Page 35 of Love Me Forever
“You are only vulnerable if you allow yourself to be so.
“I was helpless and vulnerable when you found me.”
‘True,” he said, “but you made your strength known and fought through the pain with courage. You protected yourself through mind and spirit. You were not as vulnerable as you thought.”
“You were a gentleman. I was lucky you found me. Someone of less dubious character could have come upon me. Then what of my fate?”
He smiled. “Somehow I think you would have survived no matter the circumstances.”
“You have much faith in my strength.”
“You have not enough, and that makes me understand you more than you understand yourself.”
She laughed. “I do so enjoy talking with you.”
“There, you know something about me.”
“I think I know some things about you. You are kind and caring, strong and brave. You have a loving heart that you keep closely guarded, and you dearly loved your grandmother.”
“You do know me,” he insisted.
“I know not of the battle that left you so badly scarred.”
He grew silent, his dark eyes staring at her but not seeing her. When he responded, it was blunt. “I do not wish to speak of it.”
She simply nodded.
“There is much for us to think on.”
“I agree, but” —she grinned like a child not sure she should ask a question— “will you still kiss me?”
His grin was as childish as hers. “I was hoping you would want me to.”
“I do,” she said with excitement.
“Now?”
“Aye. Now would be good,” she said, a brief nod confirming her own words.
He wasted not a moment. He brought his lips to hers with haste, too hasty for a wounded lip. He yelped and drew quickly away from her, his hand hurrying to his lip.
“You have hurt yourself,” she said, her hand rushing to his.
“I am fine,” he stubbornly insisted, though he felt the blood begin to drip on his hand.
“Let me see.” She was as adamant as he was stubborn. She tugged at his hand. “Let me see.” She was no match for his strength; try as she might, she could not move his hand.
He attempted to move away from her, not wanting her to see the blood, but he was not quick enough. His blood slipped between his fingers to slowly run down his hand.
“You are bleeding!” Brianna cried out as though he suffered a fate worse than death. She shoved the blankets away from her and scrambled to climb out of bed.
“Stay where you are,” he ordered firmly.
“I certainly will not. You need help.” She tried to climb over him.
He stopped her, his strong arm going around her waist. “Stay put.”
His words were mumbled, and she looked at him with alarm. The blood was running rapidly down his hand, and soon he would have trouble containing it.
