Chapter 286
Zayne watched as Rose shifted around but did not wake up. He would love to know if she thought his voice was haunting her. "Rose," he called again and this time she opened her eyes.
Rose looked afraid at first like she couldn’t believe what she was seeing but then she reached for him, having to be caught by Zayne so she wouldn’t fall onto the floor.
Rose touched Zayne’s face. It felt real but it could be one of the dreams she had of him returning home. "Is this real?"
"I am home," Zayne repeated. "Forgive me for taking longer than I told you that I would return."
Rose hugged Zayne, finally believing this wasn’t a trick of the mind. His clothes were cold and damp but Rose didn’t mind it. "You scared me. Please do not do that again. I thought I had lost you."
Zayne hugged Rose back, forgetful of his wet clothes. "I would not bring you here and then leave you, Rose. We drifted off course with the weather but we got back on course when it calmed down."
Rose couldn’t believe she was hearing his voice. She wanted it to be a happy reunion without any tears but she couldn’t help it. She was too happy to see him and everything she had been holding in to not worry Catherine or the servants was pouring out.
Zayne gave Rose the time she needed to cry on his shoulder. He knew it had to be scary for her to experience this so early. "I am sorry," he apologised. "I wanted to be home sooner. I came right home to you as soon as we reached the docks."
Rose wiped her eyes and leaned back so she would get a good look at Zayne. His face was fine which meant he might not have fought with anyone. "Then your mother hasn’t seen you?"