Hidden Knights (Knights of the Realm #3) - Jennifer Anne Davis Page 0,47

same intense love she had for him. I’ve been afraid of that. I didn’t want to love someone who didn’t love me back. I couldn’t handle that feeling of rejection.”

“What are you saying?”

“That I want to be with you, to love you. I want kids with you. A future with you. Because the thought of losing you, of not having you in my life, is unbearable. What I’m trying to say is—despite my fears of you not loving me or me losing you—it’s worth it. Being with you is worth it.” His eyes shone with intense sincerity.

Movement off to the side caught Reid’s attention as one of the Knights approached. “Sorry to interrupt,” he said, “but Ackley’s back. It’s time to set the fire and get moving.”

“We’ll be right there,” Reid replied.

Dexter’s brows drew together. He still hadn’t released her face.

She knew she needed to express her feelings. However, articulating such things was difficult for her. All her life, she’d been so careful to keep others at a distance that it was hard to let him in. And right now, the nearness of him overwhelmed her. “I have a lot I’d like to say, and I don’t want to be rushed. Can we finish this conversation later?”

His hands slowly slid from her face to her shoulders. “Of course.”

When they neared the other Knights, one who appeared to be about Reid’s age twisted to face them, sweat trickling down his forehead.

“Are you okay?” Reid asked.

“I think I’m going to be sick.”

Dexter maneuvered his body, blocking Reid’s view of the other Knights. “I want you to take this Knight to the river. Wait there for me.”

Some of the men were directing where to put more blood. Reid looked at Dexter in question.

“Trust me.”

She nodded. Taking the Knight’s arm, she pulled him away from the others. “You’re not bothered by the blood, are you?” Given the fact he was not only a Knight, but also a soldier in the army, she couldn’t imagine he’d be ill over something like that.

He pulled the collar of his tunic away from his neck. “I can handle a lot of things. However, animal mutilation is not one of them.”

Wanting to change the subject, she asked about how he became a Knight, what he liked most about being a member of Ackley’s unit, and if he preferred the long or short sword. Sitting on the boulder, the Knight—who said he was identified as number twelve—dutifully answered Reid’s questions. While he chattered away, she thought about what Dexter had revealed and how she would respond. She grappled with how to put her feelings for him into words.

The Knights wordlessly joined them a few minutes later, just after sunset. The group headed east. Once they’d gone about two miles, Reid asked if they’d be stopping soon since it was becoming difficult to see.

“We’re too close to the town,” Ackley said. “We can’t stop until we’re farther away.”

They exited the forest. Reid didn’t like the idea of traveling out in the open without trees to provide cover. However, Ackley insisted they traverse this route because it would take them directly to the City of Buckley. According to him, no one would expect them to travel this way.

After a couple of hours, Ackley finally halted everyone. He ordered three men to stay on watch while everyone else got a few hours of sleep.

Reid was just about to lie down when Ackley approached.

“Can I please speak with you privately?” he asked.

She felt Dexter tense next to her, but he didn’t say anything.

“Of course.” She followed Ackley about a hundred feet away from their campsite. “What is it?”

“Are you okay?” he asked, his back to her.

“Yes.” He’d already questioned his Knights. They’d given him a full report of what had happened from the moment they took Reid until Ackley recovered her.

He shook his head. “You got married, watched your home burn, and then were kidnapped.” He finally turned to face her. “I want to know how you’re holding up.” There was a gentleness to his voice she rarely heard.

“I haven’t allowed myself to think about it.” Which was the truth. If she did, she’d be overwhelmed. There was too much to do right now to allow that.

“Reid.” He reached out, taking her hand. “You know you’re like a…sister…to me.”

“I know.” She considered him the brother she’d never had.

“If you need anything at all, even if you just want to talk, I’m here for you.”

“Thank you.” She squeezed his hand, then let it go. It