Page 19 of Love Me Forever

He would be there for her always.

Why?

She spoke, thinking she was in a dream. “Why are you so good to me?”

Her question startled him, and her next question startled him even more.

“Why do you care for me?”

CHAPTER7

Why do you care for me?

The question echoed through his mind as he prepared the rabbit stew, and he thought of many answers to the simple question, though one answer haunted him.

He cared for her because he cared, actually cared for her as a man would for a woman. The thought troubled him. He had not allowed himself to care for any woman. His life had been one of constant battles. He had learned to fight at a young age, his clan expecting it of him. He had known he would follow in his father’s footsteps one day, and he would be no less the great warrior than his father had been. His father had often told him that he, his son, would surpass him in strength and courage.

He had worked hard, and women were of little importance to him except to satisfy a need. He had no time to give women, no time to care for them. He had a responsibility to clan and family, and he had taken it seriously.

Until this last battle.

The battle had forced him to seek solitude and reconsider his own beliefs. His thoughts had tormented him, and he wanted nothing more than to be alone with his own agonies.

Then he found Brianna.

He could not say what it was about her that made him want to care for her and protect her. He only knew that he needed to, he had to, he wanted to. She seemed as alone and lonely as he did, and he felt he found in her a kindred spirit.

She relied on his tenderness, his gentle touch, and she sought the comfort and safety of his arms nightly. She did not fear him, though his face could cause fear.

He touched his fingers to his lips. The swelling had subsided,

and the wound had begun to heal. It would not leave a scar. He was, however, not as lucky with the other wounds. He would be left with a reminder of a battle he wished to forget.

He placed the pot of stew over the flames to cook, and then sat in the chair near the hearth. His thoughts were chaotic, he could not seem to focus, and he grew tired of the warring in his head. It took only minutes for his eyes to grow heavy, and without thought he walked to the bed and stretched out beside Brianna, falling asleep instantly.

Brianna woke to a delicious smell and comfortable warmth. She snuggled against the warm bundle, and arms wrapped around her and squeezed her gently. She looked up to see Royce, his eyes opening slowly. When he saw her, he smiled and brought his lips to her forehead.

It was a loving kiss he placed there, and she sighed with the comfort it brought her. His arms remained firm around her as though he did not wish to let her go, and that was all right with her. She felt good in his arms, and she had no wish to leave them, though her stomach rumbled to let her know otherwise.

“You are hungry?” He kissed her forehead again.

“My stomach protests, I do not. I like where I am.”

“You like my arms?” He sounded as though he did not believe her.

“Aye, that I do,” she said and rested her head on his shoulder. “I feel safe in your arms.”

My arms will always keep you safe. His silent response startled him. He knew her but a week’s time and he thought of her as his? He was being foolish in his thinking. He was merely lonely and she filled a void.

Foolish.

Was he being more foolish than he realized?

“You are safe in my arms. I will allow no harm to come to you.”

“I believe you,” she said on a sigh and cuddled closer to him, wedging her body against his. “And I” —she paused briefly, thinking over her next words— “trust you.”

He made to answer, but she continued. “I know you dictate to me out of concern and tend to me because you care. Your touch is respectful and you do not dishonor me. I am grateful that you are such an honorable man.”