Page 37 of A Healer for the Ruthless Highlander
He entered the room while his younger brother was still laughing, and for a moment, he took in the sight—the little boy smiling and happy.
Even though he had only recently started his treatment, Hunter was already looking much better. Anyone could see it. His cheeks had regained some color, his face was not so pale, and his voice was not so hoarse.
“Braither, have ye been spyin’ on us for too long?” he complained.
However, a smile played on his lips, so Kenneth knew that the boy was not angry. Unlike the lass.
“I’m afraid I have. I’ve been listenin’ for a while. Though I only did so because I didnae want to interrupt yer conversation.” Kenneth crossed his arms over his chest and looked at Leana with a twinkle in his eye. “Ye two were obviously havin’ a good time.”
“We understand each other,” Leana said calmly, giving Hunter an affectionate look. The way she referred to them was as different as night and day. “Isnae that right, Hunter?”
“Of course!” Hunter affirmed. “Leana has been the best of all the healers.”
“I see,” Kenneth said, nodding.
He was pleased to see his younger brother in a much better mood.
She is wonderful. And nae just as a healer…
Though it was only a joke between the boy and the lass, Kenneth almost believed that Leana was indeed some sort of magician. He had never seen his brother like this—so happy and confiding in a stranger. In fact, the last time he remembered seeing Hunterthis happy was when they sailed the sea with the pirates they had lived with for so many years.
Beyond those times of salt and tide, the only time Hunter was truly happy was when Valerie played with him. But Leana seemed to have a healing effect on him.
And even if she would not admit it openly, she seemed to be working some magic on Kenneth himself.
Or perhaps it was just her. Maybe the magic was in her charm and personality. Maybe it was in her confidence and stubbornness.
The urge to challenge her was there, but as Kenneth watched her interact with his brother, he realized for the first time that he really wanted to apologize to the lass. For his behavior and for the way he had treated her from the first moment they met.
It was hard for him to trust strangers, especially when it came to his brother’s health. Many healers over the years had tried his patience, played on his trust until he lost his temper. They had promised him the ultimate cure for Hunter’s ailments, but they had always failed. In some cases, they had even made things worse.
Because of that, Kenneth could not trust easily. He was stubborn and temperamental because he had to be. At times, it was the only way to ensure his brother’s recovery.
But with Leana, the rules of the game had changed.
“I’ll teach ye if ye want to use the bow and arrow. I’ll even do me best to talk,” he offered.
If it had been possible, Leana would have put an arrow through his head. He could tell by the withering look she gave him. Oddly enough, her annoyance amused him.
She didn’t realize it, but she looked beautiful when her cheeks reddened with anger.
“Ye could try practicin’ with me braither. He’ll teach ye well,” Hunter urged, pleased with the idea.
“Maybe, but I’ve had enough lessons with the Laird for now,” Leana said, in that stubborn tone that Kenneth knew so well. Then, she turned in Hunter’s direction and said in a sweet voice, “I’ll be back in an hour or so to check on ye. In the meantime, why daenae ye try to get some sleep?”
“Alright, I will. Thank ye, Miss Healer,” Hunter replied as he closed his eyes.
Leana approached Kenneth, who studied her intently. Her large blue eyes glimmered like sapphires. Her lips were deep rose as ripe strawberries, as were her cheeks.
She is as attractive as she is spirited.
Her face was framed by her thick, dark hair, which escaped from her plait in unruly waves. The neckline of her dress teased the mounds of her breasts, the peaks ripe and turgid.
Watching her closely, Kenneth felt something ignite inside him. He knew the feeling well, for the lass had ignited that spark within him from the first moment their eyes met.
But Leana, it seemed, was unaware of the direction his thoughts were taking. Instead, she jabbed a stubborn finger in his chest. “Is it yer turn,” she declared.
Kenneth raised an eyebrow in curiosity. “Me turn for what?” he asked, following her out of Hunter’s room.
