Free Sea Wolf Magick (Highlander Magick Series Book 2) by Patty Taylor

“Quinn McCord, you put me down this instant.”
    “Not until ye put some clothes on. No woman of mine is gonna flaunt herself, half-naked. Ye must still be burnin’ with fever. I’ll get ye straight to bed and have McGregor come doctor ye.” She didna’ appear fevered, but no woman in her right mind would parade around a group of men wearing short bloomers. His crew would understand, once he explained. “Go on, all of ye, and mind yer business. The lass is still ill and doesna know what she’s doin’.”
    Her eyes narrowed and her feet kicked by his side as she swung her arms and smacked his shoulders. “I’m not your woman . And these are shorts, considered decent from where I come from. I’m warning you. You put me down right now, or else I’ll do something to help persuade you.”
    Quinn couldn’t help himself—he laughed. “I doubt a wee lass like ye can do verra much harm.”
    “You want to bet?” Beth stopped her struggling, crossed her arms in front of her chest, and smiled. She leaned forward, her face barely touching his, and she whispered in his ear, “I’ll tell your crew that you’re holding me against my will and you hid of all my clothes to keep me from coming out of your cabin. Then I can tell them how I found these strange garments tucked beneath your mattress.”
    Quinn shook his head. “Nice try, lass. My men will nev’r believe ye. Ye’d give them a hearty laugh for the day.”
    Her eyes sparkled mischievously. She was up to something. “I could always tell the men about that ticklish spot I found right behind your . . .”
    “Ye wouldna dare.” Quinn frowned, staring at her.
    “Try me.” Beth leaned back and fluttered her long eyelashes at him. She glanced at the crew and smiled before she refocused her attention back on him. “This is one time, Captain, that you have to trust me. I promise, I’ll behave and act like a proper lady once you put me down.”
    The giant, Gunther, strolled over and grabbed Quinn’s arm. His eyes widened as he stared down at Beth and he nodded his head. Quinn sighed and frowned in defeat, lowering Beth until her feet stood on the deck.
    Steadying herself with her legs spread apart and her right hip jutted to one side, she wiped a whisk of hair from her forehead and planted both hands on her hips.
    “Thank you, Captain.” Beth’s face beamed, and she winked at Gunther, towering above her. “And thank you, Gunther. Kalista and I will come by later and take another look at your hand.”
    Gunther leaned down and Beth kissed his cheek.
    “I’m afraid he’s smitten by you, lass. He’ll act like your protective big brother now.” Quinn stood, shaking his head, watching the gentle giant stroll away. “Wait. How did ye know his name? He canna talk.”
    “Oh, but he can in his own way. You just have to know how to listen.” Beth smiled and grabbed Quinn’s hand. She leaned forward and lowered her voice. “After last night, I think we both have a lot of explaining to do.”
    Quinn grinned. “If ye show me anythin’ more like these breeches ye call shorts, aye, lass, I’m lookin’ forward to it. I have a feelin’ there is much to learn.”
    McGregor’s crutch thudded across the deck. Quinn spied a pair of men’s breeks carried under his other arm. “Beggin’ yer pardon, Captin’. I believe these might help to put everyone more at ease. Here, lass. Ye might feel a wee bit more comfortable wearin’ these.”
    Quinn nodded.
    Beth accepted the trousers. Her cheeks turned a rosy shade of red as she held out her hand to accept them. “Thank you, McGregor.”
    Her hands trembled, her body swayed side to side, and she dropped the breeches to the floor. Quinn grabbed her arm to keep her from falling and swept her in his arms. “What’s wrong, lass?”
    “I can’t wear them. They reek of evil.” Her eyes widened, and her voice quivered. “Can’t you smell it?”
    McGregor frowned. “They belonged to Finley, Captin’. I figured he