Page 40 of Never Kiss a Scot
Lennox shot him a look, then focused back on his sister. “Very well. So you married him, and from what I understand it cannot be annulled.”
“No, it can’t.” She did not wilt under Ashton’s disapproving gaze this time. She seemed different. Not because she had slept with Brock, but because she had taken her destiny into her own hands and had done what she wanted. Brock imagined it must have felt empowering for her. At least, he hoped she felt empowered.
Lennox was still scowling at her. “And you won’t come home, even if I beg?”
“No, and I know you wouldn’t beg—you’d simply command me. But you can’t now. I’m a married woman, like Thomasina.”
“Thomasina chose a safer husband than you did.”
Brock tried not to scowl at Lennox. The man seemed to have no problem insulting him. It was a very good thing he could control his temper, because by his count he owed Lennox a couple of good punches.
“Who I married was always my choice, Ashton. I’m quite content with my decision. If you cannot accept it, then perhaps you should leave.” Joanna raised her chin, not in a silly childish way, but in a womanly way that told Lennox he no longer held any power over her. Brock had to bite his lip to keep from grinning. He had married a warrior, and she was battling her brother quite well.
“Jo…I don’t want to leave.” Lennox’s tone softened. “I want to make sure you’re happy, that you’re well. I don’t want you to end up brokenhearted when you learn Kincade only married you for your money.”
Joanna’s spine stiffened. Brock could see it in the sudden rigid posture of her body.
“Howdareyou,” she warned in a soft tone. “That is no longer your business. It is a matter between me and my husband.” She looked over at Brock. “I’m going back to our room to pack our things. We shall not stay the night after all. I want to leave at once and see my new home.” She stomped past him, as fierce as a warrior queen of old dismissing her unruly generals.
Brock tugged on his waistcoat and then met Lennox’s pointed stare.
“If you’ll excuse me, I must go hire a coach.” He paused, clearing his throat. “Please don’t make her sad, Lennox. Go make amends with her. She’s in the last room on the left.” Then he walked past the League and headed toward the stables again.
No one tried to stop him.
15
Joanna was so angry and upset that she was shaking. This was her wedding day! She should have been enraptured, wrapped in her husband’s arms, relishing the intimacy of their bed, the feel of the fire from the fireplace and the wine sweetening Brock’s lips as they kissed. She was not supposed to be dealing with her bloody stubborn brother and his nonsensical ideas about what was best for her.
When she heard the knock, she thought it was Brock and hastily opened the door. Ashton stood there, one hand flat on the doorjamb. She was half tempted to slam the door on his fingers. They shared a long look, a flurry of emotions passing between them.
This should have been a happy reunion, Ashton hugging her tight and accepting her kiss on his cheek while she told him how happy she was. But that was never going to be the case. Instead, there was anger, sorrow, and distrust between them, clouding over the sunny memories of their youth together. She’d often heard that siblings could grow apart over time, but she’d never believed it would happen to them. As she looked upon him now, she wanted him to be gone from here, gone from her life. The realization left a bitter taste in her mouth, and she suddenly wanted to cry.
“I’m sorry, Joanna.” He choked on the words, but then he wrapped his arms around her before she could stop him.
She fought against his hold for a minute, not wanting to find any comfort in his arms, but it was impossible. Ashton had always been the big brother who was there for her. Rafe, as loving as he was, was rarely around and couldn’t be counted on for any kind of support. She shuddered, a wave of emotions pulling at her heart. Ashton was safe, he was family, and she was leaving him behind. She had married and lain with a man, a near stranger, and was now mistress of his castle. It was her new life, and she had to face it with an open mind and an open heart.
“I can still take you home. You have but to say the word,” Ashton murmured, holding her tighter.
“No. Please understand, Iwantto stay with him. I chose him.” She couldn’t explain the complexity of her feelings, how she would miss her old life, her friends, everything, but she needed to see this through. She wanted to learn to be brave, to explore the wilds of Scotland with her husband, and to win his heart, even if it took a lifetime. It was frightening, though, to know she had many battles ahead of her.
“He will be a good husband, Ash. He already is. He’s been so gentle, so caring.” She pulled away from her brother so she could look up into his eyes.
“Bu—”
“I know you’re worried he will change, but I see kindness in his eyes. He cares, he’s kind. There is no cruelty in him. Even when we…” She blushed and skipped over the embarrassing words. “He could have been harsh and cold, but it was quite the opposite. I loved being with him and was cherished. He makes me feel so protected. Iwantto stay with him.”
Ashton sighed. For a long moment he said nothing, and then nodded, accepting her decision at last. “Very well. Mother will be upset she missed your wedding. Shall I bring her to visit soon?” He spoke casually, but she didn’t miss the regret and sorrow in his eyes.
Joanna nodded. “Please. You should all come. Give me a month to get settled with Brock at the castle and then bring her, Rafe, and Thomasina, if she has time to visit.”
“I can do that.” Ashton pulled her into another hug, and Joanna could feel his hesitancy to let go.
“It’s all right to let go, Ash. You have a wife now, and I have a husband. We aren’t children anymore. It’s time we grew up.”
He chuckled, though his smile was sad as he released her. “When did you become so wise?”
“A few days ago,” Joanna said, laughing. She already felt so changed from since Ashton’s wedding day. It felt like a lifetime ago.
