Page 72 of Penny & Royce

When she lifted her eyes to meet his, she wanted to shy away from him. Clearly, her uncle didn’t like to be told he was being ridiculous, even if she hadn’t used those words.

“I think you should go.” His tone was cold, unyielding, and promised she’d be sorry for her current life choices.

“Yeah, you’re probably right,” she said, her voice tight. “I’ve had enough family history for one night.”

His eyes narrowed, but she turned and walked away before he could utter another word.

She was going to pay for that, and she knew it.

18

ROYCE

Royce pulled onto his family’s property and stared up at the house where he’d grown up. It was large enough for him and all seven of his siblings, though sometimes it did feel overwhelming, especially when his father insisted that everyone continue living under one roof until they were married.

He got the distinct impression it was more about control and less about familial connection.

Royce loved his siblings. Even when they got under his skin. He had nothing against living with them except for when Lincoln started breathing down his neck for no reason.

Even with all the sneaking around, Royce managed to get his work done. Lincoln couldn’t claim that Royce was slacking. If anything, he was doing more since he arrived earlier than everyone else even woke up most mornings.

Unfortunately, it was wearing on him more with each passing day. Whether it was the secrets he was keeping or the constantback and forth, he didn’t know. Heck, it could be all of it. At some point, something would give, and he’d have to tell his father and his brother what he’d done.

He wished his mother was still around. Maybe she’d have some insight. She could always get his father to listen to reason.

But Lucy?

Royce’s stepmother wasn’t nearly as good at reining Christopher Meyers in when he got fired up.

Royce tucked his helmet under his arm and climbed off his bike. He didn’t plan on staying long. Just enough to make an appearance at dinner so he had an alibi if anyone managed to see him at the wedding. He could claim it had been someone else.

He headed for the porch, then froze.

His plan to go inside unnoticed to change was shot to pieces when he locked eyes with his brother.

Lincoln slowly rose to his full height, his shrewd gaze sweeping over Royce and the suit he wore. There was a menacing tilt to his lips, and Royce knew before his brother uttered a single word that he wasn’t going to like it.

“Not exactly the kind of clothes someone wears when they’re out riding.”

“You don’t have a bike, so forgive me for not caring about your opinion.” Royce took a step to the side, hoping that would be the end of it.

He should have known better.

Lincoln moved with him. “Where were you this evening?”

Royce scowled. “That’s none of your business.”

“Oh, I think it is.”

The way he said it sounded more like a threat than a statement laced with curiosity. Did he know something? Had someone reported back to him where Royce had slipped off to? He wouldn’t put it past a few people in this gossip-riddled town to say something.

Heck, Royce hadn’t been all that careful lately when he’d been in town with Penny. Maybe this didn’t even have anything to do with the wedding. Maybe someone finally mentioned something to his brother, and he’d been caught.

Was that warmth in his gut relief?

Was he actually pleased with the idea that he might never have to hide his relationship again?

It appeared so, because he was finally able to take a deep, calming breath.