Page 132 of Rogue of My Heart

Rebecca tethered her horse to a nearby tree and retrieved her book. A cool breeze tossed the curls around the back of her neck as she strode closer to the postern gate. She took in the sight before her, marvelling at the history and grandeur of Almerry Castle. Her mind wandered as she thought about its past. Who had been there before? How had it become so battle-scarred?

The castle walls were made of limestone and granite, and Rebecca could see where arrows had once struck. It was an impressive sight, one that stirred up excitement and wonderment deep within her.

She lifted one hand, trailing her fingers across the rough, cool bricks. They held secrets, of that she was certain. The whole castle had a story to tell. Oh, she knew a little, but she longed to hear the entire tale. Her eyelids fluttered shut. Someday.

“My lady.”

Rebecca’s heart skipped a beat and her throat went dry as Camden’s voice filled the air. She had hoped he wouldn’t follow her here, but it seemed he had keenly observed her separation from the hunting party.

Her fingers froze, still trailing along the rough limestone and granite of the castle walls. She could feel his presence behind her, and she shivered despite the warmth of the summer sun. He was closer now, too close for comfort.

“My lady,” he said again, this time with more authority in his voice.

Rebecca slowly turned to face the vexing man. His gaze upon her made her heart flutter, and she found herself at a loss for words.

“The hounds went east,” Camden said, gesturing off into the distance with one hand. “Whatever are you doing here?”

He stepped closer as he spoke and Rebecca unconsciously took a step back, almost tripping over a rock in her haste to maintain some distance between them. Her cheeks burned at being caught here—on his land—by him. What must she look like from his perspective? No doubt he thought her a flighty young girl who had strayed from the safety of the party in pursuit of something foolish.

Seeing no other choice, Rebecca decided to brazen it out. After all, she was the daughter of a powerful earl. With an air of defiance, she met Camden’s gaze. His blue eyes danced mischievously and in that moment, she’d have given anything to smack the smirk off his too-handsome face. “I lost the trail.”

“And you happened to have a book with you by coincidence.” He nodded at her hand where she clutched the leather bound volume she’d intended to spend the afternoon getting lost in.

Drat. She’d forgotten all about the book the moment she’d heard his voice. Her pulse quickened. “Never mind me. What are you doing here? You were on the hunt as well.”

“I forgot all about the hunt the moment I saw you.” He drew closer to her.

Heat flared across her chest, up her face. “Me?”

“Indeed. I find myself quite captivated by you, lady Rebecca. I had hoped I might meet you again. It is the very reason I accepted Lord Chesterfield’s invitation. Though I was not aware that you were his daughter, nor did I expect to find you along for the hunt.”

Invitation? Lord Chesterfield? Drat! Father had invited him to the house party. She edged away, her back bumping into the postern gate. “And now?”

“Now I intend to make amends. Let us forget this morning and begin anew.” He captured her hand in his, sending a fresh wave of heat spiraling through her.

“Why?” she asked, breathless. As she awaited his answer, she felt like a snared rabbit desperate to escape. The thumping of her pulse echoed in her ears as she awaited his reply, tension building with each passing heartbeat as she fought to maintain a calm exterior. She had no wish for him to know how much he was affecting her.

“I intend to stay at Almerry, leastwise, for the foreseeable future. I am also attending your family’s house party. Would it not be best for us to become friendly?”

Rebecca didn’t allow Camden’s words to sway her. She knew that a man such as him would be a dangerous distraction she had no desire to cultivate.

He shifted his weight from one leg to the other, his gaze searching her face for any sign of relenting. But Rebecca was resolute, despite the tugging sensation in her chest each time their eyes met.

“I suppose it would make things more pleasant,” she finally conceded, though she was careful not to reveal how much he affected her with just one glance. “That is, if I planned on spending time in your company. I assure you, I do not.”

Camden chuckled softly and stepped closer to her until they were only inches apart. His blue eyes held hers captive as his gaze roamed over her face before coming back up to meet hers once more. She held her breath as he slowly leaned toward her until she could feel the warmth of his breath against her cheek and smell the faint hint of mint on his lips… “And if we cross paths again?”

Rebecca felt her heart racing as Camden’s lips hovered dangerously close to hers. She could feel the heat emanating from his body, the scent of his cologne filling her senses. Her eyes fluttered shut as she awaited his next move, a part of her daring him to close the gap between them.

“If we cross paths again,” Camden whispered, his breath hot against her skin. “I expect you to share a book with me.”

Rebecca’s eyes flew open, surprised at the unexpected turn of events. Her mind raced as she fought to regain her composure. “I suppose that could be arranged,” she replied coolly, taking a step back to put some space between them.

Camden merely grinned at her response, his eyes sparkling with amusement. “I look forward to it, my lady.”

With a slight bow, he turned and strode off, leaving Rebecca alone with her racing thoughts. As she watched his retreating figure, she couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation. It was rather like being drawn to a flame. She knew touching it would burn, but could not stop herself from drawing close.

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