Page 72 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“At your service.”

Her head shot toward the entrance to the keep. The very man who’d occupied her thoughts filled it with his presence. Allie was glad for Father Simon’s escort and tried not to squeeze the life out of his arm.

Reid was looking at her. Not at Aidan or Father Simon. He watched her as closely as a hunter would watch his prey.

She did not look away.

And then he smiled.

“Good evening, Allie.”

* * *

Reid did not know what she was doing here, but he didn’t care. When word of visitors had reached the hall, he’d garnered odd looks by immediately jumping up from his seat at the head table and making his way toward the keep’s entrance. Of course it would not be her. There was no reason for it to be her. She’d made her position clear, and even if she had changed her mind, she would not travel alone to Brockburg.

And yet, he could not shake the feeling that the visitors were, indeed, from Highgate End. Which was why he was not more surprised to see her standing before him.

“Aidan,” he amended, smiling gratefully at her companion. She’d not be here without him, though he assumed they were not here with Gillian or Graeme’s approval.

“Come inside,” he said, offering his arm to Allie.

She was truly here.

And I’m leaving.

Tomorrow he and Toren would ride south to either find the latest perpetrators, or to go to battle, or both. Pushing the thought from his mind, Reid concentrated on the woman who slipped her hand through his arm and followed him into the hall.

“Would you care for a room first—”

“A meal,” Aidan interrupted. “Thank you, Reid.”

He inclined his head and accommodated them, instructing the steward, who’d reached the entryway moments after he did, to have their belongings brought to East Tower.

“I’m sure you are aware it is a bit of a surprise to see you,” he said to Allie.

She swallowed but did not speak, keeping her thoughts well-guarded.

“We bring a message,” Aidan said as they entered the great hall. Toren and Juliette watched them approach. The meal was at its conclusion, and some had already retired for the evening. “An urgent one.”

Reid noticed Aidan’s expression for the first time. He had assumed they’d made the trip at Allie’s request, but the urgency in Aidan’s voice told him there was more to it.

“A private matter?”

Aidan nodded. “Aye, I’m afraid so.”

“Very well,” he said, arriving at the head table. “I am most anxious to hear it then, after you and your men eat.” He addressed his brother and his wife. “Chief, Lady Juliette,” he said, making his introduction more formal than was necessary, “may I present Lady Allie, daughter of John Bowman, Lord of Lyndwood. And her companion who we’ve all known since infancy.”

Toren grinned. “No introductions are necessary,” he said, standing. He moved around the table and stood in front of Aidan. “Well met, de Sowlis,” he said, extending his hand.

“Kerr,” Aidan responded. “’Tis good to see you again.”

As the men exchanged greetings, Reid spoke to Juliette. “A seat at the head table if you please . . .”

Of course, there was little need. Juliette was always two steps ahead. She had already summoned a maid, and she quickly instructed the woman to add two seats to the table.

“Good evening,” she said to Allie, her bright smile answering his unspoken question. Toren had told her about Allie already, just as he’d assumed he would. “I am very pleased to meet you, Lady Allie.”

“And I you, Lady Juliette.” Allie finished with a bow. She’d released his arm in their approach to the high table, much to his chagrin.