Page 136 of Rogue of My Heart

She sucked in a shallow breath. “I…I only came to apologize for my poor treatment of you, and now I have. I’ll be on my way.”

He held tight to her reins, his gaze sweeping her face. His brows drew together.

“Please release my horse. I would like to be on my way.” She glanced at the gatehouse. Her pulse racing.

“Are you certain you can’t stay a bit longer? Perhaps join me in a turn around the bailey? I would like to be friends.” His tone was soft and steady.

Heaven help her, but he looked so sincere. What would a short walk hurt? She gave a nod of ascent and he reached up to help her dismount. She slid from the saddle and into his arms. Once her feet touched the ground, he stepped back, releasing her. An odd yet comforting sensation lingered in her skin where he had touched her.

“Allow me to secure your mount. I will only be a minute.” Camden smiled at her as he led the horse toward the stable.

She pressed the backs of her fingers to her lips as he walked away. A part of her wanted to call out for him to return her mount so she could leave. Yet her stomach fluttered over the idea of spending time with him.

What could she be thinking? One second Rebecca was filled with anger toward this man, then a heartbeat later she wanted to throw herself into his arms. With a heavy breath, she lowered her hand and looked around.

The summer sun shone down on her, its vibrant light casting shadows around the castle’s bailey. She squinted, blocking the light with her arm as her gaze returned to the stable door. When Camden strode out, she made her way over to him. There was no reason for her to stay in the middle of the bailey, waiting for him like a lovesick fool—which she most certainly was not.

Camden offered her his arm, and she wound her hand through the crook of his elbow, allowing him to guide her toward the curtain wall encasing Almerry. An awkward silence hung in the air between them. She could feel her pulse beating, her stomach fluttering—this was ridiculous. Rebecca only wished to befriend him because of Almerry. She had no romantic inclinations toward him. There was no reason at all to be demure. And yet...

Rebecca snuck a glance at him from the corner of her eye. Ridiculous, indeed. She inhaled a cleansing breath, then said, “I have always wondered about the damage to the postern gate and surrounding wall. It seems to be caused from more than age and disrepair. The large hole to the left of the gate has long fascinated me.”

“Then you do not know the legend of Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel in its entirety.”

“I fear not, but would very much like to.” She’d spent years wondering about the badly damaged gate and arched portion of wall. “You will tell me, won’t you?” She tilted her head toward him.

“According to family tales, Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel fought side by side to reclaim Almerry from the Scottish. The enemy troops used greek fire to breech the gate, gaining entry to the castle. Lady Isabel and Sir Ariston amassed an army and arrived in time to prevent the enemy from taking the keep. They fought side by side, and though Lady Isabel suffered the slash of a blade during the battle, but her injury did not stop her from defending her home.” He placed his hand over Rebecca’s, where it rested on his arm. “Lady Isabel and Sir Ariston were married shortly after the battle and remained at each other’s side for the rest of their lives.”

She tossed a glance back at the gate, her gaze roaming over the damaged sandstone. Could his tale be true? It certainly fit with the tales of their great love story. “Legend has it Lady Isabel and Sir Ariston were told by a seer that their children would be legends in their own right.”

“Sir Ariston was part of a long line of feared and valiant knights. Every Beauchamp male for centuries has made a name for himself as a capable and respected knight or soldier. It is a family tradition.”

Her gut clinched, the air freezing in her lungs. She’d been enjoying their time together so much she’d forgotten what he was. Forgotten why he was not for her. A dangerous slip, for she could easily fall for him. Her mood soured, and she glanced back at the gatehouse.

“Are you unwell? Your face has gone pale.” He drew them to a stop and slipped his arm around her. His gaze searching hers. Lines furrowed his brow, but his blue eyes were soft.

“I’m perfectly fine. The chatter of war simply brought back old memories. My brother, Roland... He lost his life fighting against Napoleon’s forces. I’m afraid I will never be able to put his loss behind me.” She swallowed the lump forming in her throat. She’d never spoken to anyone outside her immediate family about Roland’s death. Why had she told Camden?

“I’m sorry for your loss. I was unaware.” He pulled her against him. “War is often an ugly business. Far too many great men have been lost to it.”

For a moment, she allowed her head to rest against his chest. The sound of his heartbeat and warmth of his body comforted her. Standing here with him, pressed against him, she felt safe, cared for. Except she couldn’t find comfort with him. Not in the arms of a soldier. She stepped from his embrace.

“Let us speak of something else.” She took his arm once more. “Have you explored the castle? I mean, beyond the rooms you are occupying.”

He led her toward the turn of the wall that would bring them around the other side of the bailey. “I looked around a bit when I arrived, but I’ve not been in every chamber, nor have I entered the fifth floor.”

“I should like to spend some time inside. Who knows what treasures remain?”

“If it is your wish to explore the keep, then you shall.”

“Truly?” She beamed at him, her heart swelling. She’d always wanted to enter the keep, but never had she allowed herself the pleasure. So far as she was concerned, Almerry had belonged to Sir Ariston and Lady Isabel. She’d not trespass on their home uninvited. Only now Almerry belonged to Camden, and he’d invited her. Her lips turned up in a wide smile. “You cannot possibly know how happy you have made me.”

He brought them to a halt and stepped in front of her. With one of his bone melting gazes, he reached up and cupped her cheek. “I rather like making you happy.”

Her stomach fluttered. Heat fanned out from where his hand rested on her face. He rubbed his fingers across the tender skin of her neck, just below her ear. Her pulse sped, and she tipped her chin up, inviting his kiss.

He brought his lips to hers, startlingly gentle for such a large man. Her entire body trembled with need. Her arms slid around his neck of their own accord while she rose onto her tiptoes. Heavenly. His kiss could be described in no other way.

He tilted her head, deepening the kiss. Heat engulfed her entire body. She was completely lost in the sensations consuming her. His warmth invaded her, his muscled body formed to hers, his soft but demanding lips possessed hers, and she was lost. She opened for him, giving him all she had to offer. Taking and giving without reservation.