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fought? He had been so tender when I was sick, checking on me. The stirring clarity of his light green eyes captivated me, and I had been looking forward to knowing him better. Yet each time he opened his mouth, I wanted to slap it shut. Certainly, there had never been a more exasperating man. My sense of peace now gone, I decided to ask Ioan some questions.
    “So where are we?”
    “Scotland.”
    “Ye’re helpful.”
    “I try.” He glanced back at me and grinned. “Kilmartin Glen. This is where I saw ye and drug ye home in the rain.”
    “I suppose I should thank ye?” I arched an eyebrow.
    “Ye can thank me later.” His eyes trailed from my boots up my leg and boldly took in my body till he reached my face. With an unrepentant wink, he turned back around.
    I bristled at his insinuation, though my body betrayed me and stirred with warmth at the muted smolder of his eyes.
    “Never.”
    He laughed loudly, scaring a flock of birds into flight. Dag shied and jumped a few steps before he shook his head and continued his docile pace.
    “Even the birds canna stand ye.”
    “I live fer yer compliments, Elle, truly.”
    “Did I ever like ye?” I spoke through clenched teeth.
    “No. Ye loathed me.” Ioan turned back and gave me a mischievous grin.
    “Ye sound thrilled.”
    “Oh, I am. I’ve worked hard fer years to attain that place in yer sweet little heart.” Ioan chuckled.
    “Perhaps the memory loss is a blessin’ then. I canna remember yer torture.”
    “That’s why I’m tryin’ so hard now.”
    “Ye’re succeedin’.” I mumbled.
    “Good ta ken.”
    We plodded along for a few more minutes before I thought of another question.
    “So ye’ve just returned?”
    “Aye, I was gone fer about four years.”
    I waited for him to explain, curious as to whether anything he said would bring up a memory.
    “Our clan is related ta the Argyll Campbells. When the civil war broke out in England, the supporters o’ the Crown fought against the Covenanters. Argyll attacked those who didn’t support his covenant cause, mainly the Lamonts, Lavines, and, later, the MacDonalds. There was a horrible massacre, but ‘twas a while ago. But then the Jacobites began their uprisin’ an’ again, the Campbells aligned themselves with Fraiser, Monroe, an’ Grant ta form the Reicudan Dhu , or Black Watch. I enlisted in the watch fer three years, wore the kilt, and fought, but when I was injured, I returned home.”
    Silently, I contemplated his short history lesson.
    “Ye didn’t even care ta ask about how I was injured! Ye wound me deep, lass.” Ioan gave me a pitiful expression over his shoulder. Clearly, he was alive and well enough to torment me. “Quiet now? Are ye realizin’ I’m right? Must hurt the pride somethin’ fierce.” He chuckled, his broad shoulders shaking. The movement fascinated me.
    “Elle?”
    Ioan turned his horse around and gave me a concerned look. Quickly I met his gaze, hoping he hadn’t noticed my intense study of his body.
    “Stunned into silence by my backside? ‘Tisn’t the first time, ducky.” His arrogant smirk removed any attraction I had experienced; all I wanted to do was beat the grin from his face. Had I always been so violent?
    “Ducky?” I asked carefully, I highly doubted he meant the term as an endearment.
    “Aye, but if ye prefer I can call ye me wee haggis.”
    “Wee haggis?” I was quite sure I wouldn’t like that name’s meaning. Ioan struggled to restrain his laughter. His green eyes twinkled and matched the green forest behind him.
    “Aye, donna tell me ye donna remember haggis. ‘Tis near every Scot’s heart, it is.”
    “Enlighten me?” I asked with a wry tone.
    “If ye insist. Ye will find out soon enough though, we have it often at supper.”
    “Is it a dinner or a dessert?”
    At my question Ioan howled with laughter. The unrestrained mirth made his already handsome face downright devastating. I wanted to make him laugh again, just to watch