“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 thrust 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…”
