She stroked his bristled cheek. "We should have our picnic soon."
With a wicked grin, Alex brought her hand to his loins. "Was this not feast enough to satisfy you, wife?"
Helen laughed. "Certainly. I only meant we'll need to return home in a while. Lest our son howl for his next meal."
"Ah, the lucky lad must have his feast, too." Appreciatively, Alex caressed the swell of her breasts. Then he gazed into her eyes. "Helen, you ken we took no risk today. A nursing mother canna get pregnant—"
"Dare I trust your knowledge of fertility?" she teased.
His grin lasted only for a moment. "I dinna like to burden you with another bairn if 'tis not your wish."
"But Ian needs brothers and sisters. And I would like a big family. Wouldn't you?"
"Aye, very much." He cupped her cheek in his big hand, and a look of yearning lit his craggy features. "My dearest lady," he murmured with stirring possessiveness, "I do love you."
Her throat tightened from the fulfillment of her dreams. "You needn't say that to keep me. I love you enough to stay."
"I'm through saying things I dinna mean. And I'm sorry for acting like a daft auld fool." He brushed a kiss across her lips. "I'll keep you happy, I swear it. We'll travel to England if you like, or anywhere in the world if it pleases you."
His willingness to change for her sake touched her heart. "Oh, Alex. I'd sooner stay right here." She moved sinuously against him. "With you, my love, forever."
Would you like to read the exciting story of Lady Helen's past? Helen was once engaged to wed Justin Culver, heir to the Duke of Lynwood, until a mysterious beauty entered their lives, the half-sister Helen had never known she had.
You can find their fascinating tale of intrigue and love in HER SECRET AFFAIR by Barbara Dawson Smith, published by St, Martin's Paperbacks in May 1998.
Beauty and the Brute Page 9