Page 52 of Tempted

I am never one to take credit where credit isn’t due. “Let’s just say that it’s female jealousy coming into play here.”

He’s impressed. “Stephanie?”

“Aye.” I nod.

“That’s the first intelligent thing you’ve done in a long time, lad.” He says, even though his tone is clipped.

“I couldn’t agree with you more, sir.”

He swallows, takes two paces towards the door, turns to me and says. “I’ll give Farley to your brother, Rush.”

I smile. “That’s wise, sir.”

“It seems that he needs to learn a lesson or two.”

“Aye.” I nod, fist pumping myself on the inside.

As I watch Dougall walk away, leaving me the floor, I nod, satisfied.

...and I’ve never been surer of one thing my entire life...

...I just have to tell her.

Chapter 17

Steph

Downstairs alerts me that I have a visitor, and moments later, Malcolm appears, carrying a huge bouquet of flowers. “Ah, I’ll assume that things went well today?” I ask, taking the flowers from him.

“Aye, very well.” He replies with a kiss on the mouth. “So well, in fact, that not only did I get a signed agreement with Clare and her da, but I also got Farley off my roster. Oh, and Uncle Dougall decided to burden Rush with Farley for his troubles.”

I can’t help the smile. “I will have to send Madame Lacy another thousand for pulling off such a fantastic feat.”

He pulls me to him, wrapping his big, beefy arms around me. My arms snake around his neck as I draw in a deep breath, taking in his scent. He does the same and speaks on exhale. “My Uncle is quite taken aback by you. Rather impressed, in fact.”

“You told him?”

“Aye.” He nods.

“You weren’t afraid that he’d get all testosteroney on you, accusing you of letting a lass do your bidding?”

“I was so impressed by your prowess that it was just an honor to say that I’m with a lass like you. With such powerful moves and audacity.” He kisses me again, and then continues. “I believe my Uncle said, and I quote, ‘that’s the first intelligent thing you’ve done in a long time’.” He clears his throat, laying it on thick.

I kiss him again. “So, you admitted that you are, in fact, ‘doing’ me, did you?”

“I believe the term was alluding to the act of doing something, not actually doingyou, but you get it.”

“I get it.” I smile.

He presses his forehead on mine. “You have no idea what this means to me.”

“Is that a thank you?”

He kisses me again. “It’s a million thank yous.”

“Well, a million you’re welcomes, Malcolm.” I swallow. “But I didn’t just do it for you. I did it to show that bitch what she had coming to her. Revenge is best served cold.”

“And that’s the best part. You’re not rubbing it in my nose or acting like I owe you one.”

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