Page 64 of The Rogue’s Redemption

He leaned closer.

“And then I would guide myself into you, slowly, reverently, joining us for all eternity.”

Two small pinks spots appeared on Allie’s cheeks. “What makes you believe I’d allow such a thing?”

The sparkle of amusement in her eyes was the reason he resisted dragging her to a more secluded spot to test her words. “I do not doubt that you would,” he said, not masking the confidence in his voice, “but he would not.”

Allie turned toward Graeme and then looked back to him.

“Thank you,” she said.

Reid raised a brow.

“For allowing me an opportunity to sway my sister.”

“I will be back for you.”

“I know.”

He wanted to tell her about his plan to fight for his rightful place by his brother’s side first, but the words would not come out.

“And we will be married.”

“Aye,” she agreed, the determination on her face making their parting only slightly less painful.

“Will you continue to train while I’m gone?”

“I will best you someday,” she boasted, and Reid did not doubt it.

They were being watched, and as such, he could not kiss her. But he would not leave without at least one final contact. Taking her hand in his, he brought it to his lips and kissed the palm, lingering as long as he was able.

“Until we meet again,” he said, stepping back, a chill overtaking him as he stepped away from her.

“I love you,” she said, softly, sweetly.

“And I love you.”

* * *

Allie would not have imagined her day could get any worse. After Reid had left, she’d spent the better part of the afternoon assisting Gillian in offering farewells to the various chiefs. All her smiles had been faked.

How had a man she’d just met crept his way into her heart and claimed a piece of her she’d not known was available for someone to claim?

And now this. She’d seen the horses arrive with her own eyes but could hardly believe it.

“’Tis not possible,” she said for the second time to Morgan.

And yet it was. When Allie walked into the great hall, she knew him immediately, no matter that he was facing away from her. She’d seen that stance before. Many, many times.

Allie put one foot in front of the other, forcing herself closer to what she knew would be, at best, an uncomfortable greeting. At worse, it signaled trouble for her. With each step, a heaviness settled into her chest until she was merely a few steps away from him.

Taking a deep breath, and ignoring Gillian’s worried expression as she saw her approach, Allie greeted him.

“Father.”

He turned toward her. “Allie.”

She embraced him even though she knew it made him uncomfortable. Letting go, she stood back and tried to read what she could in his expression.