“That’s because Braydens are protective by nature. You are no exception.”
He knew it was true. He couldn’t be around Dahlia without wanting to take her in his arms and shield her from the ills of the world. Yet, he also liked that she wanted something more in life and was determined to make a mark for herself. “So, we now know that very little thought occurs when a man is using his low brain.” He read on. “But that is good. It is evidence of his compelling need to breed heirs with any fertile female he comes across.”
“Wait, is this condoning Gerald’s behavior?”
“Hell, no. He wasn’t in a lustful frenzy over Lady Alexandra. What he was doing was cold and calculated.”
“What about you, Ronan?” She no longer appeared stiff and tense, but had propped one elbow on the reading table and was resting her cheek on her hand.
“What about me?”
“Have you ever felt this way about a woman? So wild for her, you could not control yourself?”
“Perhaps when I was an idiot boy of fourteen. Women were new and fascinating creatures for me back then.”
“But the fascination quickly wore off?”
He laughed softly. “No, women remain a fascinating puzzle to me. But it did not take me long to move beyond the desire for a quick tumble. In any event, it is not in my nature to chase every woman I see.”
“Of course not. Why would you need to when they all come to you?”
“I assure you, they do not. Nor do I encourage them. At one time, I was content with meaningless dalliances, but I am well beyond that now. It is a natural progression, I think. To move beyond that low brain thinking and desire something more permanent. When I marry, I will be faithful to my wife. It is the Brayden way. It is my way.”
She shook her head and sighed. “Oh, Ronan. If only there were more men like you.”
“There are, Dahlia. Most are decent. You have only to look at the men in your family and mine to know good men exist.”
“What else does this book say?” She leaned over and read the next few lines aloud. “Love is a higher function of the brain. The important function that makes a man feel the need to protect his family. Wife and offspring. Otherwise, he’d merely spill his seed and then move on, leaving them to be eaten by wolves.”
She looked at him and laughed. “The author wrote this just for you. I’ve never met any man more ridiculously protective than you. Well, perhaps your brothers and cousins. But you aren’t smothering or unbearably jealous. Your natural instinct is to step in and shield those weaker than you whenever you sense danger. Your wife will be a very lucky woman. I know you will make her an excellent husband. I hope she appreciates you.”
Ronan said nothing, just read on. “The author explained the man’s low brain, that unthinking organ designed purely for the task of mating. But his high brain is what enables him to select the right mate for a lifetime. He was given a higher brain to enable him to love. That ability to love is why he stays loyal to his wife and offspring, in turn enhancing their chances of survival. However, before he reaches that upper function of intelligence, the man must first be attracted to the female on the simple brain level.”
He set the book aside a moment. “So we have gone in a circle. Low brain to high brain and back to the low brain again. I think this is a good point to pause and consider what we’ve learned so far.”
She groaned. “Are you going to test me on this?”
“In a way. I think we should discuss what traits we find attractive in each other.”
“Well, that’s easy enough. I can list a dozen of your attractive qualities off the top of my head. I’m the problem, aren’t I? What traits do I possess that would interest any man?”
“Stop beating yourself up, Dahlia. You are jesting, aren’t you? I can assure you, I will have no problem listing a dozen of your fine qualities.”
She rolled her eyes. “You do not need to be gentle with me, Ronan. I’ll learn nothing if you shield me from the truth.”
“I am not shielding you. Nor am I one to cajole or flatter. So, go ahead and list my attributes. Then I will have my turn and list yours. All right?”
“All right.” She took a long moment to study him. “You are handsome. You are intelligent. You are brave. You are protective. You are strong. You are patient, especially with me. Honestly, I don’t know why you’ve appointed yourself as my guardian angel, but I do appreciate it, especially after the incident. You are an excellent guardian angel. I’m glad you punched Gerald’s face. Does that count as a fine quality? I think it should.”
He nodded. “If you want it to count, then it counts.”
She shook her head and cast him a genuinely warm smile. “I like your rules. Let’s see, where was I? You have beautiful eyes. And a beautiful smile. And a beautiful face. Well, a handsome face. But it’s beautiful, too. Have I said handsome twice? I think I said it at the beginning. How many is that?”
“Ten, I think.”
“Very well, two more, and then it shall be your turn. You are a natural leader. You are noble. How’s that? I will forgive you if you cannot come up with twelve for me.”
“It won’t be hard. First, you have beautiful eyes. A beautiful body. Beautiful lips. I enjoyed kissing them.”
She gasped. “You did?”
“Yes, very much. Beautiful hair. Beautiful breasts. Don’t hit me, we have to be completely honest here.”
“Ronan!”
“Well, it is important to me. To any man. Isn’t this what we’ve just spent the last half hour talking about? My low brain responds favorably to your face and body. Why are you so surprised?”
“Gerald–”
“Bloody hell. Not him again. I don’t give a rat’s arse what Wainscott thinks. He cares only for himself. You and Lady Alexandra are mere pawns to him. Shall I go on with my list? You are smart. You have a good sense of humor. You are gentle. You are creative. You are talented.”
“Two more to go.”
“Easy. You are tenderhearted. You are an independent thinker. I’m not nearly done, but I’ve reached my twelve. Shall we move on to the next chapter?”
She nodded. “Thank you, Ronan. I appreciate what you said about my qualities.”
He placed his hand over hers. “It’s all true, Dahlia.”
She said nothing for a long moment, then her eyes began to tear up.
Bollocks. “Why are you crying?”
She emitted a ragged breath. “I don’t know...well...yes, I do. Gerald made me feel like rubbish beneath his boots. But you make me feel quite wonderful and special.”
“Because you are, Dahlia.” His hand was still on hers, so he gave it a little squeeze. “You are going to accomplish great things, I can see it in you. That rat-bastard, on the other hand, is going to live a miserable, unworthy life, detested by all, and he’ll probably die of the pox. Which will still be too gentle a punishment for him.”
Despite her tears, she laughed. “So, you still like him then?”
He chuckled. “As much as I ever did.”
CHAPTER SIX
Ronan returned home in the afternoon, curious whether his mother had spoken to her friend. He was satisfied with his progress on reading the book with Dahlia and was more certain than ever that he’d made the right decision by insisting they read it together. She was like a little bird, still learning how to fly and needing his help to soar. All she lacked was confidence in herself. For this reason, she dared not fly on her own for fear of suddenly plummeting.