Page 6 of My Notorious Highlander

"It matters not." She didn't want to get Isobel into trouble. It wasn't her fault if his outlaw brother had lied. "What is he planning?" She nodded toward MacBain.

Torrin eyed her a moment longer, making it obvious he didn't want to drop the subject of the rumors. "MacBain thinks he can convince you to marry him, a legal and binding marriage this time." Torrin shrugged. "But he has far more interest in your dowry. He is the least trustworthy man I've ever met."

Hmph. He was one to talk. "I would imagine you also have a great interest in my dowry." Torrin had to know that Dirk had added the hundred-and-fifty acres that Chief MacKenzie had given him, which joined his own. Everyone knew he was keen on acquiring that land for crops.

Torrin's dark green eyes were troubled. "'Tis not my main interest."

"Of course not," she said doubtfully.

"I would like for us to get to know each other better, Lady Jessie." His voice was sober and his eyes hopeful.

'Twas true she was not well acquainted with him, but the most significant thing she knew about him was that he'd killed her foster brother, Lyall Keith, eight years past. She'd watched the whole horrific incident take place from her hidden vantage point in the old oak. She'd been sixteen summers at the time and had nightmares for months afterward—nightmares that featured Torrin, hunting her down and killing her, the only witness to his crime. She hadn't known who he was and, without a clue to his name or clan, the Keiths could not seek retribution. What would Torrin do if he knew she'd witnessed his dark deed? She would put him and his clan in danger. He might then be more interested in killing her than marrying her.

Lightning flashed behind her, over the sea, and thunder rumbled.

"A storm is approaching," Torrin said.

"I can see that, but why would I want to allow you and MacBain within these gates?"

"MacBain isn't trustworthy, but I don't believe he means you or your clan harm. My men and I certainly mean you no harm." Torrin lowered his voice. "In fact, we'll act as guards. I've secretly assigned one of my men to each of his to keep a very close eye on them."

"What makes you think I trust you and your men any more than I trust the MacBains?"

He shrugged. "I ken trust has to be earned. And that's what I'm here to do—earn your trust." His expression was so sincere, she found herself wanting to believe him, but she knew too much about him.

"You have an uphill battle ahead of you."

"'Twill not be the first time." The determination in his eyes made her stomach ache and her pulse rate increase.

She switched her gaze to MacBain. Even though he was annoying, he didn't knock her out of kilter half as much as Torrin. "I don't want that bastard anywhere near me."

"He thinks you still carry a torch for him." Torrin sounded amused.

"Ha."

"Do you?"

Against her will, her gaze was pulled back to Torrin and his expression of dark humor. Why did he find her so entertaining? "Of course not. He's a scoundrel who has no inkling how to be faithful to one woman."

"Prove it to him, then, and mayhap he will leave you alone."

"What do you mean?" The fearsome wind off the sea blew her hair into her face and she pushed it behind her ear.

"Prove you think he is lower than a worm, that you despise him, and he will no doubt leave in a hurry." Torrin glanced up at the sky. "But to deny him Highland hospitality, especially during a storm, would bring you down to his level. You don't want to sully the MacKay name by being unfriendly to an ally, do you?"

She rolled her eyes. "How can the most notorious Highlander in these parts ask me that?"

"Notorious?" Torrin's eyes widened. "Me?"

"Aye. Who else would I be talking about?"

"Very well. I ken I have a reputation because of the battles I've fought, but that has naught to do with hospitality."

As far as she was concerned, his reputation had everything to do with the heinous deed he'd performed with cold calculation. Aye, she was certain it had been him, though they'd both been much younger.

"If you appear angry with him, he'll get the impression that you are still smitten with him. But if you seem bored with him, 'twill be clear you've forgotten him. 'Haps he will leave tomorrow. Who knows?"

She could only hope. "Will you convince him to leave tomorrow?"