Page 82 of My Notorious Highlander

"Shh. He is sleeping," Nannag whispered. "You'll wake him."

'Twas true. His bare chest rose and fell evenly with his deep breaths. But she couldn't see his wounds for Flora held a linen bandage pressed firmly against them. "Did he pass out again?"

"Nay. 'Twas my sleeping potion, lass." Nannag gave a reassuring smile. "He but needs to rest for a few hours. Come back later. I'll watch over him closely."

"I don't mind staying and helping." In fact, she wanted to. She would enjoy watching him sleep and breathe, for it meant he was alive.

Nannag shook her head. "Go get yourself something to eat… and some wine. You need it."

Releasing a calming breath, Jessie glanced back at the open doorway, where Iain and Struan stood, staring into the room with much concern. She supposed everyone could see how distraught she was… which meant, everyone knew how much she cared for Torrin.

Jessie nodded. "I thank you."

"You're welcome. Flora and I will take good care of the lad for you," Nannag whispered so the men wouldn't hear, then winked.

"He will be well?" Jessie asked hesitantly, keeping her voice low.

"Oh, aye. He lost some blood, but he is a strong, young warrior. We stitched him up good, and the bleeding is slowing. He'll be like new soon." Nannag gave her a knowing smile.

Jessie's face heated. "Very well. I'll be back soon."

When she stepped into the corridor, Iain asked, "How is he?"

"Sleeping. Go in if you wish, but Nannag will likely run you off after a minute."

With a faint smile, he nodded and stepped into the room. A couple of Torrin's men followed him.

She found Aiden lurking farther along the darkened corridor. "How is Torrin?" he asked.

"Sleeping. Nannag says he will recover. I pray she's right."

"Aye. I like him. And I'm so thankful you were unhurt, sister. Dirk told me what happened out there."

"He told you about Haldane?" she asked.

Aiden nodded. Dropping his gaze, he swallowed hard, his Adam's apple bobbing. "I'm just glad he didn't take you with him when he fell off that cliff."

Tears burned her eyes. "Me, too." She drew Aiden into a tight embrace. He was far too thin. "You need to eat more."

"Aye, sister." His tiny smirk reassured her.

"Well, if you will excuse me, I must go clean up. I'm a mess." She strode to her chamber and found her pup where she'd left him, asleep before the hearth. He leapt up and scurried toward her.

"Are you hungry, Greum?" She found some leftover hard cheese sitting on her bedside table and gave it to him. That would occupy him while she washed up and changed clothes. She didn't know where her maid was, but she was fully capable of taking care of herself.

Thankfully, the maid did show up a few minutes later, and Jessie asked her to take Greum out for a walk in the courtyard.

Heading toward the great hall a few minutes later, Jessie came upon Dirk and Isobel exiting their chamber.

"How is Torrin?" Dirk asked.

"He is sleeping, thanks to Nannag's potion. She says he will recover."

"Thank the saints," Dirk said.

"Jessie, you didn't tell me you almost died out there," Isobel said. "I'm so thankful you were unhurt." Isobel drew her into a fierce hug. "Oh, pray pardon. You must be sore."

"Just my shoulders a wee bit, and my hands." She showed them her scraped palms.