Page 50 of A Healer for the Ruthless Highlander
“Right. Can I write me letter in peace now?” she asked, feeling like she was about to explode.
“Sure,” he replied, allowing her to make her way to the desk.
She hoped he would leave; it would allow her to get her thoughts in order.
But Kenneth seemed intent on watching her. What was it about a letter that interested him so much?
Of course, she didn’t want to face the obvious—that he was interested in her, not the letter.
Still, she decided to ignore him, knowing that if she paid him too much attention, her priorities would change, and the letter would be the last thing on her mind.
So, she picked up a quill, unfolded a piece of parchment, and began to write.
Dear Joanna and Irene…
Soon, she was lost in a fading memory of the events. She did not want to worry her sisters, for she knew that if she told them the whole truth, they would come to the castle. Especially Joanna, who was temperamental and protective by nature, would not hesitate to barge into the castle and demand that Kenneth release her sister.
Thus, Leana told them that she was doing well and that a laird from another town was in urgent need of her services. Shewould stay with him for a few weeks, but she would keep them informed of the situation and would be back soon.
After adding one last time how much she missed them, Leana signed the letter.
“Thank ye,” Kenneth said suddenly, startling her. She had not realized he had stepped closer to read the letter. “For nae tellin’ them what really happened.”
“I didnae do it for ye,” Leana pointed out, slightly disturbed as she heated the wax to seal the letter. “But for them. They’re very protective of me, and I daenae want them demandin’ to get into the castle tonight.”
“They probably are like ye in that respect,” Kenneth remarked.
Leana nodded. If she knew someone was messing with her sisters, she would move heaven and earth to defend them.
After a moment, Kenneth added, “I thank ye because yer words will prevent incidents. Yer Laird might be angry, considerin’ what happened between us… And I daenae want to start a conflict with him.”
Leana’s lips twitched into a grimace, but she quickly hid it. It was an immediate reaction whenever she thought ofhim.
“Like I said, I didnae do it for ye. I daenae want any trouble meself. Besides, I daenae support any laird, let alone get involved in his conflicts.”
Kenneth had looked at her intently as she spoke those words. Perhaps he had noticed the tension in her shoulders. But he made no comment. He simply nodded as she stood up.
After smoothing the skirt of her dress, Leana handed him the letter. “Send it as soon as possible, please,” she practically demanded.
“I will, lass,” Kenneth promised.
“Well, thank ye,” Leana replied, turning to leave.
But before she could take a step toward the door, Kenneth grabbed her hand. “That dress…” he trailed off.
Leana looked up at him, slightly embarrassed. “I ken it’s nae me size, but me clothes were dirty, and it’s all I have for now. Valerie gave it to me…”
“I was goin’ to say ye look beautiful,” Kenneth murmured, looking deeply into her eyes.
He reached for her hand. Still holding her gaze, he planted a single, chaste kiss on her knuckles.
Leana’s heart skipped a beat at the simple gesture, so much so that for a moment, she didn’t know what to say.
“T-Thank ye,” she stuttered, staring at him in disbelief.
It was a strange time when Leana Beaton didn’t know what to say, but well, it seemed that the Laird had the ability to steal her words. Or at least that was the case this time.
So, she turned away from him, a little uneasy, a little worried, and felt her heart pounding hard against her ribs. She felt torn inside, for reason told her that the game she and Kenneth were playing had to stop.
