Page 31 of The Highlander’s Virgin Nun (Highlanders’ Feisty Brides #2)
CHAPTER TWO
C assandra carefully ground herbs into a fine paste. The scent of lavender and yarrow filled the air, mixing with the faint smoke from the fire burning in the hearth. She was nearly finished with a batch of poultices when the door to her healing room burst open. A tall, broad-shouldered man strode in without so much as a knock, his piercing gaze locking onto her.
“I need yer services,” he said gruffly, his deep voice cutting through the quiet.
Cassandra froze, the mortar and pestle still in her hands. She turned slowly, her eyes narrowing at the audacity of this stranger.
“Do ye now?” she said, setting her tools down with deliberate care.
Her temper flared as she crossed her arms over her chest. “And who do ye think ye are, marchin’ in here and barkin’ orders at me?” she demanded. The man remained unfazed, his expression unreadable.
“I’ve already gotten permission from Elias,” he said, his tone as firm as stone. “Ye are coming with me.”
Cassandra stiffened, rage simmering beneath her skin.
“I am nae Elias’ property,” she snapped. “He cannae tell me what to do.”
The stranger’s gaze darkened, his stance unyielding. “Aye, he can. Ye are in his service. Ye daenae have a choice. Ye’re comin' with me, lass.” he said, his voice low and unrelenting.
She clenched her fists, struggling to keep her fury in check. Every fiber of her being wanted to fight back, to refuse just to spite him. Yet, beneath her anger, another feeling stirred—one she did not welcome.
He was undeniably handsome, with rugged features, a strong jaw, and those stormy eyes that held both power and something deeper she couldn’t quite name. Even the scar on his cheek was tantalizing.
Cassandra tore her gaze away, scolding herself for even noticing.
Attractive or nae, he’s a brute.
Still, there was something about him that unsettled her, something that made her pulse quicken in a way she didn’t like. She took a slow breath, forcing her voice to remain steady, though she was panicked underneath.
“Who are ye? Where do ye want to take me?” she asked, her tone clipped.
“Laird McDougal. To me keep,” he answered. “Ye have a choice, ye can come with me willingly or I will throw ye over me shoulder and take ye. What is it goin’ to be, lass?”
Cassandra planted her feet firmly, crossing her arms as she glared up at the brute before her. “I told ye, I am nae Elias’ property, nor am I yers to command, and I’m nae goin’ anywhere,” she snapped. “Ye come stormin’ into me healing room, throwin’ yer weight around like some great oaf, and expect me to obey like a trained hound?” Her voice rose in frustration, her temper flaring hotter with every word.
Hunter exhaled sharply, his patience wearing thin. “I gave ye a choice, lass,” he said. “And ye chose the hard way.”
Before she could react, he lunged forward, gripping her firmly around the waist and hoisting her over his shoulder like a sack of grain.
Cassandra gasped, furious and humiliated. “Put me down, ye great lumberin’ beast!” she shrieked, pounding her fists against his back. “I will come with ye—if ye swear to nae touch me again!” Her face burned with rage, her breath coming in short, angry bursts.
“Careful, lass—I daenae take well to orders,” he said. He didn’t set her down right away. Cassandra ground her teeth, seething, until finally, with an exaggerated sigh, he lowered her to her feet.
She stumbled slightly before regaining her balance, fists still clenched at her sides. “Ye’re an insufferable man,” she muttered.
“And ye’re a stubborn woman,” he shot back. “Now, are ye comin’ quietly, or will I be forced to throw ye over me saddle as well?”
Cassandra huffed, straightening her skirts as she glared at him. “What in the devil’s name do ye even need me for?” she demanded.
Hunter’s expression grew grim. “Me clan has been struck by an illness,” he said. “Even me healer has fallen to it—there’s none left to tend to the sick.”
She faltered, her anger cooling just slightly. An illness with no cure, spreading fast enough to take down the very person meant to stop it? That was no small matter. Her fingers curled at her sides as she forced herself to breathe, her duty as a healer rising above her wounded pride. Silence stretched between them, heavy and uncertain.
Then, she lifted her chin, her decision made. “Then I will help,” she said. “Nae because ye forced me, but because it is me duty.”
Hunter studied her for a long moment, something unreadable in his gaze. “Good,” he finally said, his voice quieter now. “Then let’s be on our way. Nay time to lose."
Cassandra nodded, still fuming but unwilling to waste another moment. Whatever this illness was, it had already claimed too many. And despite her hatred for this brute of a man, she would not let innocent people suffer.