"You are the most remarkable man I've ever met," she said.

He shook his head. "I doubt that, but no other man could ever love you as much as I do."

"I believe that," she whispered. "And I want you to know that I love you no matter what, even if—"

He placed a finger upon her lips, halting her words. "Do not say it, Jessie MacKay."

Sliding his finger away, he pressed his lips against hers, forcing any remaining thoughts from her mind. If he kept kissing her like this, she'd go along with almost anything he said. But she knew she couldn't lose her head completely… the way she'd lost her heart.

His hand again trailed over her back, her hip, her thighs, turning her body into a bonfire of sensation. He stroked his thumb over her breast, then leaned down and drew her nipple into his mouth, sparking off thousands of fiery sensations inside her. She buried her fingers in his hair and pulled him closer.

After treating her other nipple to the same delicious torment, and sending her mind toward the stars, he said, "Climb on top of me."

"What?" Her eyes sprang open. Surely she'd misheard.

He grinned, looking more roguish than ever. "You said you would help with the work, aye?"

She nodded.

"I need for you to get on top. Just put one knee on either side of my hips."

"Oh." She did as he asked, realizing this was the most wanton position she'd ever been in. He smiled up at her, and she immediately knew she was going to love this.

"Lean up this way and put your hands on either side of my shoulders." He helped her get into position and lifted his shaft to stroke it against her. "Now, slowly sit back," he whispered.

She moved backward a tiny bit and the head of his shaft slipped inside her. She gasped.

He gave a slight thrust, then growled. She couldn't tell if it was a passionate growl or a pain-filled one. "More," he said between clenched teeth.

She pressed down upon him as he slid deeper. "Am I hurting you?" she asked.

"Nay. You feel so good," he ground out.

"You do, too." She loved the sensation of him filling her.

"Now, ride me," he said.

"Do you mean like…?" She slowly lifted herself, near rendered senseless by the feel of him gliding from her body.

"Aye," he breathed. His hands at her hips, he pushed her down again. "Faster."

Need possessing her, she followed his directions, finding that the more rapidly she moved, the more intense the pleasure. Breathless anticipation stole over her and when the intense delight of climax seized her, she felt she would collapse.

Growling, Torrin tugged her to him, kissing her while his body trembled against hers.

"Saints," she hissed, moments later when her breath returned. "I didn't even ken that was possible."

He grinned. "I'm glad I taught you something, then."

She bit his earlobe in punishment for his impertinent mouth.

He chuckled and she moved to lie beside him.

"Give me five minutes and we'll do that again," he said.

"In truth?"

"You doubt me?" he asked, incredulous, but grinning.

"Nay. 'Tis only… you are not fully recovered."

"I'm recovered enough."

She stroked her fingers over his chest and arms, appreciating each hard curve and flat plane of muscle. She wanted him to heal completely, of course, but she knew once he grew strong again, he would leave Dunnakeil and head for home. Then, she would be utterly lost without him.

***

A week later, Jessie slipped into Torrin's chamber. Thrilled, he grinned and barred the door.

They had secretly spent every night together in one of their rooms, and Torrin had enjoyed every moment of it. But he could not stay at Dunnakeil forever. His clan would start wondering where he was and whether he was ever going to return to Munrick. He was much more recovered now and able to travel.

After they made love, they lay in bed, snuggled together in the candlelight.

"Jessie, I have to leave in the morn," he said, though the very idea made him feel wretched. "I have to go to Munrick and tell Nolan's widow and the rest of the clan of his death. Then, two of Dirk's men are going to show me where Nolan's grave is."

Jessie nodded, her eyes misting. "I understand."

"Please, will you marry me and come with me?" he asked, trying not to sound as if he were begging, though he would if it would convince her.

Closing her eyes, she shook her head. "You know I cannot do that. I've already told you why."

Disappointment engulfed him as it always did when she refused. "You might be carrying my bairn, even now." 'Twas his only argument.

She gave a sad smile. "I wish I was."

His heart pounded with hope. "Is that truly what you want?"

"Of course."

"Why do you not ask the healer to examine you and see?"

"I have. Flora said she didn't see any sign of a bairn yet." Tears filled Jessie's eyes.

"Saints, lass." He pulled her to him, just as disappointed as she was. "I'm sorry."

She shook her head.

He kissed her forehead. "I love you."

"I love you, too."

"Stay here with me tonight."

She nodded.

He would get her with child or die trying, but 'twas no hardship. Making love to her was like heaven on earth.

But, once he left, he feared he might go mad without her.

***

The next day, Torrin rode away from Dunnakeil with a heavy heart. He was not looking forward to going home to Munrick without Jessie. He'd told her he would return in a fortnight, or as soon as possible. He had to believe something would change her mind between now and then. Either she would be with child, or she would miss him so badly, she would agree to go with him.

He could just imagine her riding with him now, commenting on how beautiful the purple drifts of bell heather were upon the green and rocky hills. 'Twas a warm, sunny day, reminding him of the unforgettable days they'd spent on the beaches around Durness. Aye, the best days of his life, so far. He hoped better ones were to come… if only she would marry him.

Dirk had sent a dozen of his clansmen with them because 'twas unsafe for only a few people to travel alone with McMurdo and MacBain still roaming about. Some of the MacKays with them were the ones who had buried Nolan, and they were going to show Torrin the gravesite in the small wood south of Munrick.

Iain rode beside Torrin, glancing at him from time to time.

"Stop worrying about me," Torrin said.

Iain smirked. "I'm not worried about you."

His friend was lying, but he expected that.

"I ken you're disappointed," Iain said. "In your situation, I would be, too. But when you return to Dunnakeil in a couple of weeks, you may well find that she is with child and eager to marry you."

"I hope so." But he also knew there were no guarantees.

***

Since Torrin had left the day before, Jessie had tried to keep herself busy by helping Isobel oversee the serving staff, especially in the mornings when Isobel wasn't feeling well. But Jessie was often distracted. She thought about all the places she'd had conversations with Torrin, or more intimate encounters.

Now, she found herself in the third floor bedchamber with the broken window where she and Torrin had one of their first conversations of any length. The pigeon had scared her and Torrin had rushed to her rescue. She should've known then that he was honorable and heroic.