his wife safe?”

---