Quinn's Lady by Amanda Ashley

let herself relax in his embrace.
    The slow, steady sound of her breathing told Quinn she’d fallen asleep. Holding her close, knowing she trusted him enough to fall asleep in his arms, filled him with a surge of protectiveness he had never known before. She was a strong woman, a powerful witch, but still vulnerable to pain and heartache.
    He had never worried about anyone else in his entire life. Never gave a damn about what people thought of him. He had lived his life with only one thought in mind -- survival. But now, for the first time, he cared more for someone else’s welfare than his own. And he wasn’t sure what to do about it.
    He eased Seleena under the covers, removed his boots and shirt, and slid into bed beside her, his arm around her shoulders, the silk of her hair soft against his cheek.
    Surprisingly, it turned out to be the best night’s sleep he had ever known.
    #
    Seleena woke slowly, her eyes widening when she realized she wasn’t alone in bed. Quinn lay to her right, sleeping soundly. Freyja lay on the other side, staring at her with disapproving yellow eyes.
    Turning onto her side, Seleena studied Quinn. His expression was less harsh in repose. For a moment, she simply admired the sheer, masculine beauty of the man. The sheet was pooled at his waist, revealing the broad expanse of his chest. She was intrigued by the fact that the dragon on his shoulder seemed to be asleep, as well.
    After dislodging Freyja, Seleena eased out of bed, drew on her robe, stepped into her slippers, and went into the kitchen. While waiting for a pot of tea to steep, something compelled her to turn on the news channel, something she rarely did.
    There were the usual reports of thefts in outlying areas, a photo of Queen Marri welcoming a dignitary from a nearby star system. Seleena spied Gryff and Nardik in the background.
    She was about to shut down the receiver when the onscreen reporter mentioned a killing in Bosquetown. Seleena pressed a hand to her heart as the murdered man was identified as Jagg Corwinn, a local businessman. The killing had taken place in Corwinn’s tavern in front of two dozen witnesses, who had provided the culprit’s description to local law enforcement. Seleena gasped as a police sketch of the killer appeared onscreen. The resemblance to Quinn was unmistakable. A large reward was being offered for any information regarding his identity or whereabouts.
    Behind her, a familiar male voice muttered, “Well, damn.”
    Seleena glanced over her shoulder at his soft-spoken expletive. “At least they don’t know your name or where you live.”
    “Yeah.” He dropped into the chair across from hers.
    Her gaze slid away from his.
    He didn’t have to read her mind to know she was embarrassed about letting him spend the night in her bed, even though nothing had happened between them. She had an old-fashioned sense of morality which he found faintly amusing and endearing at the same time.
    “I was just about to fix breakfast,” she said, pushing away from the table. “Eggs and sausage. Would you like some?”
“Sure. Thanks.” Sitting back, he watched her move around the kitchen, gathering the things she needed. She didn’t drink coffee, and he couldn’t help smiling when she made a pot, knowing it was just for him.
    His mother was the only other woman who had ever prepared a meal especially for him. Since his mother’s passing, he had eaten in taverns or café’s when he could afford it. When he’d been with Serepta, the maids had done the work.
    Serepta. He would gladly give a year of his life to know where she holed up during the day.
    Minutes later, Seleena put breakfast on the table. Still not meeting his eyes, she took her seat.
    He stabbed a forkful of egg, then put it down. “You gonna look at me any time today, Red?”
    “Quinn…”
    “Hey, I get it. It makes you uncomfortable, having a man in your house. Having a vampire in your house. If you want me gone, just say the