Page 11 of Trapped by the Wicked Highlander (Lairds of the Loch Alliance #2)

CHAPTER ELEVEN

T he following morning, Cassandra woke with a dull ache in her chest—an ache that had nothing to do with fatigue. Thoughts of Hunter weighed heavy on her mind, the memory of his warm gaze and gentle voice stirring feelings she didn’t want to name.

I cannae fall into this trap again . Men like him bring naught but heartache.

Needing air, she wandered outside into the garden, the fresh scent of dew-kissed leaves filling her senses. As she walked along the stone path, she spotted Hunter ahead, crouched low beside a large hound. The beast’s coat shimmered in the morning sun, its amber eyes sharp yet calm.

Hunter looked up, noticing her hesitation. “Ah, Cassandra,” he greeted with a soft smile. “This here’s Leonora—ye’ve nothin’ to fear. She doesnae bite.”

Cassandra’s breath caught as the hound turned its gaze toward her. “I… I daenae like dogs,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Hunter’s brow furrowed with gentle understanding. “She’s gentle as a lamb, I swear it. Would ye like to try and pet her?”

Cassandra took a small step back, her fingers clenching at her sides. “Nay… I— I cannae,” she said, the fear in her voice unmistakable.

Hunter straightened, his expression softening with concern. “It’s alright, lass. I dinnae mean to frighten ye.” His voice dropped low, steady and reassuring. “I’ll keep her back.”

Cassandra swallowed hard, feeling foolish for her fear. “Thank ye… I daenae ken why I react this way. Bad memories, mayhap.”

Hunter nodded, his gaze never leaving her face. “Bad memories have a way of lingerin’. But ye’re safe here, Cassandra—nothin’ will harm ye under me watch.”

Cassandra’s throat tightened as she took a hesitant step closer to the hound. Leonora’s amber eyes watched her calmly, offering no sign of aggression.

It’s just a beast, nothin’ more. A beast and a brute.

She reminded herself, inching forward until she stood within reach. Slowly, she stretched out her trembling hand and let her fingers graze the hound’s soft fur.

“There now, good lass,” Hunter said, his voice low and warm with approval. His smile deepened as he watched her hand rest gently on the hound’s head.

“See? She’s gentle as a lamb, just like I said.”

Cassandra let out a shaky breath and withdrew her hand, though a spark of pride flickered in her chest.

“Aye… she’s nae as frightenin’ as I first thought.”

Hunter’s smirk grew wider. “That’s the spirit. Now, since Leonora’s taken a likin’ to ye, why daenae we walk a bit? Fresh air will do ye good.”

Cassandra shook her head, her focus snapping back to her responsibilities. “I cannae, Hunter. I need to check on the patients—there’s still much to do.”

Hunter’s expression softened with understanding. “Ye’ll be glad to hear most of them have stirred, and some are sittin’ up now. Elena’s stronger than she was yesterday—Jessica said she even asked for broth this mornin’.”

Relief flooded Cassandra’s heart, but the weight of duty still lingered.

“That’s good news… but I must still see them with me own eyes.”

Hunter stepped closer, his tone gentle but insistent. “Just fifteen minutes, lass. If ye keep runnin’ yerself ragged, ye’ll fall ill yerself. A healer needs rest as much as her patients.”

Cassandra hesitated, chewing her lower lip. He’s right, she admitted silently, exhaustion tugging at her bones.

“Aye, ye make a fair point. Overwork breeds sickness, I ken that better than most.”

“Good,” Hunter said, offering his arm with a boyish charm. “Come, then. Just a wee walk through the garden—nay more, nay less.”

Cassandra hesitated then walked beside him. The warmth of his presence sent a ripple of unease through her, though she forced herself to ignore it.

“Fine,” she murmured. “But if I lose track of time, I’ll be blamin’ ye.”

They began their slow stroll down the winding garden path, Leonora padding quietly at his side.

“I’ll take the blame gladly if it means ye’re breathin’ easier.”

They walked in companionable silence for a moment, the sun casting dappled light across the cobblestone. Birds chirped softly from the hedgerows, and the sweet scent of lavender filled the air. Cassandra found herself relaxing despite the tension that lingered in her chest.

“How long have ye served as a healer?” Hunter asked after a pause, his voice thoughtful.

“Since I was a lass,” Cassandra replied, her fingers brushing the soft petals of a rose as they passed. “Learned from me maither, though… I suppose I never imagined it’d become me whole life.”

Hunter glanced at her, curiosity in his eyes. “Did ye nae have dreams beyond the sickbeds and tinctures?”

Cassandra’s lips twitched with the ghost of a smile. “I did, once. Foolish dreams of family and love. But life has a way of settin’ its own course, aye?”

Hunter’s gaze lingered on her face. “Mayhap those dreams arenae so foolish. There’s still time for them, lass.”

She looked away, focusing on the sky’s endless blue. “Some paths, once taken, cannae be left behind so easily.”

They wandered past the ivy-clad stone walls, the peacefulness of the moment offering a rare sense of calm. Cassandra felt the weight of her exhaustion lighten with every step.

“Ye’re a stubborn woman,” Hunter said finally, breaking the quiet with a note of admiration.

Cassandra raised a brow, though her lips curled into a small smile. “And ye’re only just now noticin’?”

“Aye, but I admire stubbornness.”

Their eyes met for a heartbeat too long, and Cassandra’s pulse quickened. She looked away. “I should return to the hall,” she said, though her voice lacked conviction.

Hunter nodded, though his eyes still lingered on her face. “Aye. But promise me ye’ll rest again later.”

“I’ll try,” Cassandra replied, already feeling the pull of duty settle over her once more.