Page 8 of My Notorious Highlander

Torrin kept an eye on Gregor MacBain beside him. The man had already guzzled several goblets of wine, then he pulled out a whisky flask and downed a long swallow.

He caught Torrin watching him and gave a mock smile. "I would offer you some, MacLeod, but I only have a wee dram left."

"I have no hankering for whisky at the moment." He had to keep a clear head and protect Jessie from this scoundrel. No telling what he would do once the drink took hold of him.

"Where in blazes did Lady Jessie get to?" MacBain asked. "I want to dance with the lass."

"I have no inkling," Torrin muttered, then took another bite of the tender venison they'd been served. Although he'd love to see Jessie himself, 'twas probably best that she'd made herself scarce if the imbecile sitting beside him was going to harass her. He doubted Jessie would want to dance with MacBain.

"I'll not let her shun me. I'm going to find her." He pushed back his chair.

Damnation. Grinding his teeth, Torrin did the same and trailed after MacBain as he headed toward a narrow stairwell leading up. Torrin wanted to finish his meal, the best he'd had in weeks. MacBain staggered and grabbed onto the rope which served as a stair rail. This couldn't be good. He dragged himself up the stone turnpike stairway. Torrin followed, and although he wasn't trying to hide from MacBain, the man already appeared too sotted to realize he was trailing behind him.

"Lady Jessie!" MacBain bellowed at the top of the steps. "I have a gift for you, my bonnie lass!"

Coming up behind him, Torrin saw that Jessie stood in the corridor talking with a maid. The maid hastened away. Jessie placed her hands upon her hips. "Your room is almost ready, MacBain. But you must be patient."

He stumbled forward. "Nay, 'tis not that. I brought you something special." Awkwardly, he dug into his sporran.

Jessie's annoyed gaze darted to Torrin. A lightning flash through the narrow window lit her hair to flaming red and her eyes to bright sky-blue. Her vivid beauty snatched his breath and ignited excitement within him. How he wished this buffoon, MacBain, was not here. He'd do everything in his power to convince Jessie to allow him a kiss.

Her attention switched to MacBain who held up a pendant, dangling from his fingers.

"This is for you, m'lady." He bowed, then offered the pendant to her.

She crossed her arms over her chest. "I cannot accept any gifts from you."

"What? Are you mad, woman? 'Tis real gold and rubies."

"I'm not interested."

"You're still mad at me," he whined.

Torrin rolled his eyes. Had the man no pride?

"A thoussssand apologies," MacBain slurred. "Hope you can forgive me my past misdeeds."

"I forgive you, but I still cannot accept any gifts," she said, as if bored. "Please go back down to the great hall until your chamber is prepared."

Torrin grinned, glad she'd refused the pendant. Clearly, she was a woman who could not be swayed by expensive gifts, and he admired her for it. He was starting to like her more with every moment he was in her presence.

MacBain let out an exasperated breath and unsteadily dropped the pendant back into his sporran while he wavered back and forth. "S-save it for later then. I'll change your mind, Jessss-ie. Just you wait and see."

"Nay, I think not."

"You protest too much. Come dance, bonnie lass." He staggered toward her.

"I'm too busy to dance, and too tired besides."

"Nonsense. Dancing will make you feel better." He grasped her hand.

She snatched it away. "Go downstairs to the great hall," she ordered through clenched teeth.

Torrin wanted to intervene and kick MacBain's arse back down the stairs, but considering what a strong woman Jessie was, she would likely want to take care of this problem herself. She had to make MacBain understand she had no interest in him, but considering how daft he was, 'twould no doubt take a while to get it through his thick skull.

"Only if you come with me." MacBain grabbed for her hand again, but she drew back and he teetered into the wall.

Torrin took a step forward, ready to seize the bastard if he became more aggressive.