Page 20 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
As the maids nodded and moved swiftly, Cassandra allowed herself one last glance toward Hunter. His devotion was evidentin every line of his body, and it stirred something deep within her.
An hour later, Hunter approached Cassandra with steady steps, Jessica following closely behind. His face was drawn with exhaustion, but there was warmth in his eyes as he addressed her.
“How’re the other patients farin’, Cassandra?” His voice was low, but the concern beneath it was clear.
Cassandra straightened her shoulders and offered a small nod. “Most are stirrin’ now. Fevers are breakin’, though a few’ll need more time before they’re truly out of danger. I’ve got the maids changin’ linens and feedin’ those strong enough to take broth.”
Hunter let out a breath, his shoulders relaxing slightly. “I cannae thank ye enough for what ye’ve done. Truly, Cassandra, ye might’ve saved half the clan.. and me daughter's life."
Cassandra dipped her head, feeling heat rise to her cheeks despite herself. “I’m only doin’ what I was trained for, Laird. But I’m glad to see them mendin’.”
Jessica, who had been quiet until now, tilted her head and studied Cassandra thoughtfully. “Ye seemed shocked earlier when Elena called me ‘aunty.’ Why was that?”
Cassandra blinked, suddenly flustered, her words tripping over themselves. “Ach, well… I, uh, thought ye an’ Hunter were married, ye see. The way ye hugged him when we first met, I just assumed?—”
Jessica burst out laughing, shaking her head with genuine amusement. “Married? Me and Hunter? Nay, lass, we’re cousins! I’ve nay intention of ever marryin’. I’m quite happy bein’ the head chef here—nay man’s goin’ to tie me down.”
Cassandra stared at her, surprised by the ease of her response. “Funny that,” she muttered, a wry smile tugging at the corner of her mouth. “I’ve nay plans to marry, either.”
Jessica’s eyes lit up with sudden fondness, and without warning, she looped her arm through Cassandra’s. “Well then, ye’re comin’ with me, lass. A woman after me own heart deserves a proper break! Ye've worked yerself to the bone.”
“Wait—I've…?” Cassandra blinked as Jessica began dragging her away.
Hunter smirked behind them. “Go easy on her, Jess.”
“Aye, aye,” Jessica called over her shoulder. “I’m just takin’ her for a wee break!”
Before Cassandra could protest, she found herself whisked into the castle’s warm kitchens, the comforting aroma of baked bread and spices wrapping around her like a blanket. Jessica releasedher arm and went straight for a small platter tucked away on a shelf.
“Here,” Jessica said with a grin, handing over a delicate tart topped with sugared berries. “Ye’ve more than earned somethin’ sweet.”
Cassandra took the dessert hesitantly and, after the first bite, her eyes widened with delight.
“Saints above, Jessica… ye’re a woman after me own heart.” She let out a small laugh. “I’m a bit obsessed with sweets, if I’m honest. Back at me home, I’d sneak down to the kitchens in the dead of night just to swipe a wee pastry or two.”
Jessica’s laughter echoed through the room, full of genuine delight. “Oh, I like ye already. Tell ye what—while ye’re here, I’ll set aside somethin’ sweet for ye every day. If ye ever need more, ye’re welcome to sneak in any time.”
Cassandra’s heart lightened, the heaviness of the past days easing just a little. “Ye’ve nay idea how dangerous an offer that is,” she teased, taking another bite of the tart.
Jessica smirked, leaning against the counter with arms crossed. “Och, I’ll risk it. A healer who loves sweets? Ye’re already the best kind of trouble.”
Cassandra stood near the hearth, her body aching from exhaustion yet her mind still alert. Cassandra offered a tired but genuine smile.
“Thank ye,” Cassandra murmured, her voice soft but steady. “I’m glad to see the patients mendin’. It gives me hope.”
Jessica’s gaze softened. “Ye’ve done more than any of us could’ve hoped for, lass. But ye look like ye’ll drop where ye stand.”
Cassandra stifled a yawn, covering her mouth with the back of her hand. “Aye, mayhap I could use a bit of rest.”
Without hesitation, Jessica turned to a nearby maid. “Take Mistress Cassandra to her quarters. She needs a proper sleep.”
The maid nodded and gestured for Cassandra to follow. As she walked through the stone corridors, Cassandra barely registered the path they took. The room was warm, simple, and comfortable, but what she didn’t realize was that it sat just next to Hunter’s own chambers.
CHAPTER ELEVEN
The 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.
