Page 50 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
She glanced back once before disappearing around the garden path, and his suspicion was all but confirmed.
She’s definitely up to somethin’.
Lily shuffled beside him, her small hands clasped together in front of her, her expression neutral and polite. But with Eria’s departure, the easy, joyful spark he’d seen earlier faded, replaced by the more reserved, mature expression she often wore around him.
“Seems we’re in charge now, Me Laird,” Calvin remarked with a sly smile. He nudged Lily’s shoulder, trying to coax a giggle out of her. “What do ye say, Lily? Should we head to the kitchen and demand they hand over all the sweets again?”
Hunter lifted an eyebrow. “Again?”
Calvin grinned playfully, and a small smile played on Lily’s lips as well. “Ach! I meant, for the first time ever,” he corrected sarcastically.
It was all Lily could do not to crack a wider smile or let out a laugh.
Hunter felt a twinge in his chest. Here he was, the man responsible for her well-being, and yet Calvin seemed to be the one more capable of coaxing out her laughter. He clenched his jaw slightly, uncomfortable with the realization that he was still, in some ways, a stranger to her.
Attempting to break the silence, he crouched down to her level, keeping his voice soft. “Would ye like to go see the stables, lass? Perhaps the new foal?”
Lily hesitated, her gaze flitting over his face, as though assessing his intention. “I… I’d like that, Uncle Hunter,” she said, though her voice was still too low, too meek.
Hunter frowned, glancing at Calvin, who shrugged and motioned for him to continue. Encouraged, he tried again. “The foal’s been eatin’ well. Strong, too. Ye can even help brush him if ye like.”
There was a flicker of interest in her eyes, though it was short-lived.
“That sounds lovely,” she replied quietly, her smile fading.
Hunter’s shoulders stiffened; the awkwardness settled heavily between them.
Why is it that Erica brings out such joy and laughter in Lily, while I can barely coax a smile from her?
He was unsure how to reach her, so he stepped back, motioning for Calvin to take over. “Perhaps ye prefer to go with Calvin,” he said stiffly, masking his frustration.
Lily’s eyes lit up, and she nodded quickly, moving toward Calvin. “Thank ye, Uncle Hunter,” she murmured, though there was something sad in her voice.
Hunter gave a stiff nod, watching them as they walked away. He felt like a fool. Erica had no doubt set him up to spend time with Lily, hoping to bring them closer. But it was clear to him that he had only disappointed her once again.
Scowling, he turned and made his way back into the castle, his mood growing darker with each step.
What game was she playin’, leavin’ me with Lily when she clearly kenned how difficult it would be for me?
He stomped down the corridors, ducking beneath one of the long tapestries off the Great Hall, and climbing up a barely used staircase. He wasn’t sure where Erica had gone, but his need to find her—to demand an explanation—only intensified.
Did she think me so heartless that I wouldnae notice me own niece’s hesitation and discomfort?
He found himself outside her chamber door in no time, not quite sure what he intended to say. His frustration simmered as he stood there, the memory of his awkward exchange with Lily fresh in his mind.
Erica had left him with his niece on purpose, no doubt expecting something magical to happen between them. But instead, Lilyhad reverted to her guarded demeanor, and he’d been left with a stark reminder of his failures.
Just as he was about to knock, the door swung open, and there was Erica, clearly caught off guard. Her cheeks flushed, and a small, guilty smile played on her lips. She was hiding something—he could feel it.
“Och! Hunter,” she stammered, her surprise genuine, though he could tell she was trying to mask it. “I wasnae expectin’ ye here.”
“Och, ye didnae?” he replied, crossing his arms over his chest as he leaned against the doorframe. His voice was quiet but laced with accusation.
Her eyes darted to the side, and he caught the slight quiver in her lips, betraying the grin she was trying to hold back.
She shifted on her feet, playing with the fabric of her skirts. “I thought… well, Lily needs time with ye, Hunter. She’s nae goin’ to open up if I’m always around.”
“So, ye decided to push us together without sayin’ a word,” he said, his voice sharper than he had intended.
