Page 44 of The Rogue’s Redemption

She fairly tripped in her haste to reach them. “A mug of ale, my lord?”

The words were addressed to him, and Reid did not correct the title, though he did ignore the batting of her eyelashes and not-so-subtle advances. “Thank you.”

Each of them took a mug, and when nothing more was said, the woman frowned and turned away.

“No longer interested in pretty blonde maids?” Aidan took a swig of ale.

“No,” Reid confirmed. And although he had promised Allie to keep quiet about their marriage, he found himself saying, “There will be no others, ever.”

When he finally looked at Aidan, the other man was watching him with an unnerving intensity.

“What is it, de Sowlis?”

Aidan raised his mug to him. “A drink,” he said.

“To what do we drink?”

“Love.”

Whatever Aidan saw on his face made him sputter out a laugh as he swallowed his next mouthful of ale.

“Relax, Kerr,” he said. “It’s an affliction others have survived. My brother included.”

Reid could not help but frown as he looked at that very brother. The man looked back, his expression bleak.

“It may not matter,” he said, “if that brother kills me.”

Aidan chuckled like a man who was not being targeted for murder.

“You are enjoying this,” Reid accused, shifting his gaze to the younger de Sowlis.

“It is much more diverting than the council, you will admit.”

Aidan shifted seamlessly to a discussion of the latest council meetings. Reid attempted to listen, but that word caught him up.

Love.

Aye, he was in love with her. It was the only explanation for the madness that had shaped these past few days. The only reason he’d decided he needed to take her to wife. But how had he fallen in love in such a short time?

“Do you agree?”

Reid stared blankly back at Aidan.

“I’d ask what, or whom, you’re thinking about rather than listening, but I don’t believe such a question is necessary.”

“I never expected this.”

“I doubt any man does.”

They both watched as Allie ascended the dais and took her regular seat next to her sister.

“Allie is an easy woman to love,” Aidan said knowingly.

“Aye. I will be forever in your debt for what you’ve done.”

“Do not thank me yet.” Aidan nodded toward the head table.

Two murderous gazes peered down at Reid.