Roman persuaded the guards to send both of her parents on patrol, and then he made it look like rogues had broken through the border.
Tomas knew better.
After their bodies were found, Tomas tried to punish Roman. He had locked him up, whipped him with silver, and beaten him until his hands were raw. Finally, when it was clear to Tomas that Roman wouldn’t break, he let him go.
As soon as the door to his cell was opened, Roman went to find Bell.
He hugged her, held her in his arms, and felt the affection in their bond. Never in his life had he felt anything like it before.
He asked if she believed him. If she knew now that she was his and his alone. He wanted her to know that he would never let anyone come between them and that he was devoted to her.
He felt the change instantly.
The affection that she had poured into him fell away.
She froze in his arms, and her scent was muddled with fear.
