"We'll look forward to that," Dirk said.

"I'm going to head south with Cyrus," Rebbie said.

"You are?" Dirk asked, his eyes widening. And Torrin knew 'twas because Rebbie had been at Dirk's side most every day for more than a year. And that they'd been friends for over a decade.

"I think I'll pay our friend, Lachlan, a visit. I haven't seen him since November."

Dirk nodded, a nostalgic half-smile upon his face. "I'd like to see Lachlan. He's probably a proud da by now."

"Indeed." Rebbie grinned. "I'm looking forward to seeing if he's capable of holding a wee newborn bairn in those big paws of his."

Dirk laughed and shook his head. "In addition to a son, I hope he has ten daughters so he has to worry about rogues like he used to be."

Rebbie snickered. "I'll tell him you said that."

"Aye. Also tell him I wish him the best of health and happiness."

Rebbie nodded.

"And as for you," Dirk said, giving his friend a pointed look. "I hope you find a fiery lass who steals your heart and shows you unending happiness."

Rebbie shook his head. "I don't ken whether to thank you or give you the evil eye."

Torrin and the other men laughed.

"You'll thank me." Dirk sipped his whisky. "Isobel is the absolute best thing that's ever happened to me. Sorry, Torrin."

Torrin held up his hand. "I'm glad you came upon her in that snowstorm and rescued her. You two are perfect for each other." And if he hadn't, Torrin would've never met Jessie. Now, he knew Jessie was his destiny and his life. He simply had to convince her of that.

"He's a good man. He doesn't hold bride-thievery against you," Rebbie said.

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.

"I want to undress you first," she said, not liking the idea of being naked while he was fully clothed.

"Very well." He unbuckled his belt, while she unpinned the brooch of the MacLeod Clan crest that held the top of his plaid in place over his shoulder, then unbuttoned his doublet and slipped it off. Once his plaid was removed, she carefully pulled his ivory linen shirt over his head.

Her eyes were drawn immediately to the wounds on his abdomen. Nannag had removed the stitches earlier that day and the cuts were healed shut, though still red. But not swollen, thankfully.

"I'm afraid 'twill hurt you," she said.

"Nay. But if it does, 'twill be a pleasurable pain." He lifted the smock over her head and flung it, then led her to the bed.

He stretched out on his back and held his hand up for her. She took it, lay down close beside him and brushed her lips over his.

Saints! How she had missed his sizzling kisses. He made all thoughts flit from her mind. All she could think about was how delicious he was. Turning onto his side, he pulled her tight against his heated body, though she tried to avoid putting pressure on his injury.

With his stone-hard shaft pressed against her lower belly, all she could focus on was her growing need for him. She already knew he would feel heavenly sliding into her.

He stroked a warm hand up and down her back, over her hip and along her thigh.

It suddenly struck her that Torrin was well, and she was so thankful tears sprang to her eyes. "I love you," she whispered.

He pulled back a few inches, looking deep into her eyes with an affectionate smile. He stroked his fingers over her face. "And I love you, Lady Jessie. I have since the first moment I saw you."

She bit her lip and stared down at his chest, for she knew not how to respond to that. She could not believe how lucky she was to have such devotion from a man like him.

With a finger, he lifted her chin, telling her without words to look into his eyes. She did, amazed at the emotion she saw there once again.