Page 67 of Wedded to the Heartless Highlander
They reached the barracks, where the men were sharpening and loading their weapons and preparing for their next patrol.
Hunter paused, his mind racing with possibilities. Struan’s mention of resources, Kara’s strange behavior, and theunsettling signs at the border… they all felt connected, but the pieces didn’t fit yet.
“I’ll be damned if I let him sow discord,” he said finally. “Tomorrow, we’ll double down on the investigation. If there’s a threat, we’ll find it—and Struan will have nay ground to stand on.”
Calvin clapped a hand on his shoulder. “We’ll handle it, Me Laird. Whatever it takes.”
Hunter nodded, his resolve hardening.
Struan can play games, but I willnae let him win.
19
The early morning light filtered through the narrow window of the room, casting soft beams over the stone floor. The faint chirping of birds outside added to the stillness, giving the castle an almost tranquil air.
Erica sat next to Lily, with an open book in her lap. But her mind wasn’t on the story. Instead, her thoughts kept drifting back to everything that had occurred before Hunter and Calvin excused themselves.
Her body still thrummed with the memory of their heated argument. His anger had been palpable, raw and fierce, but even in the midst of it, Erica couldn’t ignore the strange pull between them—the way her heart raced when his body had been so close to hers, the way her breath hitched when his voice dropped to an intimate murmur. There had been something in the way he had looked at her, something so forceful and unyielding.
Was it just anger? Or was there more?
Lily shifted beside her. The little girl had curled up with a small blanket, her eyes still sleepy but filled with curiosity. “Aunt Erica?”
Erica blinked, a little startled. “Aye, sweetlin’?”
Lily’s eyes were wide and innocent as she asked, “Can ye read me a story?”
Erica smiled, glancing down at the open page. “Of course, love. Let me find a good one to read ye until yer uncle comes back.”
She started to read aloud, her voice smooth and gentle as she spoke the words. Lily settled back into the bed, clutching her blanket tightly with her small hands and listening intently.
The story was one of adventure and mystery, the kind of tale that Lily seemed to love the most. But Erica’s mind wasn’t fully focused on the words. The tension from the night before still lingered between her and Hunter, even though he hadn’t been near her since their argument.
Suddenly, she heard heavy footsteps approach the room. Her heart skipped a beat. She didn’t need to look up to know that it washim. Hunter’s presence filled every space he occupied. His footsteps were familiar, and despite the distance, Erica felt drawn to him.
The door to the room swung open with a soft creak, and there he was, standing in the doorway. His coat was slung overhis shoulder, and his hair was slightly disheveled, which made her wonder what his conversation with Calvin was about. The faintest shadow of exhaustion clung to his features. But to Erica, he still looked undeniably…captivating.
He scanned the room before his gaze fell on her. She could feel the weight of it, a quiet intensity that made her pulse quicken. He stood there for a moment, almost as if he were searching for something—an answer, perhaps—or maybe someone. Then his eyes flicked to Lily, whose face lit up at the sight of him.
“Wife,” he said, his voice low but firm. “A word.”
Erica’s stomach twisted.
Of course, he wants to speak to me. After all the tension this mornin’, it seems he has more to say.
She glanced down at Lily, who seemed content to watch their exchange, but she didn’t want to drag the child into whatever conversation Hunter had in mind.
“Lily, why dinnae ye give us a moment? We’ll continue the story in a minute.”
Lily nodded, her eyes gleaming with excitement. “All right, Aunt Erica. I’ll wait for ye.”
Hunter followed Erica into the hallway, his footsteps steady and resolute, like a man who knew exactly what he was doing.
Erica’s heart beat faster, but she refused to let her nerves show. She folded her arms over her chest, bracing herself for whatever was to come.
“What is it, Hunter?” she asked, keeping her voice steady, though she could feel her nerves bubbling beneath the surface.
Hunter’s eyes were sharp as they raked over her. “Struan said that Lily wasnae feelin’ well yesterday. Why didnae ye tell me?” His voice was gruff, a little more accusatory than she had expected.
