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To see her again.

Reid looked around the small but well-appointed guest chamber in Bronwen Tower. Years ago, when he was but a young boy, he’d stayed in this same tower as a guest, but he hadn’t given Highgate End much thought after that. Not during the fissure between his clan and Clan Scott, and not after the alliance had been renewed. He certainly hadn’t thought this would be where he’d meet the lass who would challenge his conviction to remain single.

Reid liked both of his sisters-in-law well enough, but he enjoyed his role as the younger, unwed brother. Not that he was considering marriage to Lady Allie. Certainly, he was not. Still, he could not deny that the woman captivated him, in a way that went far beyond a physical attraction.

Easily finding his way through the castle’s semidarkened corridors and into the courtyard, Reid walked under the pentice toward the great hall. He preferred using the covered walkway to winding his way through the pantry and kitchen.

A mist filled the air, threatening rain.

“Reid.”

Aidan de Sowlis.

Reid had expected a talk with him this evening. In fact, he was anxious to speak to the man. He turned.

The younger de Sowlis brother was not much like him. Both of them had been left in the care of their older brothers at a young age. But the similarities stopped there. Most knew Aidan as a kind yet fierce warrior. None would describe Reid that same way, at least not using the word “kind.”

“De Sowlis.”

“We need to talk.”

The mist began to morph into a light rain. And though they were covered, a spray of water made its way to them.

“In the hall?”

“Nay, here.” His jaw locked and brows drawn, Aidan’s expression implied he may have spoken to his brother. Would he change his mind about Allie’s training?

“Aye, here then,” he said. Those remaining in the courtyard scattered, finding shelter against the strengthening downpour. He waited for Aidan to guide their conversation.

“Tis good to see you again.”

Reid had always liked both de Sowlis brothers and replied honestly. “And you, de Sowlis.”

“Is it true you saved Toren—”

“Not I,” he said, recalling the incident as he’d done more than once since arriving. “My clansmen.”

Aidan’s eyes narrowed as if he did not believe him. But it was true, in Clan Kerr, no one was blamed or praised for their individual feats.

“Very well.” Aidan paused. “What are your intentions regarding Lady Allie?”

As was his custom, Reid’s response was to offer an honest answer. “I don’t know.”

Aidan frowned, clearly not liking that answer. “Not good enough.”

“If you want me to stay away from her, agreeing to let me train her does not seem—”

“Stay away from her?” Aidan appeared genuinely confused.

“Your brother spoke to me earlier. On his wife’s behalf.” He attempted to temper the words with a smile. “I apparently did not make a good first impression on the lady of Highgate.”

Aidan didn’t share in his amusement. “Unusual for you, is it not? With a woman at least.”

“Most unusual,” he agreed. “Although it seems to be a family trait.”

“If Allie truly did not care for you, I’d never have agreed. Or left you there with her.” He shrugged. “Even with a man whom I’ve personally witnessed risking his life to save another.”

They’d fought together more than once, though Reid did not know the particular incident to which Aidan referred. “You asked for me to share my intent, but what is your own? Why leave the lady alone, and vulnerable, with me?”