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“Graeme!” Gillian did not appear pleased with the idea of going to Reid’s home.

But her husband was not deterred. “We hardly knew each other when we married, and our outcome was a happy one.”

The rest of the meal passed in a blur, and although Aidan compelled her to dance, she did not once forget this was Reid’s last night at Highgate. As soon as she could leave without causing a fuss, she did so. Only after she’d left the hall did she realize she wasn’t sure where to go.

Should she seek him out in his chamber?

Nay.

Surely he had his reasons for not seeking her out on his last night at the keep. She would not go looking for him. But neither was she ready to retire.

In the end, Allie wandered the ramparts, the cool night air making her wish she’d brought a cape. When she couldn’t take the cold anymore, let alone the constant thoughts and worries about Reid—she circled around and headed to her bedchamber.

As she stepped through the door, it occurred to her that Gillian hadn’t had any cause to worry, but it was only because Reid had shown restraint, not her. Had it been up to her, they would have spent this last evening alone together. The thought made her laugh a little despite herself.

“Care to tell me what is so amusing?”

Sitting across from the entrance, his legs outstretched and arms folded as if he’d been waiting patiently for some time, was Reid.

“Good evening, Allie.”

19

She wore white.

It was an unusual gown for an unusual woman. Sweet, innocent, pure. Adventurous, beautiful, untamed. Allie was all of those things, and more.

If she was surprised to see him there, she didn’t show it. Instead, she closed the door behind her with a finality that prickled his skin.

“You’re wet.”

Of all the things he’d expected her to say, that was not one of them. Reid ran his hand through his hair, confirming that it was indeed still damp from his frigid dip in the stream.

“You’re mine.”

Like so many of his words of late, they came out wrong. He hadn’t meant them to sound harsh, demanding. He’d only meant that, although he was leaving on the morrow, he would not go a moment without thinking of her. Wanting her. Loving her.

He jumped to his feet, intending to take what he’d said back, but instead he found himself stalking toward her. In truth, she made it easy, standing beside the door in that white gown, her hair piled atop her head like she was some ancient virgin sacrifice. He longed to touch her—to never stop touching her—but when his hand reached out, it was only to remove one of the pins that held up her hair. She watched him as carefully as she always did in training, as if attempting to anticipate his next move. He’d taught her what to expect out there. But here, in this room, when they were alone . . . she still had much to learn.

“You never came to dinner.”

After the fight with his brother, he had not been inclined to speak with anyone but the one person he cared most to be near. And he also had not trusted himself to be in the presence of others on their final night together. With good cause. But he was here now, and he would ensure she did not forget him until they were together again.

He removed another pin, and then another. When the last pin’s tenuous hold gave way, he watched as her hair tumbled down around her.

“When you wake tomorrow,” he said, tossing the pins to the ground, “you will feel the lingering touch of my lips on yours.” He raised his finger and gently swept it over her lower lip. He moved closer. “The press of my body on yours will feel so real that closing your eyes will bring it all back with achingly sweet clarity.”

Her lips parted and it took all of Reid’s restraint not to accept the invitation. She was still so innocent, but desire flickered in her eyes. Part of him wanted to inflame that desire until they were both consumed. But the other, the part of him Allie saw so clearly, was the one that would claim victory this eve.

Though he would still make good on his promise to ensure she awoke with very real memories of this night.

“Close your eyes.”

That Allie did so immediately endeared her to him even more.

He took the slightest step back so that only the very tips of her breasts touched his chest. As much as he wanted to pull her into his arms, Reid did not. He waited until she became impatient and opened her eyes.

“Keep them closed, lass,” he insisted.