Текст книги "My notorious highlander"

Автор книги: Vonda Sinclair

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Текущая страница: 11 (всего у книги 17 страниц)

Chapter Eleven

Jessie turned and stared at the door Torrin had just closed behind him as he'd left. Of course, 'twas her fault he'd walked out, but at the same time, she realized this was what it would feel like if he abandoned her. She pressed her eyes closed tight, tears running down her cheeks. 'Twould rip her heart out.

But he hadn't abandoned her. He'd simply left the room because he believed she wouldn't accept him or his gift.

"I'm sorry," she whispered. The words echoed in the quiet, empty room.

The leggy pup scuttled toward her and sniffed at her skirt-tail.

She lowered herself to the floor on shaky legs and the pup clambered onto her lap. "What is your name, wee furry beastie?" she asked, trying to keep him from washing her face with his pink tongue. "You are a handsome lad." Already the pup wriggled his way into her heart, just as Torrin had. She couldn't help but smile. Torrin was a sweetheart to give her such a thoughtful gift. She would have to thank him, for indeed she could not refuse the puppy.

"How about Greum?" she asked him. "Would you answer to that name?"

The pup put his white paws on her shoulder and licked her ear.

"Och, you are very forward just like Torrin." She rolled him onto his back and rubbed his belly. He squirmed and kicked, a happy grin on his face. Playing with him, she repeated the name a few times, hoping he'd come to recognize it quickly. "Are you hungry? I bet you are as hungry as a wild boar, are you not? Come, Greum, and I'll find you something to eat."

She rose and approached the door. Greum scampered at her heels as she left the library and crossed the great hall. Everyone was assembling for supper. She glanced around the room and her gaze landed on Torrin, standing by the fireplace with several of his men. She sent him a brief smile and continued on toward the kitchen, not waiting to see what his response would be. She was sure he thought her daft. And mayhap she was. But she could only do what she felt was right for her.

***

Torrin's attention was completely ensnared when Jessie strode across the great hall, the pup on her heels. She smiled at him, halting his breath, then disappeared down the stairs leading to the kitchen. Saints! What did that smile mean? He refused to chase after her and find out. Nay, she would have to come to him this time.

Had she decided to accept the pup? He certainly hoped so. She needed it. She needed something or someone to love, who would love her back. Torrin could do that, but he was unsure whether she would ever accept him. All he could do was try to prove to her, over and over, that he wouldn't abandon her as MacBain had. The whoreson.

Everyone seated themselves as supper began. Torrin joined Conall, Iain and several others at the high table. The men left a vacant seat beside Torrin, but the reason remained unspoken. However, as the food was served, 'twas clear to him Jessie was not going to join them this eve. Although his stomach ached with hunger, he had little appetite. Another seat further along the table also remained empty.

"Where is Aiden?" Torrin asked Conall.

"In his chamber, under heavy guard."

"Heavy guard?"

"Aye, he slipped past the single guard who was watching him last night. So, now he has two."

Torrin doubted he would try to sneak out again, anyway, considering what a disaster last night's adventure had been. "Is he not allowed to join us for supper?"

"Aye, of course. But he said he wishes to eat in his room." Conall shrugged.

Saints! Aiden was always at the high table for meals. The situation with Erskine had affected the lad more profoundly than Torrin had imagined. And he was also likely still upset about Haldane.

"How is Erskine?" Torrin asked.

"He was sleeping when last I checked in on him a quarter hour ago," Conall said.

Torrin nodded, praying that meant he was recovering. After taking a bite of venison stew, he turned to Struan, his sword-bearer, who had joined them at high table. "Tell me of your journey south. Did MacBain and his men give you trouble?"

"Nay, they were quiet and cooperative, but glared at us the entire way. 'Tis clear MacBain is angered beyond reason. I fear he will strike back. 'Haps with a larger force of men next time."

"Saints! 'Tis just what we need," Torrin grumbled.

"At the border, we told them to be on their way," Struan said. "'Twas a tense moment when we threw their weapons down at their feet. At first, we were unsure whether they would grab their swords and attack or not. But clearly, they were outnumbered, and they didn't wish to risk it. We were careful to watch our backs, especially at night when we camped."

"Good work. And I thank you for handling that risky job so well." Torrin drank a long sip of the bitter dark ale.

"'Twas an honor, m'laird. A few miles south of Durness, we came upon Sim, Luag and Gordon returning from Scourie with a pup, of all things." Struan chuckled. "I thought, what on earth is the chief up to now, sending them to fetch a wee dog? But once they told me 'twas a gift for the lady, it made perfect sense. I take it she liked the wee beastie."

"I think she did." He hoped.

"Of course she did," Iain said, leaning forward, where he sat on Struan's other side. "Did you not see the blinding smile she sent him across the great hall moments ago?"

"Nay, I did not," Struan said, then took a huge bite of stew.

Iain grinned. "'Twas a sight to behold, as if the sun shone at midday."

"This is good news, then, m'laird," Struan said.

Torrin snorted. "He exaggerates."

Aye, he thought she liked the pup, but she had not said so yet. He hoped she would search him out later and let him know. If he couldn't see her tonight, he would miss her terribly. Already, he was addicted to her. Last night had been the best night of his life, and he wanted many more of those.

As everyone was finishing the meal, they looked glum, sipping their ale. The low murmur of conversation was only a quarter of the usual volume, and where music used to fill this great hall, there was silence. 'Twas clear the clan was worried about Erskine, but also missing Aiden and his music.

"'Tis late," Torrin said. "I think I will check on Erskine and Aiden, then retire for the evening."

Iain lifted one brow and gave him a speculative look.

Torrin merely glared at him. Do not even say what you're thinking. No doubt it had something to do with Jessie. Torrin rose from the table and bid them good night.

He headed toward the stairs.

"Lad, could I have a word?"

Torrin halted. Was someone calling him lad? Only his uncles and the MacLeod clan elders did that these days. Och, 'twas Conall following him. He should've guessed.

"Aye, of course." Saints! Was the man going to berate him for defiling his niece? "Would you like to go into the library?" He sure as the devil didn't want Iain to listen in on this conversation if Conall was going to question him about where he'd slept last night.

"That would be good," the older man said.

Torrin proceeded into the room, and Conall closed the door behind them.

"I have great respect for you as a chief and laird," Conall said. "'Twas clear to me today what a great leader you are."

Torrin gave a brief nod. "I thank you for that."

"You've generously helped this clan in many ways since you've been visiting."

"I'm more than glad to help out when I can."

"But… Jessie is my niece and… well, you were in her chamber this morn. Her father is no longer with us, and her older brother is away, so I felt it my responsibility to say something."

"Aye, well, I want you to know, sir, that I want to marry Lady Jessie," Torrin said, feeling almost as if he were speaking to Jessie's father. "I've offered for her hand twice. Dirk has refused each time because he says Lady Jessie refuses. I'm simply trying to change her mind. I think once she gets to know me, she will reconsider and accept my offer."

"Um-hmm," Conall grunted his response and nodded a wee bit, thinking that over. "Well, mayhap she is the one I should be speaking to about making this right."

"'Haps." Torrin was unsure whether Conall would help the situation or damage it further if he tried to pressure Jessie into marrying him. "Does she usually take your advice?"

"Aye, of course. All the young folks do."

Naturally, he would say that, but Torrin was still unsure. "She is stubborn, is she not?"

"Indeed. Most of the MacKays are," he said heartily.

"I care about her a great deal, and I truly want her for my wife. I have since the night I met her last winter." Torrin hoped the older man could see his sincerity, and how much Jessie meant to him. "If you can put in a good word for me, I would appreciate it."

"Aye. I'll do that." With a wee smile, Conall offered his hand, and Torrin shook it. "You're a good man, and I'll look forward to having you for a nephew."

"I thank you, sir. That means a lot to me. And I hope it comes to pass."

After he and Conall left the library, Torrin headed upstairs to Erskine's chamber. Several candles lit the room and the ancient, white-haired healer, Nannag, and her two younger helpers sat watching Erskine sleep.

"How is he?" Torrin asked, keeping his voice low.

"He has no fever and his breathing is strong," Nannag said in a paper-thin whisper. "The bleeding has stopped."

"Good. Send someone after me if his condition changes."

"Aye, indeed. I will, m'laird."

"I thank you." He exited the room and headed toward Aiden's chamber on the same corridor as his own but further along and around a corner. Two burly guards stood outside the door.

"I've come to see Aiden," Torrin told them.

One of the guards knocked on the door.

All was silent inside. Anxiety slithering through him, Torrin frowned. Was he asleep, or had he slipped out somehow?

The guard opened the door and barged into the room. Torrin followed. Aiden sat before the fireplace.

"You scared the life out of me, Aiden," Torrin said.

"Why?"

"When you didn't answer, I thought… never mind what I thought."

The guard left the room and closed the door, giving them privacy.

"Did you eat supper?" Torrin asked.

"Nay, I'm not hungry." Aiden stared listlessly into the fire, his shoulders slumped.

"You must eat something to keep up your strength. We missed you greatly at supper."

Aiden sent him a troubled look, but remained silent.

Torrin dropped into the other wooden chair by the fireplace. "Erskine will recover, I'm certain."

"You don't know that." Aiden's voice was hushed and glum.

"He's stable, thus far, and sleeping."

Aiden swallowed hard and nodded.

"I wish you hadn't slipped out to see Haldane, but I understand why you did."

Aiden sent him a defiant and questioning glance.

"Yesterday, Haldane told me that Dirk had killed my younger brother, Nolan."

Aiden's eyes widened. "Dirk did? Why?"

"Because Nolan kidnapped Lady Isobel from their tent when they were camping somewhere south of Munrick. I'm certain Dirk did what he had to in order to rescue her." Torrin stared at the glowing embers in the fireplace, his eyes burning.

"I'm sorry to hear of it," Aiden murmured.

"Aye. Well… Nolan was an outlaw, so 'tis to be expected. I keep remembering the last time I saw him, outside the walls here. He'd ridden north with us to see what was happening with Lady Isobel, trying to find out why Dirk had brought her here. Once Dirk told us that Nolan had tried to rape her, I couldn't believe it. My own brother?" Torrin shook his head. He especially couldn't believe it given what had happened to their sister, Allina. "After Nolan fled with the outlaws, I knew it must be true."

Aiden frowned, looking troubled.

"Nolan never returned home," Torrin continued. "I didn't get to see him again after he joined Haldane and his gang. I wish I could've talked to him, tried to convince him to change. Even though, likely it would have done no good."

Aiden nodded.

"So, you see, I understand why you wanted to speak to your brother and get him to see the error of his ways. No one can blame you for wanting to help someone you love."

Tears glistened in Aiden's eyes. He cleared his throat and swiped his sleeve across his eyes. "I fear he will be killed, aye. I figured 'twould be my only opportunity to see him one last time." Aiden shook his head. "But he is just like Ma. He will not give up on what he wants, no matter the cost. He is willing to risk his life in his quest to kill Dirk and take over this castle."

"Aye," Torrin agreed. "He is determined, and doesn't care who he has to murder to achieve his goal."

"It kills me to see how he has changed. And now, if Erskine dies because of me… I don't know."

"He's a strong, healthy warrior. I'm near certain he will recover."

"I pray 'twill be so."

"Well, 'tis late. I'm going to bid you good night. Try to get some sleep."

Aiden nodded but didn't look in any better spirits than he had when Torrin had entered. "Good night."

Closing the door on his way out, Torrin shook his head. "Look in on him from time to time, would you?" he asked the guards in a hushed voice. "I'm concerned about him."

They both nodded.

Torrin proceeded down the corridor and around the corner toward his own chamber. When someone moved in the darkened corner, startling him, he halted. The lone candle sconce revealed a female with long red hair.

"Jessie," he whispered, a thrill coursing through him.

She stepped away from the corner. "Were you visiting Aiden?"

"Aye."

"How is he now? I took him food earlier but he refused to eat it."

"He seems near devastated. Nothing like his normally merry self."

Her brows drew together. "Aye. I hope he will get some sleep, at least."

Torrin nodded, studying her eyes, darker in the dimness. "I missed you at supper."

"I'm sorry. I didn't feel in a sociable mood. I sat with Erskine while he slept."

"He seems stable."

"Aye. I'm praying he improves quickly." She appeared distracted for a moment, then her expression lightened. "I want to thank you for the pup."

"You decided to keep him?"

She gave a faint smile. "Aye. I named him Greum."

Torrin grinned. "'Tis a fitting name. Where is the wee rascal?"

"In my chamber, asleep before the fireplace."

"Spoiling him already?"

"Aye."

"I'm glad you want him."

She dropped her gaze briefly. "I was simply… uncertain before. I suppose I'm afraid of risks in some ways. Not physical risks but…" She shrugged.

"I ken what you mean. 'Tis not easy to let go and put your heart out there. There is always a risk that we'll be hurt in one way or another, no matter what we do. But you're a strong and brave woman, Jessie. I admire you more than I can say."

"I thank you. And I admire you also," she whispered, her blue eyes taking on a seductive quality. "You're very generous and thoughtful to give me such a gift. I'll never be able to repay you."

"Och. I think you will." He grinned. "'Twill only take a bit more convincing."

When she frowned and tried to draw away from him, he took hold of her wrist to keep her there. "I'm teasing. I would accept a thank you kiss, though."

"Rogue," she muttered, giving him a mischievous smile.

"I'll not argue with that." He slowly leaned down and kissed her lips… soft, delectable and tasting of sweet, spiced wine. When she opened her mouth, the kiss quickly turned fiery. Saints! He wanted to consume her.

He drew her the short distance to the door of his guest chamber and inside. Pushing the door closed, he leaned against the wood, pulled her body tight to his and deepened the kiss. When her tongue flicked his, lust seared him.

"Jessie," he growled. Shoving his sporran aside, he pulled her hips tight against his own, hoping she felt how badly he wanted her.

Moaning, she buried her hands in his hair and reached up for more of his forceful kisses.

"I need you," he said.

"Aye." Jessie could not believe how fiercely she craved Torrin at this moment. It seemed each time they were together, her desire for him grew to unbelievable depths. She tugged at his clothing, tried with unsteady hands to unfasten his belt.

"Let me," he said, unbuckling the belt. In a trice, his shirt lay on the floor with his plaid. The fire in the hearth revealed the delicious ridges and planes of his muscular body.

"Now, your turn." With a seductive smile, he had her undressed just as quickly.

She shivered, not because the room was cold, but because the look in Torrin's eyes was so hot.

He lifted her and carried her across the floor to his bed, drawing her nipple into his mouth at the same time.

Tremors of delight coursing through her, she arched her back and held him close. He feasted upon her breasts, stimulating the nipples to hard points. His shaft lay heavy and hard as granite against her lower abdomen. She slipped her hand down and traced her fingertips along its feverish length, then squeezed it, eliciting a groan from him.

"You have awoken the beast, now." He sat back on his heels, grabbed her ankle and bit it playfully.

She giggled but in the next second, he was between her thighs, spreading her legs. He stroked a thumb through her moisture, then hissed a curse.

Leaning his long body over hers, he guided his shaft into her, the sensation filling her with intensifying arousal. Aye, she wanted more. Lifting her hips to meet his first slow thrust, she moaned.

With dark, intense eyes, he observed her, gradually increasing the pace. His body completely bewitched her, filling her with magical sensations she'd never imagined possible. When they grew too powerful to bear, she closed her eyes and held her breath. The swirling pleasures crashed and exploded. She wanted to scream, but Torrin's mouth was devouring hers, muffling her cries.

Somehow, he drew the pleasure out, on and on, then he shoved hard against her and held himself there, deep within her, growling between clenched teeth against her ear.

"Saints, Jessie," he hissed. "Tha gràdh agam ort."

She froze. Did he say I love you? Maybe she'd misheard.

He collapsed beside her and drew her close against his side.

Mo chreach. He hadn't just told her he loved her, had he?

She listened as his harsh breathing calmed, hoping he wouldn't remember what he'd said. She knew not how she felt about his confession. Did it mean anything, or was he simply caught up in the heat of passion? MacBain had also told her he loved her, and 'twas obvious how that turned out. He'd lied.

She didn't think Torrin was lying, but mayhap those words didn't mean the same thing to men as they did to women.

"I missed you, Jessie," he said between a whisper and a mumble, sounding half asleep. He drew her close into his arms and his breathing evened out. She glanced up at him. Was he asleep already? He must have been exhausted from the long day of searching for Aiden, in addition to the battle.

Remembering how he'd said he loved her, she remained tense while he slept, her mind spinning over the possibilities, along with the problems. She had already feared she was falling in love with him. Regardless of how they felt about each other, she couldn't marry him if she was barren. A chief and laird couldn't have a barren wife. He would likely grow to resent her over the years if she couldn't provide an heir.

Her eyes burning with tears, she slipped from beneath his arm and slid from the bed. She dressed quietly in the firelight, then crept out the door.

A fiery tryst was all they could ever have.

Chapter Twelve

His long gray hair blowing in the strong wind, McMurdo rushed from the edge of the cliff toward Haldane. "A garrison of men is approaching from the south."

"How many and who are they?" Haldane threw down the rabbit bone he'd just cleaned off, breaking his fast.

"Have no inkling who yet, but there are about three dozen."

"God's teeth." Haldane followed McMurdo to the crest of a hill where Gil had been posted as lookout. They stayed low and out of sight. Indeed, a small army approached through the morning mist. Most on horseback. Some on foot. All heavily armed, from what he could see. "'Tis not Dirk's party." Nay, the plaids were unfamiliar and some were dressed in a Lowland style, wearing trews and knee breeches.

McMurdo shook his head.

"We're outnumbered, but we have no quarrel with them. We'll go down and see who they are… and what their mission is." Haldane instructed every man with a bow to guard their backs. "Come." Haldane scrambled down the grassy hillside, stumbling over loose rocks and heather, McMurdo behind him.

When the regiment drew nearer, he and McMurdo stepped out beside the trail, no weapons in their hands, but close at their sides if needed. The clan's dark-haired leader, riding a fine chestnut stallion, halted and held up his hand. All the men following him stopped.

Haldane recognized him immediately as Gregor MacBain, Chief of Clan MacBain, the man Jessie had entered into a trial marriage with two or three years ago. His daft sister had not pleased the man, and he'd sent her home.

"Chief MacBain, 'tis good to see you again," Haldane called out.

"Who are you?" the man demanded, frowning.

"Haldane MacKay. Lady Jessie is my sister. We met only once." Haldane slowly moved forward and held up his hand for the man to shake.

MacBain narrowed his devil-dark eyes. "My apologies. I didn't recognize you, lad." He dismounted, two of his brawny bodyguards following suit and moving to stand beside him.

MacBain shook Haldane's hand briefly.

"Coming to pay Jessie a visit?" Haldane smiled, trying to be his most congenial.

MacBain eyed him and McMurdo suspiciously. "Aye, indeed. I miss the lass. I was here a week ago, but I didn't see you."

"We hadn't yet arrived. Was Jessie not welcoming?"

MacBain's face reddened, and his gaze turned lethal. "Nay. I tried to convince her to marry me, but she showed little interest."

"Och. 'Haps because… of the MacLeod chief courting her." Haldane had almost blurted out that Torrin MacLeod was frolicking naked in the sea with her, but that might infuriate the man. He needed to keep MacBain as calm as possible in order to convince him they could help one another.

"Aye, MacLeod. The bastard," MacBain said between clenched teeth.

Haldane was thrilled to hear how much MacBain disliked Torrin MacLeod, but he hid his reaction. "We could help you defeat him, and then Lady Jessie would be yours. After I'm chief, she will have no choice but to do what I say."

MacBain's brows shot upward. "You're going to be chief of the MacKays?"

Haldane despised the surprise in the man's tone. "Aye, once this imposter who calls himself Dirk is dead. He claims to be my brother, but the real Dirk died thirteen years ago in an accident."

MacBain nodded. "That's what I'd heard."

"Aye, well, that's what we're doing here—awaiting the imposter's return so I can take my rightful place."

MacBain's expression eased, and he even looked a bit hopeful. "And you wouldn't be against my marrying Lady Jessie?"

"Of course not. You would have my blessing. I'll even increase her dowry once I'm chief."

MacBain's eyes lit up. "Indeed? What is your plan in defeating this Dirk then? I've never met him."

"He and a party of about two dozen will be returning sometime soon. We're not certain whether they're traveling by land or sea. I have lookouts in several places." Well, three places. His men were quickly dwindling but he didn't want MacBain to know that. "When Dirk's party arrives, we'll be attacking and killing as many men as possible. No one is to hurt the women, though. One of them will be my future wife."

"Of course, we would never harm the women."

Haldane hoped the man was being truthful, for he would kill any man who hurt Lady Seona. "Then, we'll need to get inside the castle."

MacBain nodded. "And you will help me get Torrin MacLeod out of my path so I can marry Jessie?"

"Indeed. He's an enemy. He killed one of my men." He didn't want MacBain to know that MacLeod was such a good fighter, he'd killed several more than that.

"We have an agreement then." MacBain held out his hand.

"We do." Smiling, Haldane shook it, unable to believe his good fortune—three dozen strong-looking warriors to add to his shrinking force. They would succeed now in defeating the MacKays and taking Dunnakeil.

***

"Jessie, could I have a word with you?" Uncle Conall asked in the corner of the great hall while everyone disbursed after breaking their fast.

"Aye, uncle. How is Aiden this morn?" She had stopped by to see him earlier but he was in bed asleep. She hadn't wanted to disturb him.

"I've not talked to the lad yet today. He was resting when I dropped in." He lowered his voice. "I wanted to talk to you about MacLeod."

Mo chreach! She'd been expecting this since yesterday morn, when her uncle had come to her room and found Torrin answering her door.

"Let's go into the library," he suggested.

"Aye." She gave a mock smile and proceeded into the room, lit by morning sunlight. He was no doubt thinking she was a harlot, but what could she do about that now? He'd practically caught them in bed together.

Conall closed the door and faced her. When she saw that his expression was neutral… 'haps even pleasant, she relaxed a bit.

"I believe MacLeod is a good man," Conall said.

She nodded, unsure where he was taking this conversation.

"He has helped the clan in many ways since he's been here. He almost single-handedly saved Aiden's life. He rescued you twice and brought you back to the castle after you'd been captured each time."

"'Tis true," Jessie agreed. "He's very resourceful. And I'm grateful to him for his help."

"And you… seem to like him a great deal, aye?" Conall gave a tight smile.

Jessie's face burned furiously. "Aye. Like you said, he is a good man." Not to mention gorgeous and seductive.

"He has asked for your hand in marriage, twice now, has he not?" her uncle inquired.

Annoyance twisted through her. "I'm not yet ready for marriage. I do not wish for a repeat of what happened with MacBain."

"MacLeod is not MacBain," Conall grumbled, a frown pulling his rusty-gray brows together. "The two men are vastly different. MacBain is a viper hiding amongst the rocks. From what I've seen, MacLeod is an honorable man, and he told me he cares for you."

Jessie nodded, but she refused to tell her uncle why she couldn't marry Torrin right now—that she was most likely barren. 'Twas not something she could discuss with a male family member without dying of mortification.

"I will give you some good advice, lass," Uncle Conall said sternly. "Marry the man before he leaves and marries some other lady."

When she imagined Torrin marrying another woman, devastation clutched at her heart. "I will consider it," she said low, not meeting her uncle's gaze.

Conall blew out an exasperated breath. "You are more stubborn than your father," he muttered.

Jessie bit her lip. 'Haps he was right.

"I'm telling you, lass, you will regret it if you do not take him up on his offer." Her uncle turned and left the room.

Aye, she already regretted being unable to accept Torrin's offer. But the situation was becoming impossible. If their liaisons did not result in a bairn, she wouldn't marry him. How could she? She refused to trap him in a position where he couldn't sire his own heir.

Each time she lay with him, the experience became more and more intense. She fell deeper and deeper for him. She did not know what she would do when he eventually left. Her heart would be as empty and hollow as this room.

***

Jessie stood beside Aiden's bed, staring down at his prone form beneath the blanket. He was covered up to his ears and facing away from her.

"Aiden, 'tis near noon and time for you to rise. You cannot lay abed all day."

"Leave me be," he muttered.

"Aiden," she said more gently. "I'm sorry I was so harsh with you yesterday."

He made no comment. She knew he was a gentle soul and could not handle much scolding.

"Erskine is improving," she said in a happier tone. "I visited with him a short while ago. He was drinking broth and herbal tea." When Aiden didn't respond, she asked, "Are you going to eat with us in the great hall?"

"Nay. I didn't sleep well last night."

At least he had eaten the bowl of porridge she'd sent up by a servant this morn.

A brief knock sounded at the half-open door. She glanced around to find Torrin waiting on the threshold. Looking into his captivating green eyes always sent a flush of heat over her, as it did now, making her recall how intently he looked into her eyes while making love to her.

"How is the lad feeling?" he asked.

Shoving down her excitement upon seeing Torrin, she swallowed hard and said, "I cannot convince him to get out of bed and join us in the great hall for the meal."

Torrin frowned. "Is he ill?"

She shrugged, though she didn't think he was physically ill. She was certain 'twas more of an emotional ailment.

Torrin entered the room and stood beside her. When his arm brushed hers, a hot shiver traveled over her.

"Aiden?" he asked.

"I'm not hungry," her brother muttered.

"Erskine was asking about you," Torrin said.

Jessie sent him a questioning look.

Torrin nodded. "'Tis true. He wanted to make sure you were rescued from Haldane—Erskine was passed out, if you recall—and he wants you to come play a tune on your flute."

Aiden turned onto his back and frowned up at Torrin, searching his gaze. "I don't believe you."

"Och. You think I would lie about such a thing?"

Without answering, Aiden rolled over again, facing the wall.

"Very well, then," Torrin said, his tone resigned. "Erskine will be mightily disappointed that you refused to entertain him. Music soothes the soul and heals the body, you ken."

Aiden didn't respond.

"Maybe we should leave him to his rest," Torrin told Jessie, then winked at her.

What was he up to? Regardless, his mischievous look and that wink sent her pulse tripping along.

"Aye. Have a good nap, Aiden," she said, and followed Torrin out.

The guard closed the door behind her.

Once around the corner, Torrin grabbed her hand.

"What are you about?" Jessie demanded in a quiet tone.

He tugged her into his guest chamber and pushed the door almost closed, but he left a crack and peered out.

"What are you doing?" she whispered.

"I want to see if Aiden leaves his room and goes to visit Erskine."