Page 93 of The Rogue’s Redemption

“Gillian,” she said, “if I were Allie’s sister, it is likely I would feel as you do. But I have no sisters, as much as I’ve always wished for one. Instead, I have a dear sister-in-law and two brothers by marriage, one of whom I very much disliked when we first met.”

Reid.

At least she had managed to surprise Gillian.

“You did?” her sister asked.

Juliette nodded. “I could not understand at first how he could be so respected as a warrior, his bravery and loyalty never in question. To me he appeared arrogant and self-serving. Until I understood him, as Allie must have done from the start. I will not defend his actions,” she said to them both, “but I would be remiss if I did not at least attempt to explain. When he was rejected by the elders—”

“For a position he claimed not to want,” Gillian ventured.

“Of course he wanted it,” Juliette said. “But admitting as much would challenge his own belief that he is less worthy as his brothers.”

“That he could be just as respected as they, if he tried,” Allie added.

“I can appreciate his position,” Gillian said, considering their words. “And also that my first impression of him might have been misguided.”

Now Allie was genuinely surprised. It was the most magnanimous she’d been toward Reid.

“But that does not mean I wish for him to marry my sister.”

“I understand,” Juliette said.

Suddenly, Allie couldn’t take it anymore. Everyone around them had done so much talking, back and forth, ever since the night they’d exchanged promises to each other. What was the point? If Reid truly wanted her to leave, it was over. And if not? Well, shouldn’t they marry and be done with it?

It was time to shove her pride aside.

Allie turned to Juliette. “Where is he?”

“I spoke to him earlier in his chamber,” she said. “And he is being as stubborn as always.”

“I will go to him. This must be decided today.”

She shifted her gaze to her sister’s horrified expression.

“He may not be the man you would have chosen for me,” she said gently. “But he is the one I choose. If he will not see me, then the decision is taken from me. But if he will”—she took a deep breath, knowing what this might mean for her relationship with her sister—“then we will become husband and wife.”

“But, Allie—”

“I love you, Gill,” she said, “but I will not be swayed. Not in this.”

When she turned to leave, Allie closed her eyes, paused for a moment, and then walked away. Every step she took was lighter than the last. Whatever the outcome, Allie had made a decision on her own, for herself, and she would not apologize for it.

She was no longer defined by her roles as Gillian’s sister or Lyndwood’s daughter.

She was a woman who would not be denied. Not by her father, nor her mother. Not even by Gillian.

And not, if she could help it, by Reid.

31

Reid jumped from his mount and began the climb toward the gatehouse. As ever, his thoughts turned to Allie. She was likely home by now, safe inside the walls of Highgate End as Graeme prepared for the possibility of battle. As he reached the gatehouse, he lifted his arm in greeting and was admitted.

He’d shirked his duty for nearly a full day now, so Reid made his way directly to the stables with the intention of heading toward the training yard. The men still needed training. His brother, guidance.

Nothing had changed, really.

Nay, that was not true. He had changed.