Page 61 of A Healer for the Ruthless Highlander
“We’ll see about that,” he whispered, stepping away from her.
Leana was rooted to the spot, holding her breath as she tried in vain to pull herself together.
“For now, I have some business to take care of. We’ll talk when I return,” Kenneth promised.
Leana nodded. “Sure…” she trailed off, watching as he walked away.
Her heart ached, yet she was also relieved.
She felt proud to have finally discovered the cure for Hunter’s illness. But now there was only one question left to answer.
How would she say goodbye to Kenneth, when she finally realized that her feelings for him might go beyond mere attraction?
CHAPTER 20
SEA BREEZE
“Captain Graham, are ye waitin’for someone?” Kenneth asked, determinedly crossing the hill.
On the other side, he could smell the sea. The salty breeze that blew toward him in gentle ripples as the afternoon gradually faded into reds and golds.
The man in front of him turned and met his gaze. He looked frightened—obviously, he had reason to be, having been caught in the act.
But even though Kenneth had a reason to be upset, he was not. At least, not with the captain.
Peter Graham was watching him, slightly disturbed. With the bushy beard and sun-tanned skin, his face looked as grim as Kenneth’s expression.
“Laird MacReid…” the captain began.
Kenneth clicked his tongue. “Kenneth’s fine,” he replied, holding out his hand and saluting the man.
The captain smiled at him. “Then Peter’s good for ye,” he joked.
Kenneth smiled back.
They were both standing on a hill overlooking the calm surf that preceded the night. From this position, Kenneth could feel the sea breeze clearing his lungs.
Hunter is right. It is the sea. It does have a certain healin’ power.
His reasoning, however, was overshadowed by the anger still burning inside him.
Even if his intentions had been good, Peter had put Hunter in danger by asking him to meet at night. Especially since he knew that the boy was Kenneth’s only weakness.
That certainty, the certainty of guilt, must have been etched on his face, for Peter shoved his hands in his pockets and sighed. “I should never have promised ye that I would keep away from the boy.”
“But ye did,” Kenneth reminded him, bitterness creeping into his words. “Ye promised. And yet here we are.” He extended his arms as if to encompass the surrounding space.
Peter hung his head, his eyes trained on the ground. He was the picture of regret.
“There are few times when I cannae keep me promises, but, believe it or nae, I am proud to say that this isnae one of them.” His gaze, calm and dignified, rested on Kenneth. “I have never had bad intentions, ye ken that. I’ve loved the boy like a son ever since ye both joined me crew.”
“I ken. But we agreed this wouldnae happen.” Kenneth took a step toward him. “Ye put him in danger by askin’ him to come all this way. Alone.”
“Hunter’s a smart kid,” Peter assured him in the same impassive tone. But Kenneth could detect some doubt, as well as a hint of guilt. “We plotted a course together so he wouldnae be in danger, and we only met when the conditions allowed.”
“What about his illness?” Kenneth asked, raising his eyebrows at him. “What about the days when he was so ill that venturin’ outside the castle was a risk for him? Did ye take that into account?”
“I… He didnae tell me he was ill. Neither did ye,” Peter said.
