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Blood raced through my veins, and my fingers stroked the spot on my hand he’d sliced with a blade. Only, the mark was on Isobel’s body, which Sorcha currently possessed. Proving myself would be more difficult than I’d realized. But no matter.
I squared my shoulders in determination. Oh, he may be a berserker with unfathomable strength and wild rage, but he hadn’t seen a Darcy woman determined to win her man.
“I bet I’m alive because part of you suspects something is off,” I purred, letting my love for him flow through me unchecked. “If she’s your fated, let her prove it. Let yourself go full berserk around her. See what happens. See if she soothes you or if you need me.”
His eyes slitted, his top and bottom lashes nearly interweaving “You still hope I’ll kill her.”
“If she’s who you say she is, that shouldn’t be a worry for either of you.”
He gripped the arms of the chair, his knuckles bleaching of color,and slid his gaze over me. His irises heated. Boiled. Suddenly I couldn’t breathe.
Then he growled, “You were all but plucked from the fantasies of my beast.”
Aches erupted throughout my body. “You desire me.” Badly. Theknowledge went straight to my head. Instantly drunk on the most delicious power, I grinned.
“Desire won’t stop me from killing you once I’ve used you to draw out Tavish,” he vowed softly.
The old adage was right. Truth really did make you freebecause his words bothered me not a bit. My grin widened. “You’re not going to kill or use me. I bet Sorcha-masquerading-in-Isobel’s-body has begged you to kill me, but here you sit, flirting with me instead.”
“Why wouldn’t she want you dead? You tried to kill her.”
“You can’t harm me, husband. I’m your firebrand.” And he was my dream guy.
“Enough!” he boomed, standing. The chair skidded behind him,crashing into the wall. Wood shards shot in every direction. He was panting, his hands fisted.
To my astonishment, fear remained at bay. But anger didn’t. Inarrowed my eyes. “Is the temper tantrum really necessary? Or can you act like a civilized adult for a few more moments and finish this interrogation?”
“I suggest you stop talking.” He flicked the tip of his tongue against an incisor. “For the time being, you are safe.” He leaned forward and removed my shackle with a yank. “You will stay here until I decide how to handle you.”
The heat of his fingers roused goose bumps. I rubbed my wrist. “I’mstill mad at you,” I grumbled.
His nostrils flared. “I don’t care.” He reached into his back pocket, then extended a cell phone in my direction.
My phone! I’d never been so happy to see a cracked screen. With a low whimper, I snatched the device to my chest.
“Your interactions with Tavish are interesting,” he stated.
“I’m sure they are, since Isobel and Sorcha were involved.” Eyeing him with suspicion, I asked, “Why are you being so nice to a suspected assassin?” Oh, wait. That one had an easy answer. “You’re going to listen to my conversations.”
He dropped his chin, his gaze pinning me in place. “Until I learn why you affect me so intensely—” a waggle of his jaw “—why you bear a hint of my mark, you’ll stay in here.”
Jolt. I carried a hint of his mark? The rightness of that settled in my soul.
With a huff, he stalked from the room, snapping, “Thora, you come with me.”
She gave chase. “Traitor,” I called with affection, even though her departure was for the best. Also, I knew they would both be back.
The door closed. A metal lock engaged. Feeling lighter than I’d been in weeks, I dialed my mother. I didn’t care if Callen recorded every word.
“Hello, baby! Finally you call your mother!”
Oh, the sound of her precious voice! Happy and upbeat. “Hey, Momma,” I croaked, my throat already clogging. Relief and affection crashed into me. “I’ve missed you so much.”
“No, no. Why are you upset? Did Tavish break your heart already?I knew he was your Mr. Wickham. I tried to warn you. You can’t say I didn’t. Why, I suspected he lacked moral fiber the first time I saw his photo. Didn’t I, Joshua? It’s all in the eyes. But don’t you worry, Elizabeth. I’ve found someone else for you. A true catch!”
A genuine laugh burst from me. “I love you.”
“Yes, well.” Emotion thickened her voice. “Don’t think you’re going to distract me. When are you coming home so I can introduce you to the love of your life?”
