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He’d never uttered such a warning in his life. But this was different.

She was different.

When his hand touched her cheek, Reid nearly pulled back. What he was about to do was irreversible. This was no simple kiss, and he knew it. But the look she gave him . . . it was his undoing. He moved closer, closing the space between them.

He ran his thumb along the smooth curve of her bottom lip toward the corner of her mouth. He tugged ever so gently, and when her lips parted for him, Reid leaned close and pressed his own lips against those full, pink curves.

Sweet. Soft. Untried.

He tugged his thumb a bit more, using his tongue to show her how to open for him. When she did, Reid groaned, deepening the kiss. He willed her tongue to meet his and cursed himself when it did. She’d accused him of being incorrigible, and she was right.

Reid could never have such a woman, and yet he continued.

Moving his hand from her cheek to the nape of her neck, Reid tugged her closer, until he could feel the press of her breasts against his chest—until he hardened past the point of logical thought. Could she feel his need against her or was she too innocent to understand?

Very much an innocent.

Graeme had said that about her. He’d best remember it.

Reid pulled himself away, resisting the siren’s call of her lips, now swollen from his kiss.

Every hair on his body stood on end. As rain pounded the roof above them, Reid closed his eyes and pulled her into his arms. Allie wrapped her hands around his back. He took a deep breath, inhaling the scent of roses mixed with something else. Cloves, nutmeg? He’d never smelled such a scent before.

He’d never held a woman like this before.

How long they stood there, Reid could not be sure. But as the rain slowed, their time together ending, he pulled away.

She looked confused. Understandably so.

“Dangerous,” he warned. “As I said.”

“And yet you did not push me away today.”

“I should have.” Reid forced himself to drop his hands and step away. “I’m not the man for you, Allie.”

She lifted her chin in defiance. “Then why did you kiss me?”

“Because I wanted to,” he said. God, he’d wanted that and so much more. He’d wanted things he had no right wanting.

“I came to apologize,” he continued, “but it seems I’ve only given myself more to apologize for.”

“No,” she said. “I will not accept that second apology. We’ve done nothing wrong here.”

He laughed, the sound hollow to his own ears. “Nothing wrong? You are unmarried—”

“Would it be more acceptable if I were?” she asked, raising her eyebrows.

“The sister of my host—”

“And a willing participant.”

“This was a mistake.” Reid turned to leave. “I will tell Aidan you are down here,” he said in an attempt to ensure her safety. He did not like the thought of leaving her out here alone, but they couldn’t be seen walking back toward the keep together.

He grabbed the iron handle on the door and pulled. Just when he was about to step outside, Allie’s voice stopped him.

“I will meet you tomorrow, before the sun sets.”

He turned and wished he had not. “Nay, Allie. I cannot—”