She hugged herself, the weight of all these complications, of this new and unknown world, bearing down on her. She felt like she wanted to vomit. “There is no need. I’ve never known ye to be a liar, Alex.” She met his gaze. “This is a cruel outcome for both of us, I think.”
“Cruel?” he repeated. “Unfair, maybe. But not cruel.”
“Ye had other plans for yer future, as did I. Hopes and dreams.”
“Aye.” He looked about the chamber. “Never did I think to come back here to serve as laird. Only to confront my brother for his betrayal.”
“But I thought…”
“Aye, lass. And to give him gold as I said before. I may find it difficult to forgive him for marrying ye, but he’s still a MacKay, still my only brother.”
His words only added to her burden. She had played a part in that betrayal, even if her sire and Laird MacKay, Alex’s father, had left her with no choice but to marry John. “Will ye ever forgive me?”
“Ye doona want to hear my answer, Keely.”
“But I do.”
Their gazes locked. His green eyes were so intense and cold.
“Forgiveness. Trust. Love. Tenderness. None of these things are necessary to have a successful marriage.”
“Ye are very wrong.”
“Nay, I am not.”
“Aye, ye are,” she countered. Convincing Alex of anything seemed impossible, but it dinna mean she had to accept his heartless idea of marriage.
He released a mirthless laugh that cut through her. “This isna a fairytale, Keely.”
He was strong. He was brave. He was handsome. And he was Laird MacKay now. But he wasna happy. Maybe if she dedicated her time to changing his mind…
“Shall I show ye what makes a fruitful match?”
Did she have a choice in the matter?
Before she could answer, Alex stepped between her legs, towering over her, the passion in his expression unmistakable. She held her breath as he cradled her face between his big hands and tilted her head upward. He lowered his lips to hers, gently kissing her quivering mouth. The contact made her tingle all over. But her instinctual defenses made her keep her lips tightly sealed. One kiss from him could change everything. And she couldna hold her breath much longer!
He chuckled and drew back. “Is this yer idea of a kiss, Keely?”
“I-I…”
As soon as she spoke, he struck, his masculine scent and taste consuming her as his tongue swept over hers. His hand slipped underneath her hair to her nape and locked her in place. And against her better judgment, she returned that kiss with equal hunger—with desperate need to be wanted. Five long years hadn’t extinguished her inner fire for Alex. With one flick of his tongue, one touch, she transformed into the wanton maiden she used to be whenever he was close. Only this time, the happiness that bubbled up inside her in the past was sadly gone.
She blamed her nerves—or too much wine—or maybe this was her future. A loveless marriage built on raw lust. A man dinna need to love a woman to get her with child.
“Keely,” he whispered, as he gently urged her to lie back on the bed.
She dinna resist, and he climbed atop her, his knees planted on either side of her body. She gazed up at him, a new wave of emotions assailing her, fear and fascination causing her heart to race. He had noble features and would sire beautiful children. Physically beautiful, but with hearts of stone…
The spell was broken, and Keely struggled to push him off her. “Away from me,” she demanded.
It did little good; he dinna move.
“Did ye hear me?”
“Aye.” He folded his arms across his chest.
“Ye canna keep me here!”
