Page 74 of The Rogue’s Redemption

Whereas Gillian had not made Reid feel welcome in their home, Juliette had immediately made her feel like family. She told her the story of how she and Toren had met at a tournament, a tale more dramatic than her own. They were so very similar, as if they’d been destined to be friends.

And now they would be sisters through marriage. And it seemed as if she would be an aunt as well, although they had not spoken of the fact that Juliette was obviously with child.

There was just one problem. She and Reid were not married, and although Allie would like nothing more than to say the words that bound them together forever, she still could not imagine doing so without Gillian present. Part of her wished for her parents to be there as well, though she doubted her father would ever agree to the union.

It seemed an impossible problem, and she stewed over it long after Juliette left the room, but all thoughts of the obstacles between them floated away when she saw him in the doorway.

Reid did not hesitate at the entrance. He closed the door behind him and reached her in just a few strides. She’d hardly finished standing when he grabbed her and brought his head down for the kind of kiss she’d dreamed about since he left. Pulling her closer, he swept his tongue inside her mouth, unapologetically unrelenting, and groaned when she responded in kind. The onslaught of sensations, from his mouth to the hard chest and body that was pushing her toward the bed, threatened to overwhelm her.

Allie could hardly stand. Nor did she wish to.

When he pushed her down on the soft feather bed, she refused to lie there alone and grabbed his tunic, taking him with her. Reid fell onto her, capturing her mouth once again. His hands were everywhere, and as she pulled on his shirt, attempting to separate it from his hose underneath, Reid found his own destination. His hand had slipped under her chemise and covered one of her breasts. As he squeezed and caressed, she finally reached her own goal. The feel of his skin beneath her fingertips . . . his back, smooth and hard, his muscles flexing as she touched him.

Then, just as abruptly as he had started, Reid stopped. He pulled his hand back and stood, looking down at her as if seeing her for the first time.

“My God, woman. I’d take you here and now.”

Though she wanted to tell him to do so, the words would not form on her tongue. She’d been trained too well, and they were not yet married . . .

But she was sorely tempted.

“Could we marry tonight?” she teased, sitting up and crossing her legs under her.

Reid walked away from the bed and began to pace in the center of the chamber.

“We could,” he said, turning back to her. “We’ve only to say the words.”

He was serious. Reid watched her, waited for her response. And while no church or priest, including Father Simon, nor witnesses or even her father’s consent was needed, Allie knew her answer before she opened her mouth to speak.

“I cannot,” she said. “To do so would ensure the wrath of my family forever.”

Reid licked his lower lip, something she wished he would not do, and began to pace again.

“A wrath I would readily accept, though I know you cannot.”

Allie watched him for a moment and said, “Come. Sit with me.”

His expression made her laugh.

“I will not eat you,” she said. For a man so strong and powerful, he looked terrified of coming close to her.

“I will,” he said, taking a deep breath. “In a moment.”

Allie contented herself with watching him, amused and aroused that she had this powerful an effect on such a man. Finally, after a few more turns around the room, he approached the bed.

“Fair warning, my English maiden. My struggle to not touch you will be a hard-fought battle, and I’m likely to lose.”

Chuckling, she pulled him toward her as he sat across from her on the bed. “Look, you are touching me and nothing untoward is happening.”

“Yet.”

They sat that way, holding hands, for longer than she would have thought comfortable. Oddly, words were not needed. She could sense his warmth, his love, without them.

“What changed your mind?” he asked finally. “I thought you had promised to give this”—he gestured between them—“time.”

Allie told him of the recent events at Highgate. He already knew of her father’s visit, so she explained Gillian’s plan and watched his expression change from understanding to anger.

“England?”