CHAPTER 53

“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.”

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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 Alan and it could only be his hand wandering aimlessly across her back.

She lifted her head and found him staring dow