Page 76 of Love Me Forever

He bore down on her and Brianna saw the anger in his eyes. She also saw his disappointment. She had hurt him and in hurting him she had hurt herself. Her heart ached for him and for her.

She did what she always did when she needed him. She called his name and it trembled on her lips, and tears once again threatened to spill. “Royce!”

“Damn,” he mumbled, catching sight of her tears and hearing the desperation in her voice. He opened his arms to her and she ran to him.

He hugged her tightly, her cries muffled against his chest.

Ian and Blair joined their wives, each receiving a poke to their ribs for grinning so widely.

“I will miss you,” he said, his hand stroking her back.

“And I you,” she said, raising her head to look at him.

Her bright blue eyes sparkled from her tears, her creamy cheeks were flushed a soft pink, and her lips begged to be kissed.

She did not wait for him. She kissed him like a woman too long denied. They held tight to each other, and their kiss ignited their passion.

He grabbed her face with a gentle firmness. “I do not want to leave you.”

Her own tears annoyed her, for she did not seem to have control of them, and his words worried her, for once again the thought that they would not be together haunted her.

“I will not be gone long,” he said, his hand moving to circle her waist. “And we will marry upon my return.”

She did not argue with him; the choice would be hers. She rested her head to his chest.

“You will rest and take care of yourself while I am gone.” He was firm in his edict.

That brought her head up with a snap. “I will do as I please.”

He laughed. “Aye, I know you will, but you will answer to me if there are consequences to your actions.”

She was about to object when she decided that if she was answerable, then so was he. “And you will answer to me.”

She heard her brother and Blair laugh along with Royce.

Brianna stepped away from him, or at least she attempted to. He was too quick and too strong. She was locked in his arms before she took one step.

He kissed her soundly, hugged her close, and whispered, “I will answer to you anytime.”

“You promise?”

“Aye, I promise. Now kiss me good-bye.”

She hesitated. Once she kissed him… he would be gone.

He rubbed his cheek to hers. “I will return soon.”

She brushed her lips over his before kissing him as though she never wanted him to leave her. They hugged each other tightly before they parted, and he mounted his horse.

Royce looked to Ian. ‘Take care of her.”

Ian nodded. “She will be safe.”

He looked to Brianna one last time and then turned and rode off.

She stood staring at him until he was out of sight, and then she began to cry again.

Ian started walking toward her but Moira stopped him.