“I am not fit for the likes of an innocent such as you. Sweet little Kate. Cosseted and cherished by her family,” he added. “Go away and do not return, or the big bad wolf will part your legs and take you.”
He’d wanted to shock her—anything to keep her away, stop this madness he felt when she was near from making him do something he’d regret.
“You c-could not manage the act in your condition.”
She raised her chin, but Rory saw her bravery was false. He had to admire her for trying.
“I could have you in any condition, but I don’t dally with pampered innocents. Now leave me.”
“Very well, I will go, but I shall say one thing before I do.”
“I want to hear nothing you say.” He tried to look bored.
“I’m sure you are a good man, Rory Huntington, and I am not scared that you will hurt me, nor that you want to push me away with vulgar words.”
He turned onto his side, away from her, and did not roll back until he heard the door close. When it opened again minutes later, his visitor was less welcome.
“Go away.”
“After you have taken the tea. Can you sit up?”
Max moved to his bedside to look down at him. The breath hissed from Rory’s throat as he eased himself upright.
“I can help.”
“I don’t want anything from you.” He held out a hand and took the cup.
His brother had changed from the young angry man who had left France many years before. The hard edges of his face had eased and softened. Clearly Max had moved on from the rough, unforgiving life he’d once lived. Moved on from them, him and Maddie, their sister.
Rory had watched him sail away all those years ago and hated the tears he’d shed. Max had turned his back on family and left them with a woman who cared nothing for them but what they could gain her.
His brother was bigger, and there was an assured strength about him now that had not been there before. A calmness too.
“My wife told me you must drink it all.”
The words shocked him. Rory had believed that like him, Max would never marry. Never want what others had. He let none of that emotion show on his face.
“How does the injury feel? Kate said you are not feverish, and it does not appear inflamed.”
“I will leave soon.”
“Of course, if that is your wish.”
“It is.”
Max looked steadily down at him, and Rory closed all the anger and resentment for this man deep inside him once more. Hid it all away in that dark place that harbored all his secrets.
“How is Maddie?”
“Alive.”
“And well?” Max questioned him in that same calm voice. Once, he’d yelled and been volatile; it seemed that was no longer the case.
“Married.”
That surprised him. Good, the bastard needed shocking.
“Is he a good man?”
