Bound by Secrets (Cauld Ane Series Book 3)

by Piper Davenport

  “I’ll leave you to get settled. Your bags have already been placed in your room. Would you like someone to unpack them for you?”

  “No, thank you,” Payton said. “We’ll take care of that.”

  Henri nodded. “Very well. I’ll leave you now, but should you need me, just pick up the phone and it will ring me directly.”

  “Perfect.”

  Henri smiled and then swished his way back out of the room.

  Payton faced Brodie and cupped his cheeks. “You said nothing, love. Do you not like the room?”

  He chuckled. “I love the room, sweetheart, but how could I possibly get a word in edgewise between the two of you?”

  Payton giggled. “Oh, he’s just delicious, don’t you think? He makes me think of Frank from Father of the Bride. Did you see that movie?”

  Brodie laughed. “Martin Short’s character, you mean?”

  She nodded. “Yes! I was having a hard time not laughing every time he waved his hands.”

  “Well, just don’t accidentally call him Frank, and I think he’ll chalk up any giggling to the fact you’re on your honeymoon.”

  “Henri, Henri,” she chanted. “Must remember to call him Henri.”

  Brodie bent and scooped her into his arms. “Let’s take a little detour before we change, eh?”

  She looped her arms around his neck and kissed his cheek. “Oui, monsieur. Kenna put a wrapped gift in one of my bags that said ‘Do not open until Paris,’ and I’m dying to see what it is.”

  Brodie raised an eyebrow as he walked into the large bedroom and kicked the door shut. “Hmm, interesting. Let’s have a look, shall we?”

  She nodded and he lowered her to the floor before lifting their suitcases onto the bed. Payton opened the one with the gift and pulled out the package. “Open in the bathroom,” Payton read out loud. “What did she do?”

  “Better follow the instructions, love,” Brodie said. “She never does anything without a good reason.”

  “Okay, I’ll be right back.” Payton slipped into the bathroom and set the package on the counter, ripping the paper open. She couldn’t stop a blush as the paper fell away and a note card sat on top of the gift. Payton pulled out the card and grinned.

  “Enjoy, sister! Love you, Kenna.”

  A full French maid’s outfit, complete with fishnets, apron, and bustier, was wrapped around a traditional-looking feather duster. She pulled on the costume and took a deep breath before pulling open the door.

  “Bonjour, monsieur,” she crooned, leaning against the doorframe. “May I clean your… ah…” She burst into fits of giggles as she waved the feather duster in the air, which is probably why she didn’t pick up on the fact that Brodie was rushing her.

  She found the duster pulled from her hand and her body picked up and dropped gently onto the large bed before she had a chance to catch her breath. Payton took the distraction to study Brodie. His eyes were dark with desire and he was already naked and hard. “Ooh, you are prepared,” she said. “I take it you approve of the costume.”

  He grinned. “I’m going to show you exactly how much in a second, but for now, why don’t you just relax. I’ll instruct you on the proper way to use that duster.”

  Payton giggled again. “See? You make even cleaning sound sexy.”

  He kissed her neck. “You haven’t begun to see sexy.”

  Sliding his hand between her legs, he hummed in appreciation as he kissed her. “No undies, love. I like this.”

  “The costume came with some, but I thought I’d get creative.”

  “I like you creative.” He tugged her body to the edge of the bed, so he could kneel between her legs.

  He ran a tongue over her wetness and Payton slipped her legs over his shoulders, arching up to get closer. As he continued a delicious assault on her clit, she mewed as he sucked, licked, and kissed his way around her pussy.

  He slid one finger inside of her, and then two, and as much as she tried to make her climax wait, it wouldn’t. She cried out as her orgasm hit and he kissed her inner thighs before releasing her shaking legs and climbing back up her body.

  “On your knees, love,” he whispered, and she adjusted, moving to all-fours.

  He lifted her hips higher and slid into her from behind and she lost her breath

  “Brodie,” she breathed out in a pant.

  “Shhh, baby. Make it last.”

  “Holy... ohmigod.” He slapped her bottom and she was so surprised, she nearly came. “Do that again, love,” she begged.

  “No.”

  “Why not?” she snapped.

  “Because I don’t want you to come.”

  She growled in frustration.

  He chuckled, sliding partially out and then back in. “Concentrate.”

  Every time he moved, she felt like she was going to explode and he was expecting her to keep her body from climaxing? Bloody hell!

  “Brodie,” she hissed.

  He gave her another quick smack on her bottom making her come so hard she lost her breath for a few seconds.

  “Fuck, Payton,” he breathed out, and sank deep. “So wet.”

  She closed her eyes and nodded, her mind and body overwhelmed with pleasure. Brodie continued to move slowly, his hands settled on her hips, and she continued to moan as her orgasm built.

  “Fuck,” he rasped, reaching between her legs and his finger found home.

  She called out his name as she came and he pushed her back down and slammed into her, over and over, until he let out a satisfied groan and whispered, “I love you,” and rolled them gently onto their sides in spoon fashion.

  “I love you too,” she rasped, trying to catch her breath. “I didn’t realize you were such a Francophile.”

  Brodie chuckled. “I’m a fan of my mate’s naked pussy… don’t care what else she’s wearing.”

  Payton craned her neck and kissed him gently. “Good to know.”

  “Let’s try out that shower and then go explore.”

  “Okay, love. Give me a second.”

  He nodded, kissing her gently, then heading into the bathroom.

  PAYTON FORCED HERSELF to drag on her boots, despite the fact all she wanted to do was climb back into bed with Brodie.

  “We can, love,” he said from the bathroom.

  “I’m reminding myself we’ll have plenty of time to enjoy our lovefests, but only limited time to see Paris.”

  He chuckled as he walked out of the bathroom and kissed her. He wore dark slacks with a crisp, white button-up, no tie, and dinner jacket.

  She hummed in appreciation. “Delicious.”

  “Back atya.” Brodie’s gaze swept her body. “You are stunning, love.”

  “Thank you.” Payton grinned. Her skirt, made from Gunnach tartan, ended just above the knee, and she wore a cream cable-knit sweater and knee-length boots that would be comfortable if she was forced to walk.

  “Are you ready?” Brodie asked.

  “More than ready.” He smiled and took her hand, leading her into the main living area of the suite where Dalton and Karl waited for them. They nodded in greeting, but said nothing as they escorted Brodie and Payton downstairs and into the awaiting car.

  Dinner was magnificent, and the top of the Eiffel Tower was breathtaking. Payton laughed when Dalton attempted to take a picture of them, managing only to flash himself in the face, and finally had to hand the camera to Karl, who showed a surprising eye for art and detail.

  “Wow, Karl, those are really fabulous,” Payton said. “I had no idea you were such a great photographer.”

  He gave a slight smile. “Thank you, ma’am.”

  She sighed. “I should have asked you to document our honeymoon.”

  “It’s already done, ma’am.”

  She glanced at Brodie, who shrugged and then focused back on Karl. “Well, it would seem you have more abilities than anyone gave you credit for,” Payton said.

  Karl grinned then and nodded, stepping back to allow her acc
ess to the lift that would take them back to the ground. Dalton entered first, then the rest of them. As they exited the elevator, a change in Karl’s demeanor put Payton on alert. He guided Payton behind him and scanned the area. Now on alert, Dalton and Brodie created a human shield, protecting Payton. Brodie wrapped an arm around her waist from behind and pulled her against his chest.

  “What’s going on?” she whispered.

  Karl has sense gift and something’s not right. Just relax and be patient. Brodie kissed her temple and held her tightly.

  Payton nodded and watched their security closely. Sense gift was something that was almost as rare as the firestarter gift and according to the book it could be as frustrating as Payton’s visions. Karl scanned the area while Dalton waited. Then they spoke briefly, and Karl scanned again before giving Dalton a curt nod.

  “Sorry, folks, it’s back to the hotel for the moment,” Dalton said. “We’ll figure out what’s going on and go from there.”

  I don’t mind going back to the hotel, Payton projected. Is there anything else you need cleaned, monsieur?

  “Hotel, yes,” Brodie said. “No problem.”

  Payton giggled as she was whisked into the awaiting SUV and driven back to the hotel.

  * * *

  “What about this?” Payton read out loud. “A rare opportunity to buy a beautifully modernized four-bedroom flat in one of Edinburgh’s most impressive historical buildings.” She glanced at Brodie. “I can only assume that means really old with a coat of paint slapped on the wall.”

  They’d been home for two days, and Payton was due to return to work the following morning. She probably could have pushed it out a little while, but she was actually looking forward to getting back to work. And before she could return to work, she’d like to find a few homes to look at so that she could feel completely settled.

  Brodie chuckled. “Where is it?”

  “Says it’s next to Edinburgh Castle.”

  “Ah,” he murmured. “I think I know the building. It’s not far from here, actually. How big is the flat?”

  “Um, four bedrooms, two reception rooms, three bathrooms.”

  Brodie appeared contemplative. “Is that enough room for lots of babies?”

  “Yes. I think so.” Payton giggled. “It also has a communal garden and a terrace.” She smiled up at him. “And private parking.”

  Brodie leaned over her shoulder to look at the listing. “What do you think?”

  “I think it looks beautiful, but it’s quite dear, Brodie.”

  “It’s less than two million, Pay. That’s a great price for something so central to where we want to be.”

  “Are you sure?”

  Brodie chuckled. “I’m sure.”

  Payton bit her lip. “In that case, I think I’d like to see it.”

  “Then we’ll see it.” He kissed her head and headed into the bathroom.

  Payton heard the shower start and glanced at the clock. They didn’t have anywhere to be for two hours, and she wanted to take advantage of that fact.

  After a detour of the carnal variety, Brodie and Payton met the agent at the apartment. Payton was swept away by the history and size of the place. She found herself imagining what it would have been like to live there more than a hundred years ago, big dresses and all.

  Difficult without elevators.

  Payton nodded. I bet.

  “As you can see, Mr. Gunnach, the flat is quite opulent,” the agent said. Dawn Lane was a beautiful young woman with black hair and hazel eyes. She was eyeing Brodie as though she were starving and he was a gourmet meal..

  “I do see that,” Brodie said, and took Payton’s hand. “What do you think, sweetheart?”

  “I think it’s lovely,” Payton said, wishing she’d dressed a little nicer.

  “I’d like to bring an associate by to check out its security.” Brodie wrapped an arm around Payton and kissed her temple. You’re more beautiful than this piece of work on any day, love.

  “I would expect someone in your position would do so,” Dawn crooned. “I’m happy to meet with him anytime.”

  Brodie nodded. “Excellent. I think I’ve seen everything I need to. How do you feel, Payton?”

  “I’m good. Thank you for your time, Miss Lane.”

  After scribbling something on the back of a card, Dawn handed it to Brodie. “Feel free to call me as soon as you and your ‘security personnel’ would like to meet.” She ran her hand down his arm.

  Brodie stepped away from her and shoved the card into his pocket. “I will.”

  He led Payton from the apartment and down to where his car was parked. Once Payton was settled, he slid inside, taking the card out of his pocket and crumpling it in his hand.

  “What are you doing, love?” Payton asked.

  “Trying to erase the memory of that horrible woman. She is the classic definition of ‘strumpet.’”

  Payton took the marred paper and flattened it out as much as she could. The woman had written a phone number on the back with “call me” and a heart below it. “She did realize we’re married, right?”

  “Aye. Whore.”

  “Okay, that might be a bit harsh, love.”

  “Floozy, then. I won’t buy anything from her, Payton. Mark my words.”

  Payton giggled. “Shouldn’t I be the one offended here?”

  He shook his head and drove back to Kade’s building. Payton laid her hand on his thigh. “Baby, what’s going on?”

  “We are bonded, Payton. That means something. And don’t give me the whole excuse that she’s human and doesn’t understand. At the very least, she knew we were married.” He smacked the steering wheel. “Disgusting.”

  “I trust you, Brodie, if that’s what you’re worried about.”

  “No, that’s not what I’m worried about. I just hate people who try to take advantage.”

  She knew why he felt the way he felt, especially after the news of late, but still, it made her smile, knowing that he would protect her heart just as passionately as she would protect his. “I love you,” she said.

  He wrapped his hand around hers. “I love you more.”

  “So, what are we doing for our last night of freedom?”

  “We’re going to watch a movie and make out on the sofa, of course.”

  Payton laughed. “You woo me.”

  He grinned, releasing her hand so he could shift gears. “I actually thought we could go out for dinner.”

  “Really?”

  He nodded. “If you’d like to.”

  “Yes, please.”

  “Dressy?”

  “What?” she said with a gasp. “High heels as well?”

  He chuckled. “If you promise to wear something sexy, yes.”

  “I have some ideas, don’t you worry.”

  “Then, definitely something with high heels.”

  “Perfect.” Payton grinned. “Let’s hurry.”

  * * *

  The next day, Payton sat at her desk and let out a quiet sigh. She couldn’t believe she’d actually missed her job. Perhaps she loved it even more, since, technically, she didn’t need it, but whatever the case, she was happy to be back.

  She’d spent the better part of the morning going through what she’d missed while on her honeymoon, attempting to make sense of the notes the temp had left for her. Kade wouldn’t let the woman touch any of the important tasks Payton did. She was simply there to handle his calendar and field calls. This meant Payton had to catch up on a month’s worth of financial documents.

  They had three weeks until Samantha’s coronation, and the whole office would shut down the day before and two days after the celebration. There was a lot to accomplish in a short amount of time, including arranging accommodations for out-of-town visitors who would stay at the castle for the ceremony.

  Her phone rang, diverting her focus. “Payton Mc… ah… Gunnach.”

  Samantha giggled. “It takes a little getting used to, huh?”

 
“You’d think the amount of times I wrote that in my notebook, I’d be all set, but yes, it’s still a bit surreal.”

  “Want to grab lunch?”

  Payton glanced at her watch. “I don’t know if I can. I have so much to do, Sam.”

  “I know, but you gotta eat, Pay.”

  “True.” Payton checked her calendar. No meetings, and just the reports to get to Kade by end of day. “If we eat downstairs, I should be fine. Do you want me to meet you in the lab?”

  “No, I’m almost done here. I’ll meet you at the café,” Sam said. “Five minutes?”

  “See you then.” Payton hung up, grabbing her purse and keys.

  Lunch plans?

  She jumped, still not entirely used to Brodie’s voice in her head.

  Sorry, love, I didn’t mean to startle you.

  Payton smiled. It was a good startle.

  He chuckled. Oh, those exist?

  When they’re delivered by a gorgeous man they do. Payton locked her office door. And in answer to your question, I’m meeting Sam downstairs. What are you doing?

  “I was hoping to steal my wife away for an hour,” he said, and wrapped his arms around her before kissing her neck.

  She sighed as she turned in his arms and raised her chin for a heart-stopping kiss. “Hi.”

  “Hi.” He grinned.

  “Even if I wasn’t meeting Sam, I wouldn’t be able to take an hour, love. I have so much to catch up on.”

  Brodie smiled. “Do you still think you’ll be out of here at a decent hour?”

  “If my husband will let me meet my sister-in-law for a quick lunch and stop ravaging me in the hallway, yes.”

  “Killjoy.” Brodie laughed. “Is Kade in a meeting?”

  “No, he’s working on the third-quarter figures.”

  “I’ll go bug him, then.”

  “Do that.” She kissed him again. “I love you.”

  “I love you too.”

  Payton headed to the elevator, blowing Brodie a kiss as the doors closed. She made it to the café before Sam, grabbing a table away from the window, per Brodie’s request. Sam shuffled into the restaurant ten minutes later.

  “Hi,” Sam rushed out as she sat at the table. “Sorry. I can’t seem to just leave my office whenever I want to; I have to listen to a five-minute lecture from my husband.”