Read Online Highland Hearts 03 - Crimson Heart by Heather McCollum - Free Book Online

showed every lovely curve and valley on her. She looked full of softness and he imagined how they would fit intimately together.
    “Everything fits,” she stated sweetly, and Searc choked on his ale. Elena frowned a little until he cleared his throat.
    “Everything fits?” he repeated and rubbed his jaw. Could the lass read his mind? His mother could always tell when someone was lying but even she couldn’t read minds.
    “The costume, my boots, everything.” Elena’s forehead furrowed as if she thought he wasn’t able to follow a simple conversation. “So we can leave for Edinburgh.” She flapped a hand at the bodice of her dress, causing his gaze to fasten on her breasts. They seemed perfectly sized for a man’s hands. He forced his eyes up.
    “Do you see anything you like?” Her brows raised expectantly.
    Luckily he didn’t have a mouthful or he’d likely spit it out. He liked everything he saw, but he wasn’t a complete fool. “Aye,” he said simply and she smiled. One-word answers were definitely the safest when it came to women. Let them interpret the word however made them happy.
    “I’ve been sewing on the flowers all day.” She ran the tip of her finger across the embroidered ribbons that ran the length of her curved neckline. “I think they turned out well. Perhaps I should wear this tomorrow to show the designs I can fashion on fabric.”
    “Aye,” he repeated, but the lass seemed to wait for more. “Ye are quite talented with a needle. Perhaps the tapestry maker from Edinburgh will take ye as an apprentice.”
    Elena’s smile faded, her lips tightening. “I could.” Concern plagued her beautiful green eyes. She was remembering the girl in the rug.
    “We will make certain ye are not alone in Edinburgh.” He met that gaze with a firm stare. “I will make sure ye are safe.”
    The tension left her lips as she nodded. “Thank you. I would repay you for your help.”
    He took a bite of his bread slathered thickly with freshly churned butter. He chewed, considering her statement, and swallowed. “Aye, my protection will cost ye.” He used his napkin.
    She tensed. “I have some coin left and can send more to you once I acquire a paying position.”
    “I don’t take coin.” He leaned back in his seat. “I require yer talents.” He let his eyes lower a bit into something of a leer and watched her cheeks pinken. Aye, she was an innocent, though her instincts had picked up on his suggestion. Again the virgin’s reaction should have chilled him, but instead it made his blood boil. He pointed to her embroidery. “I’d like some flowers along my tunic. Perhaps a birdie or two, hearts. Can ye do hearts?”
    Her eyes opened wide, and then she whipped a frilly handkerchief at his face. He caught it easily, and inhaled her rose scent on it. “No hearts then.”
    She laughed, a mellow sound that relaxed the knot he hadn’t realized was in his gut. He finished his ale and felt a contented grin grow on his face. It had been a long time since he’d felt so at ease.
    The crunch of pebbles outside pulled his gaze, and his whole body tensed. The constable walked with four tall lads toward the open door of the inn. Two carried lit torches and two carried short swords. The priest from the small church walked behind them holding his string of beads. Another man shuffled along on his far side as if hiding in shadow. The stride of the group was determined, angry, and he easily picked up on the crackling of unease from the men. Searc’s magic sparked inside him, waiting to be called forth.
    “Ye should go above stairs,” Searc said low and dropped a coin on the table for the meal.
    “I was actually going to see if Maude had any tarts left.” Elena took another sip of cider, oblivious to the danger.
    Searc shoved back from the table, standing as the constable barged inside. The man’s voice boomed, silencing the few diners in the room. “We have come for the Highlander.” His narrowed eyes