Page 64 of Trapped By the Wicked Highlander
Hunter chuckled, feeling the surge of affection for her growing even stronger. “I wouldnae want it any other way, lass,” he said, his voice filled with genuine admiration. “Ye’ve made me the happiest man in this hall.”
As the music began to slow, so did their steps, the dance drawing to an end. But the warmth between them remained, a bond that neither time nor distance could break.
CHAPTER THIRTY
The sun had barely risen, casting a golden light over the hills as Cassandra and Hunter rode together on their journey to McDougal castle. They shared the same horse, the sturdy animal trotting steadily beneath them. Cassandra felt the warmth of Hunter's body at her back, and she couldn’t help but remember their first ride together, when Hunter had insisted she share his horse, much to her annoyance.
"Here we are, sharin; a horse again," she said.
“Aye, ye remember that day, daenae ye?” Hunter said with a grin, clearly reading her thoughts. “Ye werenae too pleased to be ridin’ with me then. Couldnae wait to get off, I reckon.”
Cassandra chuckled, shaking her head as the memory returned.
“Aye, I dinnae think I’d survive that ride with ye so close,” she teased, her voice light. “But now, I find I daenae mind so much, though ye’ve nae given me much choice today.”
Hunter's arm tightened around her waist, pulling her just a little closer. “But truth be told, I’ve nay complaints with ye so close to me now, or then. I’ve nay intention of lettin’ ye go anytime soon.”
Cassandra laughed softly, her heart fluttering at his words. “Ye’ve always been so sure of yerself, Hunter McDougal,” she replied, glancing over her shoulder to meet his eyes. “I daenae ken if that’s arrogance or confidence, but it’s certainly amusin’.”
“Confidence, lass,” he replied with a wink. “Confidence, and a wee bit of charm, if I’m being honest.” He gave her a teasing grin. “But I’m nae wrong, am I? Ye like it.”
Cassandra shook her head, a smile tugging at her lips despite her attempt to remain serious. “Aye, ye may be right,” she admitted. “I daenae mind yer confidence, but daenae think ye can use it against me too often.” She nudged his hand that rested on her waist, feigning a little discomfort. “A lass needs her space, ye ken?”
Hunter laughed, a low, rumbling sound that made her smile even wider. “Ye ken, Cassandra, ye always try to act like ye cannae stand me, but ye’re just a wee bit too fond of me to admit it.” He paused for a moment, letting the horse pick up a faster pace, and then leaned in slightly, his breath warm against her ear. “I reckon I’ll win ye over, in time, lass. Ye’ll be beggin’ to ride with me like this forever.”
Cassandra could feel the heat of his body so close to hers, his words striking a chord she couldn’t ignore. “I’ll never be the onebeggin’, Hunter,” she replied, her voice a playful challenge. “But ye may just get yer wish, for I do enjoy ridin’ beside ye more than I did the first time. Ye’ve got yer charm, nay denyin’ that.”
Hunter’s smile widened, his eyes gleaming with mischief. “Ach, I told ye. A bit of charm, a bit of confidence, and a whole lot of patience. Ye’ll come around, lass.” He leaned in even closer, his lips brushing against her ear. “Maybe I’ll have ye beggin' sooner than ye think.”
She let out a soft laugh, trying to push back against the heat spreading through her at his closeness. “I’ve nay doubt ye’ll try,” she said with a teasing edge. “But, ye forget, I’m nae so easily swayed, Laird McDougal. I’ll make ye work for it.”
Hunter gave her a mischievous grin, his voice lowering slightly. “I’ve nay problem workin’ for it, Cassandra. I enjoy the challenge.” He nudged the horse a bit faster, feeling the wind rush past them. “But for now, I’ll take what I can get.”
Cassandra raised an eyebrow, catching the look in his eyes. “Aye, I think ye’re quite taken with me, Hunter,” she replied with a grin. “But ye’d best be careful, ye might be the one beggin' for me attention next.” She turned her head to look at him, her eyes narrowing playfully. “I’m nae an easy woman to win.”
Hunter’s smile softened at her words, and for a moment, he said nothing. Instead, he simply squeezed her gently, holding her against him with a tenderness that took her by surprise. “Ye never make anythin’ easy, lass,” he said after a beat, hisvoice warm and affectionate. “And that’s what makes ye so irresistible.”
Cassandra turned her head slightly, meeting his gaze. Her heart swelled in her chest, and she realized just how much she had come to care for him, despite the stubborn resistance she often tried to put up. “I’m nae one to be tamed,” she said softly, her voice almost teasing but with an edge of vulnerability.
Hunter gave her a sincere look, his eyes locking with hers. “I’ve nay intention of tamin’ ye, Cassandra,” he said, his voice deepening with sincerity. “I want ye as ye are—wild, untamed, and full of life. I want to be the one who stands beside ye through it all.”
Cassandra felt a warmth in her chest, and for the first time, she allowed herself to truly feel the depth of her affection for him.
“But for now, let’s just enjoy the ride.” The wind picked up, carrying them forward toward McDougal castle, but neither of them could ignore the spark of something deeper, something true, growing between them.
The rolling hills of the Scottish Highlands stretched out before them, bathed in the soft, golden light of the early afternoon sun. The air was crisp, filled with the scent of wild heather and pine, and the distant sound of a bubbling stream echoed through the valley.
The horse’s hooves clopped steadily against the earth, but it was Hunter’s voice that broke the peaceful quiet, his words low and filled with a simmering intensity.
“Cassandra, I cannae wait anymore,” he murmured, his grip tightening on the reins as he guided the horse off the narrow path and into a secluded meadow.
"What are ye doing?"
He glanced at her over his shoulder and she saw that Hunter’s dark eyes were fixed with a fire burning in them that mirrored the fierce desire building within him.
He dismounted the horse first, moving swiftly to her side as she carefully slid from the saddle, her fingers brushing against his strong arm as she did.
"Should we nae be getting back to McDougal castle?" she asked.
