"My pride's a bit bruised," Adam said, climbing up the ladder. "But no, he didn't harm me physically. Like you, your brother has always had enough honor not to hit anyone weaker than he is." Despite his many other flaws.

Adam's eyes flicked over Ronan, nervous and trying to hide it. "I accepted the country house on your behalf. You don't have to worry about it. I'll manage it for you, you'll never have to bother with it. He shouldn't press you any farther on the marriage issue. I settled that, though I did allow him to believe that you're fucking me."

Reddening and scowling at that, Adam looked stubbornly at the floor, still hurting from the blows to his pride.