Page 27 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Jessica left the room to find a maid to deliver the message. In those brief moments Cassandra closed her eyes, and instantly regretted it.
"Lass…" a breathy deep voice said.
Cassandra quickly opened her eyes and realized that her mind was replaying the heated moment with Hunter. His voice was on her mind. She moved about the room trying to keep him from her thoughts.
A moment later Jessica entered.
"Good, all done. How about a game of cards while we wait," she asked.
"That would be very good," Cassandra replied knowing the game would take her mind off Hunter.
Fifteen minutes later, the supper arrived. Jessica lifted the lid from a tray, revealing an array of food that made Cassandra’s stomach rumble despite the whisky warming her belly.
Cassandra leaned forward, inhaling the delicious scent. “This is delightful and needed after me drinkin’” she said, amusement tugging at her lips.
Jessica winked as she cut into a thick slice of roasted lamb, its juices glistening in the firelight. “I ken how to treat me guests,” she said, piling Cassandra’s plate with tender meat, golden-brown oatcakes, and mashed neeps.
Cassandra took a bite, savoring the rich, seasoned flavor of the lamb. The oatcakes were crisp on the outside but soft within, perfect for soaking up the thick gravy.
The neeps had been mashed with butter and a hint of honey, their sweetness balancing the savory meal. It was a feast fit for warriors, and she hadn’t realized how hungry she was until now.
Jessica poured them both another measure of whisky, though Cassandra hesitated before taking it. “I may regret this by morn,” Cassandra muttered.
Jessica smirked. “Aye, but regret is for tomorrow. Tonight, we eat, drink, and forget the troubles of faithless men and broodin’ lairds.”
Cassandra chuckled, clinking her glass against Jessica’s before taking another sip. The warmth in her belly deepened, the tension in her shoulders easing as they shared stories and laughter.
For the first time in days, she allowed herself to simply be—without worry, without thoughts of healing, or the past, and the men who haunted her every waking moment.
By the time the meal was done, Cassandra felt comfortably full and more than a little lightheaded. Jessica stretched lazily, yawning. “I’ll sleep well tonight, that’s for certain,” she said.
Cassandra stood carefully, her legs feeling unsteady beneath her. “I should go before I fall asleep in yer chair,” she said with a soft laugh.
Jessica smirked but waved her off. “Aye, off with ye then. But I expect ye to join me for another night like this soon.”
Cassandra smiled, then made her way toward the door. The cool air of the corridor sobered her slightly, but the whisky still hummed in her veins. She walked slowly down the dark hallway, hoping the movement would clear her head. Then she saw him.
Nay, I cannae see him now.
Hunter stood at the far end of the hallway, his broad frame unmistakable even in the dim candlelight. Her breath hitched, panic sparking through her chest. Without thinking, she turnedsharply and hurried in the opposite direction, her heart thudding wildly.
She didn’t know if he had seen her. She didn’t dare look back to check. Every step felt too loud, her pulse roaring in her ears. Heat flooded her body—not from the whisky this time, but from something deeper, something more dangerous.
She cursed under her breath as she finally reached her chambers, slipping inside and pressing her back against the door. Her breath came in short, uneven bursts.
What is wrong with me?
Cassandra squeezed her eyes shut, trying to will away the heat crawling up her spine. She was far too drunk to be anywhere near that man. He already had a hold on her senses when she was sober—what fool would she make of herself in this state?
Hunter was temptation wrapped in danger, and she had no intention of giving in to either.
Still, she could not shake the image of him standing in the corridor, dark and unreadable. Had he seen her scurry away like a frightened rabbit? Did he know the effect he had on her?
Cassandra groaned, pressing her fingers to her temples. She needed sleep. And distance. And perhaps, if she was lucky, she’d wake up in the morning with no memory of the way her body had betrayed her tonight.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN
"Ye goin' to check on the little lass?" Daniel asked Hunter as he stepped into the healing hall.
