Page 91 of My Notorious Highlander

"'Tis what you like." He winked.

He was gratified to see the adorable pink blush spread over her cheeks.

"You're so bonny when you blush," he murmured.

"Cease your silver-tongued blather."

He started to laugh but a sharp pain struck his abdomen. "Saints, Jessie!" he growled. "Don't make me laugh. It hurts."

"I wasn't trying to make you laugh. Just lie back and relax. I'll be naught but morose and serious from now on."

Torrin ground his teeth. "You're doing it again!"

A knock sounded at the door.

"Come in," Jessie called.

Iain stuck his head in the door, then entered. "You two are arguing? You truly have performed a miracle, Lady Jessie."

"Nay, 'twas only…" Jessie's face reddened even more, and Torrin simply relaxed and enjoyed it for a moment.

"She was trying to make me laugh, but 'tis too painful by far," he said.

"I wasn't. I can't help that he laughs inappropriately at things."

Iain snickered and shook his head, then eyed the bannock in Jessie's hand. "Has she been feeding you?"

"Nay. I'm fully capable of eating on my own," Torrin assured him.

"She's spoiling you. I can tell."

"I deserve it," Torrin said.

Jessie smirked and rolled her eyes.

"Indeed you do," Iain said. "I'm happy to see you're feeling much better."

There was another light knock at the door.

"Come in," Jessie called.

Flora entered, along with Struan, Sim and Luag. He was glad to see his men, but the room was becoming crowded. And he'd much rather spend all day alone with Jessie.

"I'll leave you to your visitors and come back in a little while," Jessie told Torrin. "Flora will take care of you."

He nodded. "Hope you'll get some sleep." He was disappointed to see her go, but he knew she needed rest. She must have stayed awake, watching over him, all night. He would have to find a way to thank her for that.

Chapter Fifteen

Jessie truly hadn't wanted to leave Torrin's side, for she worried over him. But she also feared she was growing much too attached to him. Maybe they needed time apart, though that didn't feel comforting at all. Knowing he'd improved much this morn allowed her to relax enough to sleep a few hours.

After a nap with her puppy, and then a bath, Jessie felt better. Having put on clean clothes, she ventured out to see how Torrin was when she met Isobel in the corridor.

"How is Torrin?" Isobel asked.

"When last I saw him, he was much improved. He ate a few bites of porridge and bannock. He was even jesting, so I think he is recovering quickly. Iain and Torrin's men came for a visit, so I took a wee nap."

"'Tis wonderful to hear." Isobel smiled. "I'm sure he will be well soon."