Forever My Love (Historical Romance) Read Free Page A

it vexing that he had ensconced himself at the head of the table in her father's chair.
    Cousin Victor's wife, Mary, was seated at the opposite end of the table. The woman was tall and thin, with black hair and equally black eyes. If she ever spoke, it was in a voice so low one had to lean close to hear her. There was a pinched look about her lips, and when she smiled it looked forced. There was a greedy light in her eyes as they darted about the room, assessing the worth of the furnishings.
    Since Royal was seated beside their son Simon, she was forced to peep up at him from under her lashes. He was the oldest of Cousin Victor's children—she judged him to be in his early twenties. His hair was dark, and he had his mother's black eyes, while he was portly like his father. Royal found him watching her, and for some reason his close scrutiny repulsed her. He smiled smugly when she jerked away from the pressure of his leg when it brushed against hers.
    Royal deliberately moved her chair away from Simon and turned her attention to her meal. She absently picked up her fork and pushed the meat around on her plate, wishing dinner was over so she could retreat to her room.
    So completely had Victor Bradford taken over that Royal was beginning to feel like an outsider in her own home. Yesterday she had discovered him in the library going through her father's private papers. When she had objected, he had accused her of being a meddlesome child who needed discipline and had sent her to her room.
    Now the tension deepened as Victor cleared his throat to speak. "What do you think of my son Simon?" he asked in a slow drawl, while watching Royal carefully. "I know he is older than you, but I believe, on observing your character, that you will need an older man to curb your headstrong ways."
    Not understanding where the conversation was leading, Royal glanced at the three who were watching her intently, awaiting her answer. "I hardly know your son, sir." She glanced at Simon with repugnance. "But I do not believe we shall ever become good friends," she declared with an honesty that came from the fact that her father had always encouraged her to speak her mind. "And, yes, he is much older than myself."
    Victor shrugged, feeling undaunted by her renunciation of his son. "Given time, you and Simon will come to know each other." He smiled slowly. "It is not unusual for cousins to marry. Especially since you and Simon are cousins three times removed."
    Horror spread across Royal's features when she realized it was Victor's intention that she marry his odious son. She heard Alba drop a pewter serving dish, which clattered noisily across the floor.
    Jumping to her feet, Royal declared hotly: "I am too young to consider marriage to anyone, sir! And I can assure you that if I were to marry, it would not be to your son!"
    Victor had expected her objection and was unconcerned by her outburst. "Don't be too certain, my dear," he said calmly, wiping his mouth on a napkin, then folding it and placing it beside his plate.
    Royal started to object, but he silenced her with the wave of his hand.
    "You may as well know, young lady," he continued, oblivious of Royal's stricken expression, "that I will not tolerate your disrespect. It is obvious that your father has allowed you too many liberties, a situation which I shall soon rectify. I consider that I am already your guardian, and as such, I shall decide what is best for your future. And if I find it is in your best interests to marry my son—which I'm sure I shall—you will marry him. Make no mistake about that."
    "The mistake is yours, Cousin Victor, if you think I would ever marry someone like your son." Her gaze brushed Simon's face, and she shuddered.
    A leering smile twisted Simon's thick lips as he insultingly assessed her yet undeveloped young body. "You're not much of a prize yourself, Royal," he said, undaunted by her obvious dislike. "You're impudent, bad-tempered, and too skinny for my taste,