Page 94 of Love Me Forever
“You carry my child,” he reminded, his hand settling over her stomach.
She covered his hand with hers.
“Both of you are mine.”
She did not know how to respond. What did she do when she carried the child of the man she loved and was married to a man she despised? And what if her brother imprisoned Arran for his crimes? She remained legally wed to him and was not a free woman. Did she go with Royce and live in sin?
“There is much to be discussed and decided,” she said, hoping that somehow a satisfying conclusion could be reached.
“The only discussion necessary is when you will be ready for departure.”
“I cannot run away.”
“We have a right to be together.” He sounded angry, but Brianna knew he suffered.
“Until this is settled you and I have no right. Please, Royce, be patient. I fear losing you.”
He took her in his arms and held her close. “You will not lose me; this I promise you.”
A knock on the door interrupted them. Moira peeked around the edge. “I do not wish to disturb you, but Ian wishes to speak with Royce.”
“Not me?” Brianna asked.
Moira entered, shaking her head. “He feels you have been through enough for today and that tomorrow is soon enough to speak with you.”
“Your brother is right,” Royce said, reluctantly releasing her. “This has been upsetting for you. Relax. I will return when I am done.”
Brianna voiced her irritation. “This is my life, my decision.”
Royce disagreed. “You are my wife and my responsibility. I will see to this.”
His command did not sit well with her. For too long decisions had been made for her and always in her best interest. Not until she was free of Arran, and on her own, did she realize how much she enjoyed her independence. She did not wish to lose that now, not after it had taken her so long to regain it.
“This is for me to decide.” She was firm. No tremble or shiver threatened to weaken her.
Royce wisely chose patience over anger. “We love each other, Brianna and, therefore, requires a mutual decision between us and us alone.”
He was right. This decision would affect them both and their child. She could not be selfish about it, but then, she should not be disregarded.
“That is all the more reason why I should be present when you and Ian speak.”
A sensible retort but one Royce did not agree with, though he remained patient. “Allow me to speak with your brother, and then we both will speak with him together.”
“If you speak with him alone, then I speak with him alone. We are either together or not.”
His patience was beginning to thin. “There are some things men discuss that are not for women to hear.”
“If it concerns me, I wish to hear it.”
Moira had remained silent until now. “I agree with you, Brianna. If a woman does not speak and demand, her life will never be hers.”
Royce knew when he was outnumbered. “Let me speak with Ian and?—”
“Let us all join Ian,” Moira said, walking over to Brianna and hooking her arm with hers.
He was wise enough to realize he had lost the skirmish and wondered if Ian would be more victorious, though having grown to know Moira, he doubted it.
Royce walked to the door and held it open. “After you, ladies.”
