Page 101 of How To Tempt A Bodyguard

Matthew studied his whisky. Let the silence stretch.

"Brother." The word was a command now. "Speak."

"She talks." Matthew's voice was flat. Reluctant. "Constantly. Thinks she's clever."

"I'll cure her of that."

Matthew said nothing, but dug his fingers into his thigh.

Carrick leaned forward. "What else?"

"Nothing."

"You're a terrible liar. What aren't you telling me?"

Matthew shifted in his seat. Rubbed the back of his neck.

"Matthew."

"She doesn't break." The words came out rough. "Beat her bloody and the whole time she'll be plotting against you."

Carrick's expression flickered.

"She’s clever. She schemes. Want her near all your secrets?" Matthew shook his head. "She’ll find a way to use them against you."

Silence fell. Carrick swirled his whisky, thinking.

"Perhaps you're right," he said slowly. "Marriage has never appealed to me. I prefer... variety." He gestured vaguely. "A harem. Different women. No obligations."

Matthew nodded. Drank.

"Speaking of which." Carrick's mood shifted, turned expansive. Generous. "You deserve a reward." He smiled. "Pick any woman you like from my establishment. Or several, if you prefer. Consider it a gift."

Matthew exhaled slowly through his nose as his stomach churned.

"Well?" Carrick raised an eyebrow. "Don't tell me you're shy suddenly."

Matthew said nothing. Heat crept up his neck.

Carrick laughed. "What's this? Don't tell me you've never fucked."

"I've tupped plenty."

"Then what's the problem?" Carrick's grin widened. "Hung up on the Archer woman still? Or impotent?"

Matthew looked away. His free hand flexed on his lap.

Carrick's laughter died. He leaned forward, curious now. "What is it?"

Matthew rubbed his face. Shifted in his chair.

"It's… injured," he said finally. "Needs time to heal."

"Injured?" Carrick's brow furrowed. "How does a man injure his…"

"She bit it."

Carrick's face went blank.