Leah joined them. “Shall I retrieve our walking cloaks?”
“Aye,” Keely said. “We will be in the bailey, Leah.”
The fresh air immediately restored Keely’s calm. The sun peeked out from behind wispy, white clouds, and the fragrant breeze cooled her cheeks. “Some would say this mild weather is a good omen of things to come in my marriage.”
“Others would suggest it might be the calm before the storm.”
There was no malice on the scholar’s face. Nay, the man simply appreciated quick wit and probably found he dinna get much here. Not that the MacKays were lacking in education. Alex and his brother were well tutored as lads. Alex could read and write, as could several of his captains. It’s what they read that worried her the most. Closed minds—superstitious tenants—a strong belief in God but fear of the tiny creatures that were believed to haunt the mountains and lochs.
“Our fate was sealed long ago,” she repeated Alex’s own words. “So no signs from heaven can change our future, I’m afraid.”
“Ah,” he said. “But you can.”
They strolled past soldiers practicing maneuvers and younger recruits shooting arrows at grass-stuffed targets. Children were playing while some of the women were busy washing clothes and sorting vegetables from the gardens. The wedding celebration hadn’t changed the reality of the next day. If it had been a normal wedding, the celebration would have lasted for days, maybe even a week.
“Aye, if I had supporters among the MacKays.”
“Do you not?”
Keely thought about it. “Leah.”
“Did you forget me? Or the Kalil brothers?”
She hadn’t considered them. “Five out of several thousand—tis not much.”
“It’s a start, milady.”
Leah finally appeared with their light, wool cloaks and one of the guards assigned to stay with Keely. She pinned her cloak in place, then quickly started to walk with Petro again.
“What has my husband told ye about me?”
“Many things.” His eyes sparkled in the sunlight.
“I know ye travelled together from Italy.”
The scholar nodded. “I met Alex a few months after he left here.”
“Was he…” she hesitated.
“Angry?”
“Aye.”
“I’ve never met a more miserable man.”
Some women might like hearing it, but Keely dinna. Though she did possess a certain amount of curiosity about his past, the guilt still hung heavy about her neck like a millstone.
The guards opened the main gates for them, and Petro ushered her through, Leah and her armed escort keeping a respectable distance behind them. The fact that she had any freedom to come and go pleased Keely. For if he’d wanted to, Alex could have locked her abovestairs.
They followed a well-worn path to the loch where so much of Keely’s finest memories with the MacKays had happened. Fishing and swimming, lazy afternoons spent with Alex and John, and a host of tenants she’d always considered friends.
“This land is different than my home,” Petro observed.
“In what way? I’ve always wondered about Italy.”
“Tis a sensuous place.”
Keely liked the way he described his home. “I’ve never heard a man describe his land like that.”
“Rome is a crowded city—filled with saints and sinners.”
“The Highlands have few of their own.”
His smile reached his dark eyes. “And I think you consider your husband one of those sinners.”
She shrugged. “I am a woman, sir. My opinion means little.”
“It means something to me.”
“Why?”
“I will tell you what I told Alex. I pledged loyalty to your husband, and will serve him faithfully. But that doesn’t mean I cannot be your friend, Lady Keely. Whatever you confide in me will stay between us. Unless it threatens the life of Alex—that is where I draw the line of distinction.”
“I accept yer offer of friendship, then.”
“Good.”
They reached the loch and Keely went to her favorite boulder. She kicked her shoes off and raised her gown just enough so she could dip her toes in the water.
“Another thing I like about Scotland.”
“Oh?”
“Your desire to experience the world around you. In Italy, a noble woman would not be caught in the water.”
“There are people nearby that would frown on my actions, sir.”
“Perhaps a Sutherland?”
“Always a Sutherland.”
“The same with the sheet in the great hall?”
Were all of his conversations so circular, so connected? The man had a talent for disarming her, getting her to say things she’d usually keep to herself—as smooth talking as a poet, and as entertaining as an actor. “A barbaric practice.”
“Highlanders are barbarians.”
That surprised Keely. “How so, sir?”
“What do you think gave Alex the ability to thrive in Constantinople? Sure, his pale skin and hair already set him apart from most—but he adapted quickly—understood the ancient ways of the people. That’s a rare talent. And the nobles of that great place recognized his value, as did I the moment we met.”
“I canna deny the lack of refinement here. We are far away from the king’s court and the elegant cities of Europe. But what we lack in manners, we make up for in morals. The Scots are a noble people, ruled by God and honor.”
“You are a fine match for Alexander,” he said. “A worthy lady.”
“Now, if only my husband agreed with ye.”
“Do not let him forget it. Be everything he thinks you are not.”
She frowned and gazed at Petro. “That willna take much.”
Petro chuckled. “Only the good things.”
“Do ye have a wife?”
The expression on Petro’s face changed as he stared across the water into some distant time and place. “A long time ago. I was married at fifteen.”
“So young.”
“Yes.”
“What happened?”
“Plague.” He visibly shivered. “My wife and son were taken from me too soon.” He looked back at her, forcing another smile. “Even Alex does not know that part of my history.”
“I am sorry for yer great loss.” Words couldna express how sad Keely felt for her new friend. And though Petro seemed to manage his suffering, the pain in his eyes showed, whether he knew it or not. “How is it that Alex doesna know?”
“Alexander carried his own grief, Lady Keely. I refused to add to that burden.”
“B-but Alex would want to know.”
“Maybe someday—when he finally decides what kind of man he wants to be.”
“Tell me of yer wife and son…”
“Anuria and Giuseppe were everything to me. What does a boy of that age know, really? I went from my father’s house to the cottage gifted to us on our wedding day. It was a quiet life, spent together. As the younger children of nobles, we were not expected to toil in the fields, only to produce grandchildren that would keep our family names alive for another generation. But that unholy sickness claimed thousands in Rome that year—no house, no family was left untouched.”
Keely reached for his hand. Petro squeezed her fingers in appreciation.
“We are blessed in the north here,” she said. “The plague has never ripped our children from our arms. But war has many times.”
Petro nodded in acknowledgement. “At least you have a chance to see and fight your adversaries. Sickness is an invisible evil that no man can defeat. Only luck and the grace of God can save you from its clutches.”
She let go of his hand. “Have ye ever swam in a Scottish loch?”
“Never,” he said.
“Let us change that.” She unpinned her cloak and gestured for Leah to join them. “For I have never known the waters to fail to put a smile on my face.”
Petro watched
her strip down to her shift, then waited for Leah to do the same. “Is it cold?” he asked.
“Aye,’ Keely said, braving the water first. She waded out to where it reached her hips. “Leah. Petro. Come!”
The scholar waved at her, then slowly unlaced his boots, removed his tunic, and took Leah’s hand, both of them laughing as they splashed out into the loch.
Aye, Keely thought, this was her favorite place on MacKay lands. And if she concentrated hard enough, the echo of her and Alex’s laughter from long ago rang in her ears. That was the magic of the Highlands, a place that never let her forget who and what she was, the same place that Petro had decided to give up his own beloved home for—a place she’d never trade for anything, even freedom.
Chapter Sixteen
After spending a long day inspecting the west villages, Alex and his men returned to the keep, hungry and in need of sleep. Expecting his wife to greet him in the hall, he was displeased to find Mathe instead.
Alex dinna want to hear the old captain’s complaints. But the faster he walked, the louder the captain pressed him for immediate attention.
“Laird Alex, if I may have a moment of yer time.”
“I am not in the mood to discuss anything.”
“It is urgent.”
Alex spun about. “The only matter of importance is guaranteeing my people the Sutherlands willna be able to destroy their homes again.”
“Aye,” Mathe said respectfully. “But ye asked me to stay behind to protect this household.”
Alex gazed around the hall. “The walls are still standing. Ye have my gratitude.”
“Tis yer wife.”
Three words Alex had hoped not to hear. “Did she try to run away?”
“Nay.”
Inside, Alex felt relieved. “What is it, then?”
“She doesna want the bridal bed sheet to be left hanging.”
Alex eyed the linen. “Do ye blame the lass?”
Mathe sputtered a bit, but collected himself enough to continue. “It is a matter of tradition. And under the circumstances, it is more important than ever that no one is given a chance to question the legitimacy of yer union.”
Alex pursed his lips. He’d be the judge of his wife’s chastity, not the council and surely not his tenants. “As I’ve explained to ye before, Captain Mathe, I am capable of vouching for my wife’s purity.”
“Please,” Mathe pleaded. “Doona take it down.”
Alex rubbed his dry, burning eyes. The wind had kicked up enough dust to blind a man. “Are ye the one who needs convincing, Mathe?”
“Are ye questioning my support, Laird Alex? Am I not the one who demanded ye stay? Marry? Accept responsibility for the clan?”
Aye—the man was right. “Where is Lady Keely?”
“Abovestairs.”
“I will speak with her. The linen stays. Now, can I eat and drink, perhaps spend another night with my bride without worrying about domestic issues?”
“I will have a maid bring yer supper up.”
Alex chuckled. “Perhaps my brother chose the wrong head of household.”
Mathe dinna take his observation as a compliment. “I believe one of the younger retainers would be better suited for the duty.”
“Aye. Select the man and return to training in the morn. There is much to be done, Mathe.”
The captain bowed and departed for the kitchens.
Alex dragged himself abovestairs, immediately dismissing the guards standing at his bedchamber door. “I doona need ye tonight.”
He stepped inside, finding his wife curled up on one of the chairs in front of the hearth. She dinna acknowledge his presence, but Alex knew she wasna asleep. “Did ye enjoy yer first day as mistress of this keep?”
Her agitated sigh gave him the answer he sought.
“It will take time.”
“It will take a miracle,” she shot back, sitting up. “Why did ye provide that bloody linen for Mathe?”
“To keep peace.”
“Yer efforts are wasted on that man.”
Alex swallowed his temper as he sat on the end of the bed and started to unlace his boots. Patience was in short supply today. “Captain Mathe is a loyal servant and skilled warrior. My grandfather appointed him as his own squire and my sire made him a captain. And he dinna like what happened between ye and John. Ye must give everyone time to adjust to the idea of ye being here, Keely.” He dropped his second boot on the floor.
“I dinna want to stay.”
Alex growled. “Choose yer words more wisely.”
“Perhaps ye should follow yer own advice, Husband.”
“And what do ye mean by that?”
He stood.
“Ye should have used better judgment in choosing a wife.”
Alex rubbed his chin. The she-devil had a sharp tongue that he might never be able to change. “I chose well.”
“Did ye?” She hugged her center, not looking like she believed him. “I like Petro.”
The change in subject eased the tension between his shoulder blades. “Aye?”
“Aye,” she confirmed. “He has a talent for showing up when trouble is building.”
Alex smiled. “That he does.”
“Mathe and I were having words and he immediately offered his assistance.”
“And what kind of solution did he propose?”
“A walk.”
“And where did ye take him?”
“To the loch for a swim.”
“What?”
“Aye. With Leah and our guard.”
The picture in his mind made him feel uneasy—the idea of his wife stripping down in front of another man. Even on the hottest of days, the water was cold, and Alex knew her nipples would poke right through the thin material of her shift. The most honorable of men would have a difficult time not sneaking a peek at her lush breasts. But he kept his jealousy to himself. “I dinna know Petro could swim.”
“If ye consider sinking like a stone swimming.”
“But he dinna drown?”
“Nay. I am sure he is sleeping like a babe.”
Alex chuckled. “He dinna give up easily?”
“I doona believe the man knows the meaning. I spent hours teaching him how to float, kick his feet, and move his arms.”
“Did ye succeed?”
“Aye.”
“Then I am happy for ye, Keely. Yer day was more productive than my own.”
Concern etched her face as she came to him. “What is it, Alex?”
“The west villages are very vulnerable to Sutherland attacks.”
“Isna everyone vulnerable?”
“Aye. The earl grows more powerful by the year. His alliances in England are strong.”
“What will ye do?”
Alex sat back down and closed his eyes, too weary to hide his emotions. “I would kill John de Moravia and put an end to this conflict forever.”
Keely knelt in front of him, resting her hand on his knee. “With three sons…”
“Aye. The torch of war would simply be passed to the next earl.”
“Have ye considered an alliance through marriage?”
“It would be hard to accept for yer father, the Gunns, Sinclairs, and MacLeods. And I have no heir.” He gazed at his wife. “If we are blessed with a son, would Helen Sutherland be willing to wait so many years to take a husband, one young enough to be her own son?”
“There is Jamie, and the earl has six nieces, three without husbands.”
“Nay.” Alex couldna do it. “I willna condemn my cousin to such a marriage.”
“But the earl’s nieces are lovely.”
“They are Sutherlands.” He caressed her cheek. “Yer council is valuable, Keely.”
“Thank ye,” she said sweetly.
The time for discussing clan affairs with his wife was over. Alex wanted to focus on other things. “How are ye feeling?” He’d been less than gentle with her last eve—years of desire slowly sated by every deep th
rust into her body. As he stared into her eyes, that desire began to brim over again. It would take three lifetimes to satisfy his hunger where Keely MacKay was concerned. Damn his soul for it. Damn her for being so irresistible.
“I am well, milord.”
“Nay soreness?”
“Only a little.”
“Tis expected.”
“Leah had me soak in a hot bath with soothing herbs.”
“If ye need to rest…”
“I doona,” she cut him off.
“Then ye enjoyed our lovemaking?”
“Aye.”
“Ye are magnificent, Keely.” He pulled her to her feet.
More than willing to be touched, Alex cupped her breasts through her gown. They were bountiful enough to spill over the sides of his hands, but not overly large. He couldna rest without tasting her again. Working the laces on her bodice quickly, he released her tender flesh and suckled a nipple while he slipped his hand beneath her skirts, finding her wetness. The faster he stroked, the louder she moaned. The little noises pleased him, made his cock ache for relief.
His arms and legs wrapped around her, bringing her down on top of him on the mattress. Their foreheads touched and he kissed her, exploring the depths of her sweet mouth. Keely managed to hike her skirts above her waist, exposing herself completely. Alex reached for her arse, guiding her upward, her mound mere inches from his mouth. Christ, he wished he could control himself better, but a man shouldna deprive himself of what he needed. And for Alex, his young wife was as necessary as the air he breathed.
“What are ye doing, Alex?” She eyed him warily.
“Doona be nervous.”
“There is nowhere left for me to comfortably sit. So why are ye pulling me up to your…”
His tongue provided the answer. Her luscious backside filled his palms as he silently instructed her on how to move across his face. Finding her center, he sucked mercilessly as she lost control—throwing her head back and riding him wildly.
“Aye, Keely,” he breathed. “This is what I’ve longed for, to make ye mine over and over again.”
Moments later… “A-Alex.” Her body trembled from the intensity of the release.
Proud of what little effort it took to satisfy her, Alex rearranged his wife in the middle of the bed. She spread her legs and held onto his biceps. “More,” she said.
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