Page 14 of My Notorious Highlander

"Why?"

"Because that vile MacLeod is missing, too, and I don't trust the whoreson."

She glanced back into the room at Torrin, who made for the door, a thunderous expression on his face.

"Are you wanting your nose broken again, MacBain?" he asked.

"What the hell are you doing here, in a bedchamber, with Lady Jessie?" MacBain's face turned as red as his injured nose. The area around his eyes was a bruised blue color.

"'Tis none of your concern."

"I wholeheartedly disagree. I came to woo and marry this lady in a most honorable way. You are naught but a rogue set on using her and casting her aside."

"Ha. You are the one who used her and cast her aside!" Torrin accused. "'Tis clear to everyone you will do the same again if given the chance. On the other hand, my intentions are honorable."

Mortified by Torrin's candor in regards to MacBain using her, Jessie wished she could crawl into one of the trunks.

"Well… nay. I'm a changed man," MacBain said, stretching his neck up as if trying to stand taller. "I have already apologized to her for my past mistakes. No one is perfect, not even you, MacLeod."

Torrin gave a derisive laugh and shook his head. "We'll let the lady decide," he said in a hushed tone.

"The lady has decided she is weary of this daft arguing." Jessie bypassed MacBain and headed toward the stairwell.

"Out of my way, MacBain," Torrin ordered.

Footsteps thudded on the wooden floor behind her. She quickened her pace down the stairwell, eager to be free of these two crowing roosters and have some time alone to think. Just before the last step, her foot caught in her skirts and she tumbled forward, her knee smashing onto the stone floor. Pain shot up her leg.

"Blast!"

"Lady Jessie?" Torrin exclaimed just behind her, then knelt by her side, his arm around her. "How badly are you hurt?"

"'Tis only a bruised knee," she assured him, trying to shrug off his strong, protective arm. Aye, the sensation of his arm around her was warm and comforting, but this only served to heighten her discomfort. She attempted to push to her feet.

"Here, let me help you." He removed his arm from around her and offered his hand instead.

Much as she was tempted to take his hand, she could not bring herself to. "Nay. I am well."

He released a breath. "Do not be so stubborn."

"What has happened?" MacBain thundered, standing over them.

"Can you not see? She fell," Torrin snapped.

"Allow me to help you up, m'lady." MacBain reached a hand down.

Annoyance verging on rage twisted through her. "Leave me be, MacBain!" she warned. "Go." She pointed toward the great hall.

"Very well. You had only to ask," he said in a petulant tone and strode away.

"I'm so sick of him," she muttered, shoving to her feet.

A slight grin quirked Torrin's lips as he rose to stand beside her. "I am as well."

She chuckled at how ridiculous the situation was and Torrin joined in. She liked the sound of his deep laugh.

"Are you certain nothing is broken?" he asked.

"Aye, I'll send for the healer, but I'm sure 'tis only a bruise."