He froze and carefully withdrew, but even that elicited a tiny sound of pain.

“Keeley, what is it? Have I hurt you?”

He turned her around, sat on the bed, and pulled her into his arms. He kissed her brow and stroked her hair as he stared anxiously into her eyes.

She grimaced. “I’m a bit tender.”

He cursed softly, self-recrimination burning brightly in his eyes. “You were a virgin and yet I’ve used you like a woman well accustomed to matters of the flesh. ’Tis inexcusable. I wanted you so much that I paid no heed to your comfort.”

She rubbed her hand over his cheek and smiled. “I wanted you as much as you wanted me. I still do. ’Twas just uncomfortable for a moment.”

Alaric shook his head. “You should have a long, hot, soaking bath to soothe your aches and pains. I’ll have one brought up to your chamber so you can have the care you deserve.”

Again she smiled and pushed her mouth up to his to kiss him. “A bath sounds heavenly, but right now, we have but another hour until dawn. And I want to spend that time in your arms. Could we lie in your bed and rest for the remainder of our time?”

His gaze softened and he pushed a stray tendril of hair behind her ear. “Aye, lass. There’s nothing more I want than to hold you against me. When the morning comes, I’ll have your bath brought up to your chambers. No shame will be visited upon you for this night.”

She grasped his hand and squeezed. “It would be worth any shame to have spent this night with you, Alaric. I want you to know that. I have no regrets.”

“Me either. No regrets. I’ll hold this night close for the rest of my days.”

She allowed him to lay them both back onto the bed. Alaric reached for the furs and pulled them over himself and Keeley until they were bundled up warm against each other.

“I’ll not sleep this night,” she said. “For I don’t want to miss a single minute in your arms.”

Alaric kissed her brow and gently rubbed his hand repeatedly down the side of her hair.

“I’ll not pretend I’ve not loved you, Keeley. In public, aye, I’d never do anything to bring you shame. In private, however, don’t expect me to pretend you didn’t give your innocence to me.”

Her smile was sad. “Nay, Alaric. I’ll not pretend either. But ’tis for the best not to dwell on impossible matters.”

“Let us cease this kind of talk. I find it makes my heart heavy.”

“Then wrap yourself around me and keep me warm until I must rise and return to my cold bedchamber.”

“Aye, lass. I can do just that.”

Chapter 20

CHAPTER 20