Page 3 of Love Me Forever

She screamed herself into unconsciousness.

CHAPTER2

Brianna made her way out of the darkness. A nagging thought warned her to remain in the shelter of the shadows, but that was not possible. The light would bring her knowledge, and Moira had taught her that knowledge was important to survival.

She opened her eyes slowly and her surroundings rushed back to her, growing her anxious with fear. The hideous face she had last seen before unconsciousness claimed her loomed in her mind’s eye. And the realization that the grotesque man shared this lone cottage with her made her tremble with dread.

Was he merely a hapless victim of unfortunate circumstances? Or was his beating a justifiable punishment for a crime? She would not have her answers or ease her fear if she did not ask, but she found it difficult to speak. She was not certain if the lack of speech was due to her injuries or her fear of hearing unfavorable answers.

“I mean you no harm.”

His soft, deep voice startled her. It was much gentler than she had expected, but still she knew little of this man.

“I apologize for my appearance. I do not wish to frighten you.”

He offered her an explanation in a tender and caring tone and made no move to approach her. She had not expected thoughtfulness, and her anxiousness calmed, though it did not vanish. It lingered nearby along with apprehension.

He continued, his voice filled with a confident strength, yet touched with a soft concern. “I have recently seen a harsh battle and my wounds only begin to heal. Again, I mean you no harm. I but wish to help you. While your body shows no signs of broken bones, you have sustained a severe bruising to your chest and legs and need care.”

The thought that she was helpless upset Brianna, and tears trickled from her eyes, though she fought to keep them under control. It would do her no good to show this stranger weakness.

“My name is Royce, and I ask permission to tend to your needs.”

That he spoke the truth to her was obvious. She could not move without pain stabbing at her. But how could she allow this strange man to see to her every need? How could she bear the thought of being so vulnerable in front of him? Could she do nothing for herself?

Her Cameron pride made her attempt to at least sit up in the bed without any assistance. If she could accomplish that menial task, perhaps then she would not feel so helpless and dependent on this stranger.

She stubbornly moved her arms, though her chest ached from the effort, and when she attempted to brace them on the bed and move herself, a vicious stabbing pain knifed through her and forced a scream from her. She did not, however, count on the scream being his name.

He rushed to her side and took her hand, holding it gently while his other hand tenderly stroked her forehead.

“It is all right. Calm and the pain will subside. I am here and will care for you and protect you. Think naught but of my hand soothing your head and my voice that reaches out to you in concern. Tell me your name. I have wondered over it.”

She concentrated on his strong voice, and his confident touch comforted her. “I am Brianna.” She made no mention of her clan, for she did not know of his clan distinction, and there was much friction amongst Highland clans.

“A gentle name,” he said and stroked her face.

She kept her eyes closed, gaining the courage to look upon him. It was not that she thought him horrendous, though his fresh scars made him appear so. It was that she felt for his plight. He had suffered horribly, and the scars that remained attested to his horrific ordeal.

“It is kind of you to look after me.” Her pain was slowly ebbing, and she breathed more easily, though she would not surrender the comforting strength of his hand.

“I do not mind. You need me.”

She instantly responded, “Aye, I do, though I do not mean to be a burden.”

“I do not think of you as a burden, and I tend you most willingly.”

She was relieved to hear his truthful words. “I am grateful for you, but I must ask of the two men who were with me.”

A moment of silence preceded his answer. “I am sorry; they did not survive.”

She felt a sense of sorrow for her companions. They were good men and free of family so there was no particular person who would mourn their loss, though the clan would. All members of the clan were considered family, and all mourned when someone passed.

“They were good men.”

“Then they will be missed.”

“Aye, they will,” she said softly and offered a silent prayer for their souls.