Page 223 of Wicked Highland Heroes

“Would it be the first time?”

“St. Claire, ye are a traitor.”

He shrugged. “I am a realist. Scotland has never willingly bowed to anyone, much less the English. Why should they start now?”

“They named Edward arbiter for the Scottish crown. That is a good start.”

“A business deal on the part of the Guardians, nothing more.”

She wanted so much to agree with him, to believe their leaders had the situation in hand and Edward would become nothing more than an annoyance. How easy it would be to trust this man. He would protect her—and their children. Their children. What would happen when the peace between Scotland and England ended—as it surely would? Who would their sons fight for? Who would their daughters marry? Perhaps they wouldn’t have children. If she couldn’t conceive, or if it took years to conceive as it had with Alec, that would allow for time to prepare, to see if...

“Whatever Edward does, I will not risk your happiness,” he said. “Any children born to you will be mine. But to ensure that no one challenges me, we must share a bed. You may hate me—”

“Hate you?” She felt heat rush into her cheeks when his brow lifted. “I do no’ blame you for what your brother did.”

“But neither do you want me,” he said.

What could she say? She could want him, and with little urging. But to admit that...to admit that, meant what? Edward could command him to kill Wallace and that would not change the fact he was her husband.

“You are loyal to Edward. I am loyal to Scotland. That fact alone can crush us.”

He placed a hand over hers. “I will not let it.”