he closed his eyes. During the night he followed her across the bed. She wiggled out of his embrace and he pulled her back against his body. At dawn he was still tired but a contentment had settled over him that he’d only felt when his mother had been alive.
He did not know what it was, only that he’d kill any man who tried to take Helena from him.
She was his.
Chapter Nine
Helena awoke tired.
She looked at the canopy above her in confusion, the brocade fabric a stark contrast to the attic ceiling. She sat up and the covers fell to her waist. The morning chill hit her chest and her nipples instantly drew tight. She looked down, stunned by the sight of her own coral-tipped breasts uncovered in the morning light.
“Och now. That’s nae a good idea, Helena.”
The bed rocked and two very male arms reached around her to gather the covers up around her. Her memory returned but she froze when the shutters opened. The young maid pushed the large wooden window covers wide until she latched them to the walls. She dropped a curtsy when she noticed Helena staring at her.
But that wasn’t the worst of it. Helena shifted her attention toward the door and found several of his men standing there.
“I suppose I cannae fault ye for nae being accustomed to waking up without a stitch on.”
His own lack of clothing didn’t seem to bother him in the least. Keir gathered her up along with the covers and carried her out of the bed. His men stepped closer, peering down at the sheets.
Of course…
It was a tradition so old no one really knew when it began. Dark stains marred the creamy surface of the sheet. Heat burned in her cheeks in spite of the fact that those stains were exactly what she wanted to see this morning. The maid pulled the sheet free, but one of Keir’s retainers took it from her.
“I’ll take charge of that, lass. It’s going home to Red Stone, as it should be flown from the window there.”
Home to Red Stone….
She hadn’t thought of that, either. A shiver left gooseflesh on her arms. Very soon she would be completely at Keir’s mercy. He was the laird on his land; no one would challenge his word.
Just like Edmund…
She hated her mind’s impulsive linking of Keir with Edmund, but couldn’t prevent her thoughts from doing so. There were many similarities.
“The king expects us to hunt with him today.”
Keir’s men grinned. Several of them looked relieved as well. They tugged on their bonnets before quitting the room. Once they were gone she pushed on Keir’s chest, gaining his full attention. Something flickered in his dark eyes that told her he didn’t care for her desire to be released.
He put her down anyway.
“You shouldna be angry over the sheet being inspected.”
“I’m not.”
She spoke too quickly but didn’t wait for Keir to take issue with her. She walking toward the fireplace, where she found her chemise and pulled it over her head.
“Are ye upset over nae having any of yer family members present? I dinnae think yer brother would attend even if I told me men to let him in. Which I’ll honestly tell ye I dinnae.”
“You’ve instructed your men to refuse my brother entrance?”
“Aye.”
And his tone made it plain that he wasn’t sorry about that at all. She couldn’t blame him for that, but it left her feeling very alone as well as vulnerable. The sheet was stained, proving her a virgin and that Keir had consummated their union, but the only witnesses were men who owed their loyalty to him. He had never given her cause to distrust him, but that didn’t stop her from feeling lonely.
“Does that truly displease ye? I planted my fist in his face the last time we met.” Keir was already dressed. His kilt pleated and belted around his waist once again. He was an imposing sight, the lack of court finery somehow enhancing his strength.
He approached her and her belly tightened. It was an instant response and one that she could not control even after getting what she’d desired.
“Maybe he’ll learn to be more forgiving with his own hands now that he’s tasted what it’s like to have someone stronger hit him.”
Keir touched her cheek, tenderly stroking the healing bruise Edmund had left on her.
“I doubt it. Edmund is a law unto himself. Now that my father is ill, I believe that his arrogance will only increase. There is no