The Scorned Heiress: No More Mercy novel Chapter 810

"Alright, alright. Get some sleep," Danny concedes smoothly, rising from the bed. He pauses at the door, offering a warm smile. "Goodnight, darling."

He is a healthy man in his prime, so naturally, the physical frustration burns, but her comfort will always eclipse his own desires. The moment she set a hard boundary, he respected it and stepped back. He knows she isn't actually rejecting him; she is just overwhelmed and nervous, entirely unsure of how to navigate this level of intimacy.

When the timing is perfect... let things happen naturally?

Lying in the quiet darkness of the guest room, Danny analyzes her words like a high-stakes contract. What exactly defines the 'perfect timing' for her?

Suddenly, it hits him. Her birthday is coming up soon.

"Her birthday is just around the corner," he whispers into the quiet room.

A slow, brilliant smile spreads across his face. He finally found the ultimate, natural milestone. He needs to throw everything into planning a spectacularly romantic birthday celebration for her. Just thinking about plotting a surprise for her fills his chest with a profound, addictive joy. It is almost magical how easily she commands his happiness.

Sunday arrives.

Tara honors Lindsay's invitation and heads to the Sinclair estate early. Because she arrives ahead of schedule, the matriarch isn't even back from her morning errands yet.

"Pre... Pretty lady! M-missed you!"

His verbal skills have drastically improved lately. In the past, he refused to utter a single syllable. But Tara instituted a strict rule: he had to try speaking, bit by bit. Language is a muscle that requires constant use to strengthen. Even if he is terrified to talk in front of others, he has to find the courage to speak to her.

Gavin listens to Tara more than anyone else in the world, so whenever they are alone, he bravely pushes past his stutter. It is far from perfectly fluent, but it is a monumental leap from total silence. His pouty defense just now was pushed out word by word, carrying a soft, breathy nasal tone and a slight tremble at the end of the sentence.

Tara feels a profound warmth bloom in her chest, utterly charmed by his effort. She crouches down to meet him at eye level, gently tapping his nose with her index finger.

"You're absolutely right, Gavin. I completely miscalculated. It really has been way too long."