Page 81 of Love Me Forever

He was in essence a stranger to her, and she moved even closer to her brother.

Ian placed a comforting arm around his sister, offering his protection and support.

Royce walked forward with an arrogant confidence and an eagerness that could not be denied. He was happy and eager to see her, and he made no pretense of his feelings. He tempered his stride when he saw the hesitancy in her eyes and the way she remained near to her brother.

He remained confident when he addressed Ian. “It is good to be back.”

Ian extended his hand. “It is good to have you back.”

Their hands fell away, and Royce looked to Brianna. “I have missed you.”

She spoke truthfully. “You look different.”

“I have healed, but I am who I have always been.” He should have patience. He had warned himself of its necessity, but standing here in front of her after having thought about her endlessly for the last several weeks made patience near impossible. “We need to talk.”

“You and your men must be hungry and tired,” Brianna said, hoping to delay speaking with him privately.

“My men will eat and rest in time. Right now I wish for us to speak.”

Brianna sounded as adamant as he did. “Eat and rest first—we can talk later.”

Royce had not waited these many weeks to return to her only to have her ignore him. He had expected a different welcome, a much warmer and loving welcome, and he found his patience dwindling rapidly.

Ian stepped forward, actually stepping between them. “A brief rest might prove beneficial to all.”

Royce would not disrespect Ian, and feeling as though he were ready to force the issue, he thought it best to agree. “As you wish.”

Brianna made haste to leave. “I will see to the food.”

Ian allowed his sister her way, though Royce made certain he was heard. “We will speak later, Brianna.”

She did not acknowledge him but simply hurried from the room, with Moira close behind.

Royce was blunt. “Does Brianna carry my child?”

“I do not know,” Ian said. “She has not spoken of it to me or my wife.”

Royce rubbed his chin hard. “She is stubborn beyond reason. I had thought this time apart might make her miss me.

“She has missed you.”

“She avoids me.” He pointed to where Brianna had disappeared beyond a door.

“Give her time,” Ian advised.

“I have given her enough time,” Royce said, and without a glance to Ian, went in search of Brianna.

She had barely stopped in the kitchen to announce that they had guests when she hurried out and circled around the great hall so that she could retreat to her bedchamber. She could feign an illness for the evening and put off speaking to Royce until tomorrow or perhaps the next day. She only knew that she did not wish to speak with him right now.

He looked so different to her, as though he were a complete stranger. She had thought he would heal and had hoped he would heal well. He had, his fine features returning in force and leaving him as handsome as ever. She had not thought to deal with that, and it had upset her.

She told herself he was not a different man. Looking at him, however, she could not easily convince herself of that. All she knew was that he was completely different from the man who so lovingly tended her in the cottage.

She slipped quietly into her bedchamber, closed the door behind her, and there she waited.

Moira came to her some time later. “He searched for you and grows impatient.”

Brianna sat on the bed, her legs crossed, hugging a pillow and remaining silent.