An Unlikely Alliance (House of Renwick #2.5)(17)
Author: Rachel Van Dyken

Her response was clipped.

"If you’re too tired, Evelyn, we can go back." He wanted to kick himself as he watched her shoulders slump even more. Something was wrong. It was probably him. Wasn’t it always him? "What did you do this afternoon, love?"

"I went shopping." Licking her lips, she met his eyes.

He nodded and smiled. "Ah, yes, shopped the day of the ball. Whatever did you shop for?"

"A mask for the Valentine’s Ball."

"It is a lovely mask." The tension in the carriage was awkward. Clearing his throat, he pried further. "And where else did you shop?"

"Franklins glove store, the one on the other side of town."

Something wasn’t right. As the carriage rumbled to a stop it hit him.

"The glove store on the other side of town? The same glove store next to the disreputable areas? This afternoon?" Leaning in as he questioned her, he noticed Evelyn’s lip quiver. She turned away and stepped out of the carriage.

"It’s not what you think." Desperately Royce tried to sound reassuring, even though everything inside him screamed, "Idiot!"

Evelyn nodded and smiled as they donned their masks and walked into the great entryway. After they were properly introduced, Royce held out his arm and led her into the ballroom. Brilliant colors of red and white were littered everywhere within the ballroom. It was a romantic’s dream come alive. It was supposed to be the perfect night for him and Evelyn, but instead he sensed her pulling away from him.

Evelyn tensed next to him "Maybe they’ll be dancing; we should split up…"

"Don’t. Evelyn, you need to know the truth. What happened. I can explain."

Pulling away from him, she said through her teeth, "I think I’ve seen enough to come to my own conclusions, Royce."

Insanity seeped into his brain again. Upset more at himself than at poor Evelyn, he did the only thing he knew to do. He grabbed her arm and began pulling her past shocked guests. He led her down the hall and threw open the first door he found. Luckily it was unoccupied.

"Sit." His voice was commanding.

She followed orders but still refused to meet his gaze.

"Evelyn, look at me." She shook her head and clenched her fists. "Evelyn, look at me right now. Let me explain myself, and then you can be angry. I’ll even let you take my pistol if it makes you feel better."

"Do I get to point and shoot, Royce?"

He chuckled. "That’s my girl. Yes, you get to point and shoot. Just try not to look so thrilled about it." He lifted a silent prayer that God would give him words. "Evelyn, I love you. I’m an idiot and a fool, and I love you. I can’t imagine spending my life with anyone but you."

Tears streamed down her cheeks, but he pressed on. "I was at Madame’s house today in the broad daylight, where anyone could see me, and I didn’t care. Do you know why I didn’t care?"

She swallowed.

"I didn’t care because I don’t want that life anymore. I can’t even believe it was me living that life. I let my family down; I let down the woman I would one day love, and I hate myself for it. I went to let go of my past. To apologize to both women whom I’ve hurt. Yes, one of them ran after me, but it was only to say thank you."

His shoulders trembled as he knelt on the floor before Evelyn. "I’m the worst type of man. But you make me want to be better. Being with you makes me better. I’m better than this. I let a time of grief over my father dictate my choices. And for that I’m sorry, because it shows you my weak character. I love you, Evelyn. And…" he took another deep breath. "I want to make you my wife. Forever. I want to bind myself to you for eternity. I want to spend my life serving you rather than myself. I want to put your needs before my own. I want—"

"Shh!" Evelyn’s fingers brushed his lips. They tasted of salt and … dare he hope? Forgiveness. He did hope, for he never wanted to be the cause of her tears again.

"I love you, too."

"What?" Voice hoarse, he gazed into her eyes. "What did you say?"

"I love you—"

He didn’t wait. Kissing her lips first, then her eyes, then her neck. He covered her with reckless abandon.

Royce lifted her off of the small chair and carried her to the sofa. Reluctantly he pulled back and gazed at her grief-stricken face. "I never want you to cry again. If you cry again, I might have to jump in front of a moving carriage. I cannot handle your tears."

Evelyn laughed a rich laugh and pulled him toward her. "Then you shall have to try to make me so very happy, future husband, for I would hate to see you injured by a carriage."

"Well, when I said carriage, I meant a small carriage—pulled by donkeys, not horses—so, in all honesty, I’m not sure how injured I would be. Maybe a swollen ankle you could nurse back to health with your kisses, or your body, or—"

Evelyn silenced him with a kiss. Growling, he pulled at her hair, allowing it to fall across her shoulders. "My God above, you are beautiful."

Lifting an eyebrow, she touched his face. "I hope that was said in reverence."

He rested his forehead on hers and whispered, "Oh, it was, my love. It was."

Chapter Fourteen

"I knew it! I just knew it!" Mr. De Jarlias’ voice boomed into the room, nearly giving Royce a heart attack. Thanking his lucky stars that it wasn’t anyone else who could easily ruin Evelyn’s reputation, he let out the breath he had been holding.

Then he saw Mr. De Jarlias’ face. Royce glanced down at Evelyn with new eyes and suddenly realized what it must look like. Royce on top of Evelyn. Her hair down around her shoulders, face entirely flushed and lips swollen, and naturally, Royce’s hands were resting dangerously close to Evelyn’s br**sts.

Perfect.

At least he had a chance at love before he was shot.

Slowly, as to prolong the time before his demise, he pushed away from the sofa and walked the plank towards Mr. De Jarlias. It was at that moment his mother walked in and gasped.

Make that two killings in one night. If it was possible to be killed twice, that is.

He opened his mouth to speak just as Mr. De Jarlias opened his.

"By all means…" Royce said, allowing him to speak.

"You must marry at once!"

"Oh." Royce looked at Evelyn and laughed. "Whatever shall we do, Evelyn?" His voice dripped with sarcasm, and he winked.

Evelyn, wide-eyed, gasped then and cried, "Are you sure, Daddy?"

"Oh, I’m sure!" Apparently Southerners could yell quite loudly.