Page 38 of Love Me Forever

“Aye. And a fine job you were doing of it.”

She shook her head in disbelief, then stopped and asked, “Was I?”

He took her hand and slowly, so that the choice was hers to follow, brought her hand to rest over the hard length of him.

“Oh,” she said and kept her hand on him, her own desire soaring at the thought that she could affect him so. She did not intend to stroke him, but it felt so natural and he felt so very good to the touch.

“You really are going to be in trouble if you keep that up.”

She hastily pulled her hand away and offered him an apology. “I am sorry. I do not?—”

He stopped her. “Do not apologize for desiring me. I love when you kiss me and when you touch me.”

‘Truly?” She sounded stunned.

“Aye, truly,” he assured her.

She leaned to her side, her face scrunching in discomfort.

“Your back troubles you?”

“Aye, it pains me.”

“Back to bed,” he said firmly and stood to scoop her up into his arms and place her in bed, pulling the blankets up around her and arranging the pillows comfortably beneath her head.

She reached for his hand before he could move away. “I do not understand my feelings.”

“You will in time.”

“But is there enough time?” She sounded anxious, concerned, and almost fearful that they would not have enough time together.

He leaned down close and rubbed his cheek to hers. ‘Trust me; I will make certain we have enough time.”

“My brother will find me soon enough.”

“Aye, he will, but by then this will be settled between you and me.” He rubbed his cheek to hers once again.

“Now rest, you have had a busy time.” He left her side, though he did not want to. He would have preferred to remain beside her, snuggled against her, holding her and loving her. But at the moment that would not be a wise choice.

He kept himself busy cleaning up the bowls and cloths and preparing the evening meal for them. She dozed as he knew she would; though she insisted she was fine, her body continued to heal and often sought rest.

His mind stayed busy along with his hands. There was much they needed to discuss, though he doubted words would settle anything at the moment. Their emotions seemed to have the upper hand, and that was unusual for him. Sound reason, diligent thought, and right action always made for wise choices.

Presently, he lacked sound reason, his thoughts were chaotic, and right action was the farthest thing from his mind. So then, would his choice be unwise? He had to smile to himself, recalling that a wide grin would not help his lip.

Everything he felt for Brianna was right, good, and wise. She was meant for him and he was meant for her. He thought not how others would react, for their feelings did not concern him. He would deal with her brother when the time came, though he doubted he would meet resistance. Her brother sounded as though he loved his sister very much and wished only for her happiness. And by the time her brother found them or he returned her to him, it would be obvious how they felt for each other.

It would all work out given time. He was positive, therefore he ignored the nagging little voice that reminded him that he should tell her more about himself. The fact that she accepted him now as he was surely meant that she would accept all of who he was.

“Royce.”

He looked over at her. She pushed her dark hair away from her face and rubbed the sleep from her eyes. She looked beautiful, innocent, and sensual as she roused herself from her slumber, and he felt an overwhelming urge to protect her and make love to her.

He contained his emotion, difficult as it was.

“I am so thirsty; could I trouble you for a drink?”

“You never trouble me, Brianna,” he said, moving about to fix a favorite herbal brew she had taught him to prepare.