Page 25 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
"Ye will love it. A berry and grain bread that is some of me best work," Jessica said as they walked out of the workshop together.
Cassandra walked beside Jessica down the dimly lit corridor, the scent of fresh bread and roasted meat growing stronger with each step. The castle was more alive now, the groans of the ill replaced by murmurs of conversation and the clatter of dishes.
The worst of the sickness had passed, and some of the patients were now sitting up, eating, and even walking with assistance.
"I am glad that the castle hums with people. It is a good sign of progress," she said.
Jessica sighed with relief, clasping her hands together. “Och, Cassandra, I cannae thank ye enough. Without ye, I daenae ken what would’ve happened. Ye’ve saved so many lives. Ye are the miracle, me dear."
Cassandra offered a small smile, though she did not feel entirely at ease. “I only did what needed doin’. I’m just glad to see them recoverin’. A healer is only as good as the strength of her patients.”
Jessica shook her head. “Ye’re too humble, lass. I’ll be forever grateful for what ye’ve done here, especially for Lady Elena. It would have been dark days if she grew worse."
A silence settled between them as they walked, their footsteps echoing softly against the stone floor. Jessica stole a sideways glance at Cassandra, her sharp eyes catching something unspoken in her expression.
After a moment, she tilted her head and asked, “Is there somethin’ else troublin’ ye?”
Cassandra’s grip tightened slightly on the folds of her skirt, her heart lurching at the question. She did not want to admit the truth—that she had been avoiding Hunter, that every time she saw him, a war waged inside her between the undeniable pull of desire and the deeply ingrained distrust she had for men.
She hated how easily Hunter unsettled her, how the mere thought of him sent a warmth curling through her that she did not want to feel. But she would never confess such a thing, especially not to Jessica.
She forced an even tone. “Nay, I’ve just been focusin’ on me work. There’s still much to do.”
Jessica studied her for a long moment, as if deciding whether or not to press further. Then, with a knowing smirk, she simply nodded. “Aye, work does keep the mind busy. But daenae forget, lass—ye’re allowed to take a breath now and then.”
Cassandra gave a small chuckle, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Aye, perhaps.”
But in truth, she feared that if she stopped, even for a moment, she would no longer be able to control the storm raging inside her.
Jessica tilted her head, her sharp gaze never leaving Cassandra’s face. “Tell me true—do ye have a man back at yer home in McAllister Castle?”
Cassandra stiffened, her eyes dropping to the stone floor, unable to meet Jessica’s probing stare.
Jessica sighed, crossing her arms. “Och, ye can confide in me, Cassandra. Whatever it is, I’ll nae go runnin’ me mouth about it.” Her voice softened, a gentle invitation rather than a demand. “I ken heartache when I see it.”
Cassandra inhaled deeply, her fingers tightening at her sides. “I was engaged once,” she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. “His name was William. I found him in the arms of another woman before we wed.”
Jessica’s expression darkened with sympathy. “Och, I’m so sorry, lass.”
Cassandra forced a tight smile, but there was no warmth behind it. “I ended the betrothal that very moment, but the damage was done. I nay longer believe in true love, nor do I trust any man.”
Her words were sharp, final, as if saying them aloud would make them more real, more unshakable.
Jessica reached out and gave her arm a reassuring squeeze. “Then we need a strong drink, aye? A good whisky will dull the sting of bad memories.”
Cassandra shook her head quickly. “I cannae, Jessica. I’ve too much work to do.” She hoped that would be the end of it, that her friend would simply let the subject drop.
Jessica, however, arched a brow, her eyes narrowing. “Or is there another reason ye’ve buried yerself in work all day beside past heartache?”
Cassandra gulped, the heat creeping up her neck. “Nay, nonsense,” she said, though the slight waver in her voice betrayed her.
Jessica folded her arms, her smirk returning. “Is it, now? Seems to me ye’ve been hidin’ from someone.”
Cassandra swallowed hard, her thoughts immediately drifting to Hunter. She did not want to see him, because she feared what she might do if she did.
"I think I'll have that drink after all," Cassandra said.
Jessica grinned triumphantly. “That’s the spirit, lass!” she declared, linking her arm with Cassandra’s.
