Page 71 of My Notorious Highlander

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."