"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.
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.