The Scottish Bride (The Brides of Holland Springs Book 5)(14)

“But you said he was unharmed.” Maddox looked like he was about to pass out with relief, while she was so damn giddy that she wanted to sing. “You said he walked away.”

“I did and he did, but that’s because he declined any care. He was awake when the emergency vehicles showed up. They checked him for the obvious signs, but you were unconscious... and Jude was a bloody mess.” She blew out an unsteady breath as images of her big brother appeared in her head. Helpless. Scarred. Angry at the world. His legs not moving like he wanted.

Jude had sent them all away. He now lived on a remote island off the coast of North Carolina, refusing visitors or family.

“The next morning, he went to a different hospital because he was having problems breathing. They took a picture of the bruise—well, one of the nurses did, because she’s a fan of his hot chest.” Cadence rolled her eyes. She’d always thought Maddox’s teammate, Finn Davenport, was a cocky jerk who couldn’t play as well as he talked, but Maddox had always given him the benefit of the doubt. He had tried to work with him, to get him to understand that his attitude wasn’t helping him win friends, but rather to make enemies. Privately, she thought Maddox was wasting his time.

“What don’t you understand? Finn put you in the driver’s seat so he wouldn’t get charged and you would.”

Disbelief gave way to raw fury. His face turned dark as his jaw worked. “If you’ll excuse me.” Snapping off his gloves, he tossed them in the trash and left the room.

“Holy shit, that was awesome.” The PA rammed her fist against the cameraman’s in victory. “To think, we wouldn’t have gotten any of that if Warner hadn’t been sick.”

Cadence shifted her weight from one foot to the other, all her earlier giddiness gone. “Could you please edit out the last part—about Finn? My family’s lawyers and his are still negotiating a settlement.” Plus, they had no idea she was there, attempting to reconcile with Maddox after he’d left her—and Jude—behind.

“This won’t be aired for six months.”

“That should be enough time, but if it’s not?” She cast a lingering glance at the door, everything inside of her screaming to go after him.

“I promise to email you first. We’ll have a viewing party before it’s released.”

Cadence nodded. “Thank you.” Unable to wait a minute longer, she grabbed her shirt and pulled it over her head, then ran after the man she loved.





Chapter Seven


Maddox stood just outside the back entrance of the shop, unable to fully comprehend what Cadence had revealed. He wasn’t at fault. It seemed too bloody good to be true. Too damned neat of an explanation.

He lowered his head into his hands and exhaled, trying to calm his heart and mind. What in God’s name was he supposed to do with her news... with the fact she was here to bring him home? Except, he had no home. He’d left it behind.

Cadence had been the one to agree to move to Scotland, to Edinburgh. Yes, her career as a writer was more flexible than his, but damn it, she was leaving her parents, her friends... everything to be with him. With only the promise that once the season was over, he’d buy a house in Holland Springs.

That and his vow to be faithful to her were the only promises he’d kept. Yet, here she was—beautiful and vulnerable. Trusting him to mark her with his ink while she’d marked his soul and heart without ever fully knowing how much.

He’d always been hers, ever since that night he’d come home to find Jude’s little sister all grown up at the age of eighteen and looking at him like he’d hung the moon and stars. He’d denied himself, though. Denied himself any woman until enough time had passed and he could be sure Cadence was positive about him.

Four years’ worth of celibacy had been worth it.

She was worth it.

“But in the end, you failed her,” he reminded himself.

“You have a second chance,” Cadence said from behind him.

He turned, taking in the lovely vision she made. She was truly the most beautiful woman he’d ever seen, ever had the pleasure to kiss and touch, to make his. He loved her from the top of her silky, brown head down to her painted toes. She favored varying hues of blue because she said his eyes were constantly changing to match his mood.

He loved that about her. Liked how she didn’t mince words over whom and what she liked.

“I don’t know if I can.”

Her face fell, but then her chin turned stubborn. “I didn’t travel here for nothing.”

“I’m shocked you traveled here at all. How did you find me?”

She tipped her nose in the air a little. “I’m a Romanov... there are resources available to me.”

Of course she’d used her family to find him. “Damn it, woman. If I’d wanted to be found, I would have texted you.”

“Good grief.” She rolled her eyes and huffed. “I Googled you. Reed’s Tattoo came up fourth, right after your website, Instagram account, and Facebook page.”

He rolled his shoulders, attempting to ease the tension residing there. “God bless social media.” Cadence’s arm shot out, her balled fist connecting with his bicep. It didn’t hurt as much as it was annoying.

“Dang it.” She shook out her hand. “Why do you still have to be so fricking built?”