Page 123 of Love Me Forever

The two men glared at her.

It was Ian who spoke. “You may go as far as our home.”

Moira did not protest. It was where she wished to be.

“You will take care, the two of you, and see to bringing Brianna home safe.”

“That I promise you,” Royce said with a strength that sent a shiver through Moira. Within the hour they were gone, their pace steady and their destination known.

* * *

“No complaints, dear wife?”Arran asked riding beside her.

Her back hurt, she was tired and concerned for her unborn child, but she had no intentions of telling him.

“None.”

He looked disappointed. “Good, then we will continue to ride.”

They would have continued to ride no matter her response, so she paid him no heed. Silence had always been her ally when dealing with her husband, and she expected it to remain her ally. Besides, her mind was preoccupied with thoughts of Royce. She knew he would search for her, and it was only a matter of time before he found her. Until then she had to remain strong and courageous for herself and the babe.

“You were not a proper wife.”

She knew he intended to torment her, so she refrained from responding, though she had to bite her tongue. That gave her courage, for she had never before thought to disagree with him.

“Instead of mourning me, you found another man.”

Very much a man, she wished to say. Instead she shrugged. “He found me.”

“And you expect him to find you again?” He laughed. “I think the babe will arrive before he does.”

His remark startled and frightened her. What if Royce could not find her? Soon after they left the keep, Arran’s band of men divided their intention to divert Royce away from Arran. She did not think it would work; he was too much a seasoned warrior to be so easily misled. And she would not allow herself to believe otherwise, which was what Arran intended.

Royce would come for her; she was certain. Until then she would be patient and keep herself safe.

‘Tell me of my funeral,” Arran asked. “Was it well attended?”

She stared at her husband for a moment, wondering what it was that she had found so attractive about him. He was selfish, arrogant, and cruel, and his features were far less appealing to her. She must have been blind when she thought herself in love with him. Now he was simply repulsive to her.

“I asked you a question,” he said, reaching out to grab her arm.

Her reaction was quick, and she moved out of his reach. “I did not attend your funeral.”

His face grew scarlet. “You dishonored my death?”

“You dishonor yourself.”

He attempted to ride closer to her, but he had forgotten what an excellent horsewoman she was, and she skillfully maneuvered her horse away from him with little difficulty.

“I am an honorable man and do what is necessary when others refuse to.”

“You are deceitful and selfish.”

“How dare you speak to me with such insolence,” Arran said his fury on the edge of erupting.

Brianna wisely bit back her response. She was all too familiar with the consequences.

“Why did you not attend my funeral?” he asked.