Her mouth dropped open and she turned to Rafael, dread and disappointment nearly choking her. “Rafael?”

CHAPTER 11

Rafael bit out a curse as he faced four accusing stares. Bryony’s was confused, though, and a little dazed. Pain and bewilderment made their way across her face and the look in her eyes made him wince.

“Now see here,” the mayor began as he stepped forward.

Rafael brought him up short with a jerk of his hand. He stared hard at the other man and the mayor took a hasty step back, nearly pulling the sheriff in front of him for protection.

“This is a matter between Bryony and myself,” he said in an even voice. “As she said, we’re tired. We’ve traveled all day, she’s pregnant and she’s dead on her feet. I won’t stand here arguing with you in her driveway.”

“But—” The mayor turned to the sheriff. “Silas? Are you going to let him get away with this?”

The sheriff sighed and adjusted his hat. “What he’s doing isn’t illegal, Rupert. It might be unethical, but it isn’t illegal. He owns the land. He can do what he likes with it.”

“Rafael? Did you approve this? Is it true they’re starting construction?” Bryony asked in a strained voice.

Her grandmother stepped to her side and wrapped her arm around Bryony’s waist. Her grandmother was a frail-looking woman and it irritated Rafael to no end that it was Bryony who looked the more fragile of the two at the moment.

“We’ll discuss this in private,” he said tightly.

“Do you want him here, Bry?” the sheriff asked.

Bryony raised a hand to her temple and rubbed as if she had no idea what to say to that question. Hurt crowded her eyes, and then deep fatigue, as if all her energy had been sapped in a single instant.

Knowing if he didn’t take control of the situation, he’d likely be carted off to some second-rate jail cell, Rafael moved to Bryony’s side and gently pried her away from her grandmother. He wrapped his arm around her waist and cupped his hand over her elbow.

“We’ll talk inside,” he murmured.

She stared up at him as if she searched for some shred of truth or maybe deceit. He couldn’t be entirely sure what she was thinking.

Then she stiffened and looked toward the two men. “He’s staying here, Silas. I appreciate your concern.”

“And the construction?” Rupert asked in agitation. “What am I supposed to tell everyone? It wasn’t me who sold the land to the outsider but it happened on my watch. I’ll never win reelection if it becomes known that the island went to hell during my term.”

“Rupert, shut up,” Bryony’s grandmother said sharply. “My granddaughter is upset enough without you yammering on about your political career.”