Page 96 of Love Me Forever
Royce lost all patience. “Do as you will with Arran, but Brianna leaves here tonight with me.”
“That is not wise,” Ian said firmly. “Until this is settled, Brianna should remain here.”
“And be sentenced to imprisonment along with Arran? For she will never be free as long as he remains alive.”
“I understand your concern,” Ian said, remaining calm. “But Arran will not be able to tolerate imprisonment for long, and he will make an unwise move.”
“Until then you expect Brianna and me to wait?”
“I ask for patience from you both.”
There was no patience in Royce’s response. “Your sister carries my child; time is limited.”
Brianna could not prevent the strong yawn that attacked her, and she suddenly felt weary and wanted nothing more but to seek her bed. She rested her body against Royce.
He felt her weariness and grew concerned, scooping her up into his arms. “She has had enough for one day.”
Ian nodded. “I agree. She should rest. We will talk tomorrow.”
‘Tomorrow,” Royce said and left the room, hugging Brianna close to him.
He placed her on her bed, tucking a wool blanket around her. “I will return in a few moments and help settle you for the night.”
She yawned again. “I do not wish to sleep alone, not tonight.”
“I will return, I promise.” He kissed her cheek.
Brianna fell into a troubled sleep, drifting in and out of wakefulness. She wanted Royce to return; she missed his warmth and the comfort of his body beside her.
A sound alerted her to his presence, and she waited for him to join her.
“Brianna,” he whispered in her ear.
She turned from her side to her back, and as soon as she did so, she was scooped up into his arms.
He held her close. “It is time for us to leave.”
CHAPTER26
By the time Brianna roused herself enough to respond, Royce was carrying her out of the keep.
“What are you doing?”
A cloak was thrown around her just before they left the keep, muffled voices followed them, and the cold night air stung her cheeks.
Having received no answer, she asked again, “What are you doing?”
“We are leaving here.”
“I cannot?—”
“I can,” Royce said with a strength that sent a chill through Brianna, though she preferred to think it was the cold night air that gave her the shivers.
“Royce—”
He gave her no time to object. “We leave here now. I will have it no other way.”
How did she make him see reason? How could she convince him this was not a wise choice?
