Page 98 of My Notorious Highlander

Dirk nodded and raised his glass to Torrin. "I thank you for that."

"Aye. Now if only you can convince Jessie to marry me, all will be perfect," Torrin said.

"I'm afraid you are the only one who can do that, my friend," Dirk said.

"Indeed." But he needed far more time in bed with her in order to do that, since she wasn't willing to marry him until she was with child. They hadn't had any time alone because of his injury and, with so many people around, sneaking about the castle to spend the night together was difficult. Still, he must see her tonight.

"I'll travel to Dornie with Cyrus on his bìrlinn," Rebbie said. "Then hire one of his men to take me south to the port near Glasgow and travel overland toward Perth."

"I'll miss you, my friend," Dirk said. "I appreciate your help over these last several months."

"'Twas my pleasure. I'll probably come back to visit you in the spring. In the meantime, I'll send you a missive and let you know how Lachlan and Lady Angelique are doing."

"Aye. Good. We should get together every summer for a few weeks. Here or in Perth. We could travel by ship and bìrlinn."

"Sounds like a grand idea."

"But you have to get married first." Dirk grinned.

"What?" Rebbie's eyes rounded. "I'll not be getting married for a few more years, not until my da can truss me up like a wild boar and force some unsuspecting lass to marry me."

Dirk snickered. "Well, whoever she is, I hope she drives you mad."

After talking a short while longer, Torrin bid the other men goodnight. He needed to see Jessie. Was she in her room or elsewhere? He had to find out. Since no one else was about, he ventured down the corridor and knocked lightly at her door.

She opened it and smiled, hiding the rest of her body behind the door. That alone spiked his excitement.

"Can I come in?" he asked, keeping his voice low.

"Aye." She widened the door and he entered.

The candle on her bedside table revealed that she wore a thin white smock and naught else. Though it covered her body fully, he knew he could have it off her in an instant, revealing all her creamy skin and delicate curves.

"Don't give me that look, MacLeod," she said in mock warning.

He'd heard her say that before and knew it meant she was tempted. "What look?"

"That one." She pointed at him.

He grinned, remembering 'twas exactly what she'd said to him on the beach of Sango Bay before their first time.

"It means I want you," he murmured.

She dropped her gaze, looking demure of a sudden. "You're not well enough. I would hate for you to injure yourself further."

He shook his head and barred the door. "I'm well enough, if you'll… do some of the work."

Chapter Sixteen

Jessie lifted her gaze to Torrin's, unable to believe how sizzling and seductive he looked at the moment in the dim candlelight of her chamber. His green eyes were dark as midnight and wicked as sin. It had been over two weeks since they'd spent the night together, and she was feeling a bit shy. She was also hesitant to ask what he'd meant by if you'll do some of the work.

"How?" she asked.

"I'll be glad to show you." Wearing that crooked, mischievous grin that always lured her in, he pulled her close and kissed her.

She slid her arms around his neck and melted into the kiss, opening her mouth, wanting him to consume her utterly. His tongue teased and tempted hers. He tasted of whisky and virile, aroused male.

Slowly, he gathered up her smock until the hem was above her waist, then skimmed his hot hands over her hips.