Read Online Quinn: A Scottish Outlaw (Highland Outlaws Book 2) by Lily Baldwin - Free Book Online Page B

cascading off his strong shoulders. She could still feel his calloused fingers brushing her skin. His touch, so slight, had felt more intimate than any of her couplings with her husband. Laying with Henry had been simply another duty not so different then ensuring clean rushes lined the great hall or that the larder was fully stocked. She had hoped Henry would grow to be more loving, but he never did.
    Remembering her dead husband stole the heat from her body. Cold and full of sorrow, she dressed quickly in the borrowed garments. Smoothing out the tunic, she had to admit the wool did not feel as harsh as she had predicted. More than that, it felt divine to be free of her headdress, although she could not help feeling self-conscious. She reached behind her head. Thankfully, her long hair was still pinned in a coil at the nape of her neck. She took a step forward, her fine slipper peeking out from beneath faded wool. Her heart sank—she was a commoner. For a moment, self-pity consumed her, but then she glanced over at James, her precious child, asleep on the forest floor. 
    “Are there slippers?” she asked when she came up behind Quinn. He turned, his chest still bare. Her eyes traveled the length of his muscled torso before she met his gaze. “These will not do.” She lifted the hem of her worn tunic, revealing sky blue, pointed-toe slippers, embroidered with white flowers and marred by drops of Henry’s blood. He grabbed for his tunic and pulled it over his head. She chewed her bottom lip while she glimpsed his muscles shift and decided it was a pity to cover something so fine.
    “Here,” he said, producing a pair of simple, leather slippers from the bundle.
    She reached for the plain shoes. A shiver shot up her spine as their fingers touched. “Thank you,” she said and turned to retreat, but then she paused and looked back. “I spoke through pride before.”
    He raised a questioning brow at her.
    “I am speaking of my refusal to wear my maid’s clothes. You had our well-being in mind, and I thank you for that.” She lifted her chin, imbuing her stance with strength. “I will do whatever it takes to protect my son.”
    Quinn knelt at her feet. “May I,” he said. She swallowed hard and slowly placed the slippers in his open hand. Her breath caught in her throat when he gently lifted her foot and slid off her fine shoe. His warm hand encircled her heel. She fought to swallow again. Then he slid the new slipper on. He gave her other foot the same slow, deliberate care. By the time he finished, her heart raced, and she could barely draw breath.
    “Thank you,” she said, unable to meet his gaze. She cleared her throat and took a step back, smoothing her hands down the front of her tunic. Then she straightened her sleeves.
    “Ye look lovely,” he said.
    Her head jerked up, and she met his gaze. 
    A slight smile curved his lips, his dark eyes traveling the length of her with unconcealed appreciation. “I can actually see ye now without all those veils and fuss.”
    She blushed. For reasons she dared not consider, she liked that Quinn could now ‘actually see’ her.

Chapter Nine
    Quinn cut the cooked pheasant into pieces, then stuck the tip of his dirk into the meat and offered the morsel to Catarina.
    Instead of biting the offered meat, she blushed. “It is indecent for you to feed me.”
    Quinn could not help smiling. “The trees won’t tell nor will I.”
    She laughed out loud, and the sound made his smile widen. She closed her eyes, pressing a hand to her heart. “Forgive my outburst. I am so tired that I fear delirium has set in.”
    “There is nothing to forgive. You have a lovely laugh,” he said. “I will have to see that you use if more often.” He offered her the meat again. This time she leaned forward and gingerly bit down, pulling the meat from the tip of his dirk. She closed her eyes and chewed. He studied the soft contours of her face, her slim, pert nose and full lips. She