Page 49 of A Healer for the Ruthless Highlander
His silver eye fixed on her, making her feel warm inside. And as memories of their past encounters flashed through her mind, her heart began to race.
“Good morning,” Valerie greeted. “What are ye two doin’ here?”
“We were practicin’ some lessons with Hunter,” Kenneth explained, and Hunter nodded in confirmation. “He’s feelin’ better today, so we decided to make the most of our free time.”
“We were lookin’ for some books about the battles in the Highlands so that Jonas can train me properly,” Hunter added, beaming at Leana.
His presence did not bother the healer. On the contrary, she liked having him around.
“I understand. It’s good to ken ye’re feelin’ better. But please daenae push yerself too hard.”
“I willnae,” Hunter promised as he approached his cousin and Kenneth’s man-at-arms.
It was obvious that Kenneth’s attention was focused on the healer. Obvious not only to her but also to everyone present. Hence she felt slightly uneasy, for she feared that it was not only Valerie who suspected that something was going on between them.
As Valerie and Hunter approached Jonas to look at one of the books, and as they talked about past battles and war heroes, Leana approached Kenneth and whispered so that only he could hear her, “Do ye always keep yer distance?”
For a moment, Kenneth looked at her, slightly confused, but then a reassuring smile tugged at his lips. “It all depends on whether the object of me interest deserves such attention or nae,” he replied in the same confident manner, causing her heart to race slightly.
Leana shifted in her seat slightly uncomfortable, as Hunter and Valerie mimicked her, the blonde taking a seat next to Leana, while Hunter sat across from her, with Jonas next to him.
Fortunately, Kenneth's man at arms was distracted. It wasn't the same with Valerie and Hunter. The former in particular was looking at Leana with a broad smile, resting his chin on one of her hands. It was unlikely, but from the smile on Valerie's face, Leana could have sworn that the blonde had heard what Kenneth had whispered to her in confidence.
Suddenly, Hunter asked, “And ye, why have ye come?”
“Leana wishes to send a letter to her sisters,” Valerie hastened to answer, a certain mischievous gleam in her eyes. “And I think she needs some privacy.”
“Nay, that’s nae necessary—” Leana started to say, but Valerie immediately cut her off.
“Nonsense.” She put her hands on Hunter’s shoulders. “Why daenae we continue yer lesson in the gardens? It’s such a beautiful day.”
“And we can play when we’re done?”
“Sure,” Valerie said, before giving Kenneth a smile. “Cousin, why daenae ye stay and help Leana find what she needs? Then, ye can post her letter. We daenae want to keep her sisters waitin’ any longer.”
“Nay, nay need, really,” Leana insisted, but Valerie waved her off.
“Come on, Hunter,” Jonas encouraged the boy, nudging him toward the door amid a loving, teasing gesture. “The weather is ideal for us to do a little bow practice. Ye've neglected yer lessons for too long.”
“That's because I was sick!” complained Hunter.
“Then we must take advantage of yer improvement,” assured Jonas, with a smile drawn over his lips.
It was obvious to Leana that the man-at-arms was taking Valerie's side, even if Valerie didn't mention it. Plus the blonde's insistence, added to her smile, made it clear.
“Daenae worry. I’m sure me cousin will be happy to help ye.”
With a smile that she seemed to share with Jonas, the three left, Hunter’s laughter indicating how far down the corridor they were.
“Oh dear…” Leana dropped her face in her hands as soon as the door closed, feeling embarrassed. “I think she might have…”
“Understood what we did earlier?” Kenneth was grinning in amusement, not looking the least bit bothered by the situation. “I think everyone did—it doesnae take that long to change a bandage, after all.”
The confidence in his words, and indeed the confidence in his gaze, made her cheeks burn to the point that she thought a fire was raging under her skin.
This man has nay scruples!
Annoyed, Leana glared at him, but her anger didn’t seem to affect him. On the contrary, she would even say it amused him.
