Adrien said nothing.
This was so weird and not at all how I thought big families would act.
The healer released my wrists and smiled at me. “You are healed,” he said plainly.
Wow. That fast?
I unwrapped the bandages and gasped when I saw a few small pink scabs but nothing more.
“You’re incredible. Thank you,” I told him, wanting to hug him for taking all that pain and doing such a good job mending.
He bowed deeply to me and then Stryker held out a coin purse to him. “Payment.”
The healer’s gaze flicked to Adrien, who was glaring at his brother. “He’s on my staff. I pay him.”
Stryker kept the bag extended. “No, I know how much you need it.”
Adrien’s hand fisted. “That was two years ago! A small loan. And you acted as if I’d robbed you!”
Elisana’s hand snaked out and grabbed the bag of coins. “Thank you,” she said.
I hated her. I didn’t even know her and yet I hated her.
Stryker just shook his head in disbelief. “They always want money,” he said and slipped his hand into mine as he pulled me for the door.
My heart broke as I saw how damaged Stryker was. His brother asked for a small loan years ago and he cut off contact? That was crazy. That also might have been around the time his girlfriend tried to kill him and steal his wealth. I didn’t blame the guy for being skeptical, but this was family.
Still, I knew better than to say anything.
“Thank you both.” I curtsied lightly. I was, after all, a princess with manners.
Chapter 14
We rode in silence out of the gates and to a small town that had many cute shops I would have loved to explore if these were different circumstances. We found an inn with a tavern on the bottom floor. When we checked in at the front desk, they led us to the dining hall for dinner. It was packed with travelers and so Stryker asked for a private booth in the back.
After we ordered, I reached out to hold his hand but he quickly tucked his under the table.
Okay, not one for public displays of affection. Or did he regret that kiss? That made my heart feel like it was going to tear in half. Maybe he just needed time. He hadn’t called me little witch in a while, and I considered that a plus.
“I hate Elisana,” I announced, and he peered up at me keenly.
“Agreed.”
I wondered if he was being weird because he thought I needed his money like his ex-lover who betrayed him.
“And for what it’s worth, I’m rich too and will never need money from you,” I added.
His gaze flicked up to mine and amusement danced there. “Is that so?”
Just then the barmaid arrived, delivering our meal and drinks. I waited until she left before saying anything else.
“I’m just trying to show you that I don’t want you for your wealth,” I said as I took a spoonful of my soup.
He nodded, his expression unreadable. “I know. You haven’t yet tried to steal from me.”
I frowned. He was testing me? Waiting to see if I stole from him?
“Well,” I said, clearing my throat. “I just thought you should know that I have my own money.”
