Feeling like an old, decrepit man, Alaric completed his business and then went about the task of easing into the tub. He found it easier to kneel on one knee instead of sitting all the way down. He never understood the pleasures of a bath. He much preferred a swim in the loch with his brothers. The basin seemed much too small for a man his size and it was awkward as hell to maneuver in.

Still, he managed to wash himself the best he could. When he was satisfied that he’d done an adequate job, he braced his palms on the sides of the tub and pushed upward with a grunt.

“Alaric?”

Keeley’s voice drifted through the wood barrier and he went still, a drying cloth in his hand.

“Aye.”

“Are you well? Do you need help?”

He was sorely tempted to tell her aye, but he couldn’t bring himself to be that underhanded.

“Look in my chest at the foot of the bed and bring me a clean pair of trews.”

A moment later she put her hand around the side of the barrier and held out his trews to him.

“Are you sure you’ll be able to get them on?” she asked doubtfully.

“I’ll manage.”

Several painful minutes later, he trudged around the side of the barrier, sure he was as white as a sheet. She took one look at him and immediately wrapped her arm around his waist, taking care not to touch his wound.

“You should have let me help you,” she chided. “You’re in pain.”

He eased onto the bed with her help and positioned himself on his back. His strength was flagging, but he held up his hand to her.

“Lie with me, Keeley. We both have need of rest. I’ll sleep better with you by my side.”

Her eyes glowed and her cheeks pinkened, but she slipped her hand into his and allowed him to pull her down to the mattress.

“ ’Tis the truth I’m tired,” she whispered.

“Aye, you have every reason to be.”

He slid his hand up and down her back and rested his chin on the top of her head. Gradually she relaxed until she was limp and soft against him.

“Keeley?”

“Aye?” she asked sleepily.

“Thank you for giving me aid and for returning with my brothers to tend me.”

She was silent for a moment, and then she slipped her hand into his. “You’re welcome, warrior.”

Chapter 11

CHAPTER 11

Keeley sighed and burrowed closer to the source of heat. She gave a lazy yawn and nearly purred at the large hand rubbing up and down her back. ’Twas a wondrous way to awaken.

Then she remembered that she was in bed with Alaric McCabe and it could only be his hand wandering aimlessly across her back.