Page 99 of Midnight Conquest

Rosselyn leaned close and whispered, “You’ll be all right. He’s not as heartless as he looks.” With a soft laugh, she exited the chapel and closed the door behind her.

The heavy echo of the door closing seemed to seal Davina’s fate, leaving her alone with the wolf in whose den she now found herself trapped.

Davina raised an eyebrow at the rogue imprisoning her in his embrace. “This isn’t over. We need to talk.”

Broderick’s grin widened, his emerald eyes gleaming with predatory intent. “Oh, we’ll talk, Blossom. But later. For now…” His gaze dropped to her lips, and her breath caught. “I suggest ye get comfortable with the idea of bein’ mine.”

His voice curled around her like a velvet chain, silken yet unyielding, promising both pleasure and peril. Her pulse danced beneath her skin as his mouth descended toward hers once more, sealing her fate with a kiss that left no room for doubt—tonight, she belonged to him.

Davina shut the door behind her with a bit more force than she intended. Her chest was tight, her nerves wound like a spring ready to snap. She hadn’t even realized she was holding her breath until Rosselyn stood from stoking the fire in the hearth, her brows lifting in quiet concern.

Rosselyn brushed the ash from her hands against her apron. “I was beginning to think you’d bolted for the hills.”

“I had to feed Cailin and put her down.” Davina huffed. “Don’t think running hadn’t crossed my mind, though. But I’d wager Tammus would send half the men in the castle after me if I tried.”

Rosselyn smirked. “Och, aye, he would. But I’d give you a head start.”

Davina’s laugh came brittle, too thin to conceal the tremor running through her. She folded her arms tight across her chest. “Let’s get this over with.”

Rosselyn snorted. “That’s the spirit. Come on then.” She gestured toward the nearby dressing screen. “I’ve set out that fancy chemise for you. The one where you did all the pretty embroidery?”

“Aye, thank you. That was thoughtful.” Davina stepped behind the screen, her back to Rosselyn as her friend began unfastening the ties and laces of her gown. The fabric slipped from her shoulders, whispering down her body, leaving herdown to her shift. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and the reality of what lay ahead clawed at her stomach.

Rosselyn spoke as she worked. “Our mothers saw to preparing Broderick’s bedchamber. That’s where you’ll… well, you ken.”

Davina stiffened, turning her head slightly. “Not here?”

“Nay,” Rosselyn reassured her. “We thought it’d be…easier to do this in his space. And besides…” Her tone turned teasing. “If he wrecks the bed, better his than yours.”

Davina barked a short laugh, but her throat tightened as she thought of Broderick, waiting in the next room. “Thank you,” she murmured. She truly was grateful. Considering she had no idea how this night would end, she liked the idea of preserving her safe haven.

Rosselyn’s hands paused briefly before resuming their work. “Is Cailin asleep, or was she too fussy?”

“Sound asleep in Myrna’s chamber. She’ll be just fine.” Davina raised her arms as Rosselyn pulled her chemise over her head.

The mention of her daughter tugged her mind toward the secret she’d carried for so long. Her gaze fell to her hands, her fingers curling tight into her palms. She’d always suspected Broderick was Cailin’s father—but whether to tell him? That was another matter entirely.

Her thoughts spiraled, tangling like briars. What if he was her father? Would he care? Or would he see it as another shackle binding her to him? Hewasher husband now.

“You’ve gone quiet,” Rosselyn observed, stepping back after smoothing the folds of Davina’s chemise. Her tone was gentle, edged with concern. “Would you like to talk about it?”

Davina hesitated, biting the inside of her cheek. She couldn’t tell Rosselyn—not about Cailin, not about her suspicions. “Nothing,” she lied, forcing a brittle smile. “Just…thinking about the man I’m about to face.”

Rosselyn’s expression softened with quiet sympathy. “Secrets don’t do anyone any good, my friend,” she said softly. “Sometimes they cause more harm than you think.”

Davina stiffened, guilt prickling her skin like nettles. Did Rosselyn know? Her gaze snapped to her friend’s face, searching for clues. “What are you talking about?”

Rosselyn hesitated, guilt flickering across her features like a shadow. “Nothing,” she answered too quickly. But both women knew better.

Davina swallowed hard, her breath catching. “Oh, my God,” she whispered, her voice thinned to a thread. “You know, don’t you?”

Rosselyn blinked, startled. “Know what?”

Davina’s pulse pounded in her ears. Her eyes narrowed, scrutinizing Rosselyn’s every nuance. “About Broderick.”

Rosselyn froze for a heartbeat too long, then tried for casual ease. “Do I know if you and Broderick have been together before tonight?” She offered a slight shrug, but her gaze flickered. “Hard to miss the way you look at each other. I always suspected, after Aberdeen…”

Heat rose in Davina’s cheeks, her stomach knotting with a mix of embarrassment and fragile relief. “I should’ve told you,” she admitted. “But I didn’t want to involve you. I was a married woman, and Ian…”

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