Page 13 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“Then you understand . . .”

He liked Graeme, but he was not going to make this so easy on him. “Understand what, Graeme?”

“Allie seems to have . . . taken an interest in you.”

Reid’s pulsed raced at the possibility. He believed so as well, but she’d so easily dismissed him . . . “And your wife does not wish to encourage such an . . . interest?”

Reid did not need an answer. He already had one. But he wouldn’t lie to his host by promising to do something he was incapable of doing.

“Are you asking me to stay away from her?” he added.

He was, of course. But Graeme was nothing if not well-mannered. He would not offend him by saying as much outright. “She will not take kindly to you, Reid.”

“I’ve no doubt you are right.”

“She is unmarried. And very much an innocent.”

Reid held Graeme’s gaze. “I am aware.”

“And you—”

“Again, I am aware.”

“So quick to assume. Reid, I’ve known you for many years. You are a fierce warrior and as loyal as any man.”

That did manage to surprise him.

“I ask only you tread carefully here.”

“Understood,” he said, aware of the difficult position Graeme was in because of him.

“Good,” Graeme said. “We should return then.” As his host edged his way back to the solar, Reid remained in the corridor, considering the conversation. Graeme had not warned him away, but neither had he encouraged his advances. He’d done his duty to his wife, and if Reid were smart, he would heed the warning, however implicit.

He could not bed a woman such as Lady Allie unless he wanted to bring a bride back to Brockburg, which he certainly did not. But something about her compelled him, and if he was unwilling to lie to Graeme, he certainly would not do so to himself.

He’d no less avoid Lady Allie than the clan chiefs in that room would avoid a confrontation with the new warden. In fact, now seemed like the perfect time to find his fair English maid to learn exactly how kindly she would take to him today.

* * *

“I should be meeting with the others.” Aidan put down his own training sword and handed Allie a waterskin. She drank deeply, for the day was warmer than most, and tossed it on the ground.

“How could we not take advantage of the reprieve?” she asked, lifting the sword in front of her with both hands. A lavish dinner was being served after the meeting, and the men had been given leave to forgo their training for the remainder of the afternoon. Which had given her the opportunity to meet Aidan for a longer training session.

“It is likely over by now,” she said, placing her left foot forward and getting into position. “Though are you sure you do not wish to prepare for the meal?” Allie adjusted her grip and lifted the sword in front of her.

“My stomach can wait. Your defeat cannot.”

With that, Aidan made the first move, which Allie countered by blocking him with her sword.

“Good,” he said, pulling back. “Your turn.”

By the time Aidan stopped again for another break, Allie was breathing heavily, pleased with her progress.

“You’re a fine instructor, Master Aidan,” she said, picking the waterskin back up from where she’d discarded it earlier.

“Thank you,” he said, offering her a mock bow.

Allie laughed easily, as she’d always done with Aidan. Not long after they’d met, he’d taken to calling her “little sister,” and it fit. They had gotten along from the start, and Allie couldn’t be more grateful for his help. And for his discretion.