Page 72 of My Notorious Highlander

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."

"Do you think he will?"

Torrin shrugged.

"Did Erskine truly ask him to come and play a tune?"

"Indeed. I asked him if he would like to hear Aiden play and he said aye."

"Sneaky devil," she muttered, but she loved the way his mind worked.

Torrin sent her a quick smile, then continued watching out the door. A moment later, a wide grin spread across his face. He opened the door and stuck his head out.

"What is happening?" she whispered.

He drew back into the room and softly closed the door. "Aiden is headed in the direction of Erskine's room. I could not tell if he had a flute with him or not."