Page 23 of Trapped by the Wicked Highlander (Lairds of the Loch Alliance #2)

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

I cannae turn Margaret away and have Elena lose her mother again. But what of… Cassandra?

Hunter sat at his desk, rubbing his temples as he tried to focus on the parchment before him. His thoughts were in turmoil, and no matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t seem to shake the tension that had settled in his chest since Margaret’s return. Then came a knock at the door, soft but firm, pulling him from his thoughts. He straightened, setting down his quill.

"Enter," he called, his voice steady despite the storm raging inside him.

The door creaked open, and Cassandra stepped inside, clutching a bundle of dresses to her chest. There was a hesitation in her step, a quiet sadness in her eyes that made his stomach twist. He hadn’t seen her in days, and now here she was, standing before him, looking as though she had already made up her mind. He knew what was coming before she even spoke.

"I have to go now," she said softly, lowering her gaze. "The healer Richard is well, and I have shown him the tonics."

Hunter frowned, his fingers tightening on the edge of his desk. He had expected this, but hearing it aloud still cut deep. He wanted to tell her she was safe here, that there was no reason for her to leave. But the truth was, he couldn’t promise her safety—not with Margaret lurking in the shadows.

"I understand," he said finally, though the words tasted bitter on his tongue.

Cassandra exhaled, and Hunter wondered if she had been bracing for an argument. She stepped forward and carefully set the dresses on the desk.

A part of him wanted to fight for her, to tell her to stay—but he didn’t. He couldn’t. Margaret had been dangerous before, lashing out at women she thought had caught his interest. Even Jessica hadn’t been spared from her jealousy. He wouldn’t put Cassandra through that, he cared too much for her to let her become Margaret’s next target.

"Why are ye givin’ me those?" he asked, though he already knew the answer.

Cassandra met his gaze, her expression unreadable. "I cannae keep them," she said quietly. "They daenae belong to me, and I daenae want anything that is nae rightfully mine."

His jaw clenched, but he exhaled through his nose, forcing himself to keep his emotions in check.

"Leave them in yer chambers," he said, his voice gruff. "Daenae bring them to me as if I asked for them back."

"Aye. I’ll do that."

Silence stretched between them, heavy and suffocating. Hunter wanted to say something—anything—to keep her here, but the words tangled in his throat. He knew that if he let himself speak freely, he would say too much, reveal too much, and he couldn’t afford that.

"I’ll provide ye with a way home," he finally said, his voice lower than before.

Cassandra swallowed hard and gave him a small nod. "Thank ye."

Hunter wanted to tell her to stay, that he didn’t want her to leave, but he forced himself to remain still. His fingers curled into a fist beneath the desk, his entire body tense with restraint.

She turned toward the door, pausing for the briefest of moments. It was as if she were waiting for him to say something—something that would make her stay. But Hunter stayed silent, his heart hammering as he watched her walk away, knowing this was for the best—even if it didn’t feel like it.

Cassandra took a deep breath. "Then I guess this is goodbye," she said, her voice quiet but firm.

Hunter watched her, his chest tightening with something he didn’t want to name.

"Wait," he said, his voice rough as he reached out and grabbed her hand.

He felt her go stiff beneath his touch, her breath catching ever so slightly. For a moment, neither of them spoke. He knew he should let go, but he held on just a second longer, memorizing the warmth of her skin beneath his fingers. Finally, he forced himself to release her, clearing his throat as he looked away.

"I wanted to thank ye," he said, his tone more controlled now. "For yer services. I’ll arrange for yer payment to be ready before ye leave." The words felt hollow, nothing close to what he truly wanted to say.

Cassandra blinked, her lips parting slightly before she gave a small nod. "Oh. Thank ye," she murmured, her voice unreadable. Without another word, she turned and walked out, leaving Hunter standing there, fists clenched at his sides, watching her go.

Goodbye, Cassandra. Me love.