Page 6 of Love Me Forever

“I am here,” he said softly and took her hand.

She grasped on to him. “You are not a dream.”

He kept the smile from his swollen lip. She actually thought him a dream and not a nightmare. She did possess a courageous heart.

“Nay, I am not a dream. I am real.”

“Can I trust you?”

He wondered if she had meant to voice her question, for it was filled with doubt.

He leaned down close to her ear and whispered, “Aye, Brianna, you can trust me with your deepest darkest secrets. I will never betray your trust. Never.”

“Promise?”

“Promise,” he whispered and brushed a tender kiss across her cheek.

She sighed contentedly and turned, tucking herself against his chest.

She was warm and soft, and though he had wished for solitude, he suddenly ached for the nearness of her. He stretched out beside her and wrapped a gentle arm around her, and for the first time in days he fell into a restful slumber.

CHAPTER3

Royce slowly spooned the broth into Brianna’s mouth. With the first delicious taste she realized she was hungry, and she eagerly waited for each spoonful. He was patient with her, taking his time, not forcing her to hurry.

She had not expected that of him; he was, after all, a warrior. She did not think patience was a warrior’s trait. They seemed ever ready to charge into battle thinking little of the consequences. She was discovering that he was a far different warrior than most.

‘Tell me when you have had enough,” he said.

She kept steady eyes on him where he sat beside her on the bed with bowl in hand. His ravaged face was familiar to her now, and she did not think to look away in horror.

“It is good.”

Royce tried to smile, but his mending lips allowed but a brief curve before the pain forced compliance. “It is a simple broth and will help you to gain strength.”

“You need to gain strength as well,” she said, acknowledging that she was not the only one who required healing.

“We can mend together.”

“But I can do nothing to help you mend.”

He heard the disappointment in her voice and was surprised that even in her painful state she gave his wounds concern. “You provide me with companionship.”

“A companion who must have constant care.”

“Enjoy my attention, for I am not known for it.”

She caught the gleam in his dark green eyes and realized he teased her. She smiled before accepting another spoonful of broth.

A sudden gust of wind whipped around outside the small cottage and was followed by a clap of thunder. Raindrops fell hard after that, and soon the steady downpour took on a soothing rhythm as darkness covered the land.

She relaxed and found it easy to ask him, “What are you known for?”

He could not help but grin and suffered the price. His swollen lip throbbed with pain and he winced.

“Are you all right?” she asked anxiously.

“I am but reminded that pride is a sin.”