Page 99 of How To Tempt A Bodyguard

His hand came up to cover hers.

"I can do that."

She stood on her toes and brushed her lips lightly against his. His breath was warm on her lips, the tip of his nose cold against her cheek.

"Alright." She dropped to her heels and inhaled. "Now. Tell me your plan for Carrick."

While Brennan and Tam positioned themselves at the edges of the copse of trees, watching for any unwelcome arrivals. Florence and Matthew sat on a fallen log near the stream and discussed their plan.

When they were finished talking, he kissed her. Soft at first, then deeper, his hands sliding into her hair, her fingers gripping his coat. She kissed him back with everything she had, all the fear and anger and love tangled together.

When they broke apart, both breathing hard, she rested her forehead against his chest.

"Come back to me."

"I will."

"Promise."

"I promise."

She smiled despite the tears threatening to fall.

"Go. Before I change my mind and tie you to a tree."

"You'd try."

"I'd succeed."

He almost smiled. Then he mounted his horse and rode away.

Florence watched until he disappeared over the hill. Until the sound of hoofbeats faded to silence. Until there was nothing left but the empty road and the ache in her chest.

Brennan appeared at her side.

"He'll be alright."

"He'd better be." She wiped her eyes with her sleeve. "Come on. We have work to do."

She got on her horse and turned towards the Hollow.

Five weeks.

She'd be ready.

Chapter twenty-seven

Hell

Matthew

Three weeks felt like three years.

Matthew stood in the cellar of Carrick's Edinburgh townhouse, watching two of his brother's men beat a debtor who couldn't pay. The man's face was a ruin of blood and swelling. His pleas had stopped an hour ago, replaced by wet, gurgling sounds.

"Enough." Matthew's voice cut through the cellar's damp air. "He's no use dead."

The larger of the two men, Gregor, built like a wardrobe and about as intelligent, paused mid-swing. "Boss said to make an example."