Page 14 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“Thank you.”

Aidan moved his sword from one hand to the other. “For?”

“For this.” She gestured to her sword. “For giving me something of my own.”

Aidan frowned. “I can’t imagine what it must have been like—”

“Let us not talk about Covington.”

Belatedly, Allie realized he wasn’t speaking of the Earl of Covington but of her father. She’d told Aidan enough that he pitied her, though she did not want anyone’s pity. In his own way, her father loved her and her sister. And at least her parents were alive. The relationship could improve. She felt poorly complaining about her parents when Aidan’s were both gone.

“Shall we talk about—”

Aidan rushed at her so quickly, Allie did not have time to think. When it registered that this was not part of their training session, she peered around him to see what he protected her from.

A figure came into view. It was a man. Nay, not just a man.

Him.

The one who refused to leave her thoughts, even as she slept, despite her sister’s warnings and her own assessment of him. Allie had awoken that morning from a dream in which his face was in front of hers, his taunting smirk in place, and his lips . . .

“Reid.” Aidan put down his sword and moved away from her. “What are you doing here?”

Though Aidan spoke to him, Reid Kerr was looking directly at her.

He was here because of her. She knew it as well as she knew her own name.

“It seems I’m not the only one who has already had enough of the daily bickering,” Reid replied.

“Allow me to introduce you to—”

“We’ve met,” she interrupted.

Reid looked down at her sword. Now she would actually have to speak civilly to him, convince him to keep her training sessions between them.

“A longsword.” He moved toward her, and Allie fought the instinct to back away. He was dangerous, of that there was no doubt. “May I?”

She looked at Aidan, who nodded. When he and his men arrived, Aidan had recognized him. But how well did the two men know each other? Did Aidan share Gillian’s opinion of the man?

Allie handed the blunted weapon to him.

“What does a lady need with such a weapon?”

Allie made a sound that brought a smile to Aidan’s face. She supposed it was not very ladylike, but nothing about her was ladylike just now, from her leggings and oversized linen shirt to the old leather belts keeping it from hanging too low.

“You would not understand.”

Reid appeared to be impressed by the weapon. “You may be surprised.”

Since he was getting no answers from her, Reid looked at Aidan, who was much more forthcoming. No doubt he’d been dying to tell someone.

“I am training her,” he said. “Though the lady would prefer to keep the fact quiet.”

“Hmm,” he responded noncommittally.

Aidan turned toward her. “Reid has somewhat of a reputation—”

“I’m sure he does,” she blurted.