"I've come to see Aiden," Torrin told them.

One of the guards knocked on the door.

All was silent inside. Anxiety slithering through him, Torrin frowned. Was he asleep, or had he slipped out somehow?

The guard opened the door and barged into the room. Torrin followed. Aiden sat before the fireplace.

"You scared the life out of me, Aiden," Torrin said.

"Why?"

"When you didn't answer, I thought… never mind what I thought."

The guard left the room and closed the door, giving them privacy.

"Did you eat supper?" Torrin asked.

"Nay, I'm not hungry." Aiden stared listlessly into the fire, his shoulders slumped.

"You must eat something to keep up your strength. We missed you greatly at supper."

Aiden sent him a troubled look, but remained silent.

Torrin dropped into the other wooden chair by the fireplace. "Erskine will recover, I'm certain."

"You don't know that." Aiden's voice was hushed and glum.

"He's stable, thus far, and sleeping."

Aiden swallowed hard and nodded.

"I wish you hadn't slipped out to see Haldane, but I understand why you did."

Aiden sent him a defiant and questioning glance.

"Yesterday, Haldane told me that Dirk had killed my younger brother, Nolan."

Aiden's eyes widened. "Dirk did? Why?"

"Because Nolan kidnapped Lady Isobel from their tent when they were camping somewhere south of Munrick. I'm certain Dirk did what he had to in order to rescue her." Torrin stared at the glowing embers in the fireplace, his eyes burning.

"I'm sorry to hear of it," Aiden murmured.

"Aye. Well… Nolan was an outlaw, so 'tis to be expected. I keep remembering the last time I saw him, outside the walls here. He'd ridden north with us to see what was happening with Lady Isobel, trying to find out why Dirk had brought her here. Once Dirk told us that Nolan had tried to rape her, I couldn't believe it. My own brother?" Torrin shook his head. He especially couldn't believe it given what had happened to their sister, Allina. "After Nolan fled with the outlaws, I knew it must be true."

Aiden frowned, looking troubled.

"Nolan never returned home," Torrin continued. "I didn't get to see him again after he joined Haldane and his gang. I wish I could've talked to him, tried to convince him to change. Even though, likely it would have done no good."

Aiden nodded.

"So, you see, I understand why you wanted to speak to your brother and get him to see the error of his ways. No one can blame you for wanting to help someone you love."

Tears glistened in Aiden's eyes. He cleared his throat and swiped his sleeve across his eyes. "I fear he will be killed, aye. I figured 'twould be my only opportunity to see him one last time." Aiden shook his head. "But he is just like Ma. He will not give up on what he wants, no matter the cost. He is willing to risk his life in his quest to kill Dirk and take over this castle."

"Aye," Torrin agreed. "He is determined, and doesn't care who he has to murder to achieve his goal."

"It kills me to see how he has changed. And now, if Erskine dies because of me… I don't know."

"He's a strong, healthy warrior. I'm near certain he will recover."

"I pray 'twill be so."

"Well, 'tis late. I'm going to bid you good night. Try to get some sleep."

Aiden nodded but didn't look in any better spirits than he had when Torrin had entered. "Good night."

Closing the door on his way out, Torrin shook his head. "Look in on him from time to time, would you?" he asked the guards in a hushed voice. "I'm concerned about him."

They both nodded.

Torrin proceeded down the corridor and around the corner toward his own chamber. When someone moved in the darkened corner, startling him, he halted. The lone candle sconce revealed a female with long red hair.

"Jessie," he whispered, a thrill coursing through him.

She stepped away from the corner. "Were you visiting Aiden?"

"Aye."

"How is he now? I took him food earlier but he refused to eat it."

"He seems near devastated. Nothing like his normally merry self."

Her brows drew together. "Aye. I hope he will get some sleep, at least."

Torrin nodded, studying her eyes, darker in the dimness. "I missed you at supper."

"I'm sorry. I didn't feel in a sociable mood. I sat with Erskine while he slept."

"He seems stable."

"Aye. I'm praying he improves quickly." She appeared distracted for a moment, then her expression lightened. "I want to thank you for the pup."

"You decided to keep him?"

She gave a faint smile. "Aye. I named him Greum."

Torrin grinned. "'Tis a fitting name. Where is the wee rascal?"

"In my chamber, asleep before the fireplace."

"Spoiling him already?"

"Aye."

"I'm glad you want him."

She dropped her gaze briefly. "I was simply… uncertain before. I suppose I'm afraid of risks in some ways. Not physical risks but…" She shrugged.

"I ken what you mean. 'Tis not easy to let go and put your heart out there. There is always a risk that we'll be hurt in one way or another, no matter what we do. But you're a strong and brave woman, Jessie. I admire you more than I can say."

"I thank you. And I admire you also," she whispered, her blue eyes taking on a seductive quality. "You're very generous and thoughtful to give me such a gift. I'll never be able to repay you."

"Och. I think you will." He grinned. "'Twill only take a bit more convincing."

When she frowned and tried to draw away from him, he took hold of her wrist to keep her there. "I'm teasing. I would accept a thank you kiss, though."

"Rogue," she muttered, giving him a mischievous smile.

"I'll not argue with that." He slowly leaned down and kissed her lips… soft, delectable and tasting of sweet, spiced wine. When she opened her mouth, the kiss quickly turned fiery. Saints! He wanted to consume her.

He drew her the short distance to the door of his guest chamber and inside. Pushing the door closed, he leaned against the wood, pulled her body tight to his and deepened the kiss. When her tongue flicked his, lust seared him.

"Jessie," he growled. Shoving his sporran aside, he pulled her hips tight against his own, hoping she felt how badly he wanted her.

Moaning, she buried her hands in his hair and reached up for more of his forceful kisses.

"I need you," he said.

"Aye." Jessie could not believe how fiercely she craved Torrin at this moment. It seemed each time they were together, her desire for him grew to unbelievable depths. She tugged at his clothing, tried with unsteady hands to unfasten his belt.

"Let me," he said, unbuckling the belt. In a trice, his shirt lay on the floor with his plaid. The fire in the hearth revealed the delicious ridges and planes of his muscular body.

"Now, your turn." With a seductive smile, he had her undressed just as quickly.

She shivered, not because the room was cold, but because the look in Torrin's eyes was so hot.

He lifted her and carried her across the floor to his bed, drawing her nipple into his mouth at the same time.

Tremors of delight coursing through her, she arched her back and held him close. He feasted upon her breasts, stimulating the nipples to hard points. His shaft lay heavy and hard as granite against her lower abdomen. She slipped her hand down and traced her fingertips along its feverish length, then squeezed it, eliciting a groan from him.