Page 73 of My Notorious Highlander

"Let's follow him and see if we hear music," she suggested.

Torrin nodded. They exited the room and slipped along the corridor. A few yards from the open door of Erskine's room, they halted. The two men and Nannag talked within the room, though Jessie couldn't understand their words. Then, the soothing sounds of flute music floated out into the corridor. Jessie smiled.

She knew Erskine didn't blame Aiden for being injured, but Aiden had no doubt blamed himself. Now that he saw Erskine would likely recover, mayhap he could forgive himself for his poor decisions.

"Come," Torrin whispered. Taking her hand, he led her back along the corridor. His big hand surrounded and warmed hers, soothing her and giving her shivers at the same time.

"I thank you for helping Aiden," she said. "I've never seen him so upset. Hopefully, he's back to his old self again."

"I hope so." Torrin pulled her into his guest room and closed the door. Considering the attentive way he watched her, he was no longer thinking of her brother.

"And now what are you about, MacLeod, bringing me to your chamber?" She placed her hands upon her hips in a mock severe posture.

"I wish to speak to you," he said mysteriously.

"About?"

"Are you avoiding me?"

"Nay," Jessie said, although, in one way, she wished she could avoid him; in another, she wished to tackle him to the bed right now. "Why would you think that?"

"You didn't break your fast in the great hall, even though there was an empty seat beside me."

"I simply don't want everyone to think… you know… that we're…" She paused, refusing to say the words.

"We're what?" He lifted a brow.

He knew what she was trying to say, blast him.

His expression turned troubled. "You're ashamed of me," he said, somewhere between a statement and a question.

"Of course not! The clan will gossip. They will think we're…"

"Lovers?" he supplied.

A mixture of heat and excitement washed over her. "Aye."

"Well, they will think the truth, then."

She blew out an exasperated breath. "I don't wish everyone to know that."

"You won't avoid me tonight, will you?" he murmured. "I woke up last night and you were gone. I missed you."

"We cannot be caught together again. Uncle Conall already—" she broke off, not wanting to discuss the M word with Torrin.

He sent her a mischievous look. "Conall told me he intended to have a discussion with you. Did he give good advice?"

"I have no need for anyone's advice," she said firmly.

"Ah, well, I figured as much," he said in a mild tone, and was obviously squelching a grin.

She glared at him. "You put him up to that, did you not?"

"Nay! 'Twas all his idea. He confronted me about being in your chamber. I told him the truth—that I wish to marry you." Torrin crossed his arms over his chest and raised a brow.

"And I told him the truth as well—that I cannot marry you. Now, if you will pardon me, I must get to the great hall." She eyed the door, hoping he would let her pass.

"What if you are with child?" he whispered.