Page 13 of Jack (Highland Outlaws #1)

B ella stretched her arms above her head before rubbing the sleep from her eyes.

The thatched roof came into focus, and she jerked upright.

The previous day’s events came crashing back into her mind like a wave hitting the shore.

She glanced around the room and was relieved to find that she was alone.

With a groan, she dug her hands into her unbound hair, remembering how the day had ended—with her sobbing in Jack’s arms. “Oh God,” she said aloud. How could she face him now?

As she sat there, she remembered the way Jack had held her so tightly, his arms wrapped around her as if he was trying to protect her from the world.

After years of being starved of affection, it had felt so good to be held, but she also knew that she should have refused his comfort.

After all, he was keeping her there against her will, or was he keeping her there to protect her?

It was all so confusing, but after last night, there was something she couldn’t deny—Jack had made her feel safe.

There was something about him that made her want to trust him.

She shook her head and stood up. What was she thinking?

Despite Jack’s tender care the night before and the likeability of his family, they were still masked highwaymen—thieves and only God knew what else.

No, she couldn’t afford to let her guard down.

Noises from outside drifted through the thin walls.

Taking a deep breath, she adjusted her borrowed tunic.

In the light of day, she saw how tattered and stained the fabric was, but she also knew that the secret to its softness was in the wear it had seen, which pleased her to no end.

Digging around in Jack’s trunk, she found a length of rope, which she used to belt her waist. Dressing for the day was usually an ordeal that required two maidservants.

It was a wonder to her how quickly it could be done if one left off all the fuss, as Jack had put it.

She worked the tangles free from her hair with her fingers, then swept it off her shoulders. She could not help the smile that curved her lips. Despite her questionable captivity, she had never felt so free.

Childish laughter outside her hut drew her attention.

She crossed to the door and pushed it open, spying Rose sitting around the fire with five little girls.

The smallest of all the children, a playful blonde with dimples on both cheeks, caught sight of her and called out, “Lady!” while jumping to her feet.

All the other girls followed suit and started jumping up and down in delight.

Their laughter was contagious, and she couldn’t help but break into a smile at their high spirits.

Rose laughed and called out, “Good morrow, Lady Redesdale.”

Isabella waved to the girls and wondered where they had come from, and why, of all places, were they at the secret camp of admitted bandits? Eager for answers, she hastened across the glade. “Good morrow, Rose.”

“Ye seem well enough,” Rose said, searching Isabella’s face. “My brother behaved himself then?”

Bella blushed but nodded.

“I knew he would, but I still say he should have let ye bed down with me.” She stood then and said, “Come along, everyone.”

Isabella noticed the basket in Rose’s hand. “Where are you off to?”

“The lassies and I are going to break our fast by the river. Would ye care to join us?”

“I would love to, but I’m not certain if I should.” Bella scanned the camp, which appeared empty except for Rose and the mysterious band of girls.

Rose smiled. “The lads went hunting, but they’ll be back soon. Do not fash yerself. Ye’re safe with me.”

Isabella was keenly aware of the many sets of youthful eyes staring up at her with curiosity. She cleared her throat. “My...er...role here is somewhat unclear. Am I allowed to go with you?”

“Well, ye must eat. Is that not true?”

As if to grant her permission, Bella’s stomach growled loudly. Rose laughed. “Come on, pet. I’ve fresh bannock and dried meat.”

Rose hooked arms with her, pulling her toward a narrow pass that cut through the trees. “I’d wager they’re as hungry as ye,” Rose said, laughing as the girls darted ahead in a race.

“Who are they?” Isabella asked in a low voice.

“Orphans,” Rose replied.

Isabella raised a skeptical brow. “Orphans? Living in a camp among thieves?”

Rose smiled. “Things are not always as they seem, love.”

Isabella wanted to question Rose further, but the girls had raced back to join them. As they walked, the girls chattered excitedly, telling Bella about their various adventures in the woods.

When they arrived at the stream, Bella was struck by how peaceful it was.

The water was crystal clear, and the trees surrounding it were tall and lush.

Rose wasted no time and set about laying out the food.

The girls quickly gathered around her, their eyes shining with anticipation.

Bella sat down on a rock and watched as they all tucked into the fare.

One of the oldest looking girls, who Bella guessed was near ten with long black hair and a freckled face, patted the empty space next to her and said, “Lady, sit here.”

Smiling, Bella knelt beside her. Five little faces stared at her while she reached for a bannock. A faint whiff of steam rose from the firm cake. She held it to her nose and inhaled its warmth. “This is marvelous.”

The girls giggled. The one who had asked Bella to sit next to her scooted closer. Bella admired her lovely smile and starry, dark eyes. The girl took a bite of meat, and while she chewed, she scrunched her eyes up at Bella. “Ye’ve lovely skin. ‘Tis darker than mine.”

Isabella smiled. “My olive skin was a gift from my mother. She was Sicilian.”

The girl took another bite. “What’s yer name?”

In her mind, Bella recited her usual answer to that question—Lady Isabella Annunziatta Redesdale—but in the end her answer was simple: “Bella. And what is yours?”

“Moira. I’m Jack’s lass.”

Isabella’s eyes widened in surprise. “I did not realize Jack had a daughter.”

Moira laughed. “We are all Jack’s lassies,” she said, gesturing to the little girls littering the blankets.

Isabella’s hand flew to her lips. “Oh, my!” It was clear she needed to add womanizer to Jack’s list of titles: Thief, commoner, Scotsman, and now rake.

Rose smiled and leaned close. “Do not fash yerself, my lady,” she whispered.

“I’m hardly worried,” Bella said as she straightened her skirt to avoid Rose’s gaze. “Jack may father as many children as he likes.”

Rose threw her head back with laughter. “I can tell ye on good authority that Jack has never fathered a child of his own.” Rose’s hand swept out to encompass the girls. “I told ye already. These girls are orphans, but they are in Jack’s charge.”

Bella shook her head. “I do not understand.”

“Lassies, ‘tis time to play,” Rose said. “Go run and squeal to yer heart's content, but mind ye don’t catch yer toes on the tree roots. And be sure to stay out of the water.”

Needing no encouragement, the girls jumped to their feet and darted off into the woods together. When they were out of earshot, Rose met Bella’s gaze. “Their parents were killed during the massacre.”

Bella gasped, her heart breaking into a thousand pieces.

“They were abandoned, left to die, in fact. But Jack gathered them all and hid them. Abbot Matthew keeps this lot in the monastery. But there are many more than what ye see here. Jack has them spread throughout the countryside, some in homes with families, others in different monasteries, but he provides for every single one.”

Bella could feel her eyes widen. “Do you mean to tell me this is what he does with his stolen gains? He feeds orphans.”

“Aye,” Rose continued. “He robs English nobles and gives the money back to the Scottish people and to the cause, of course.”

Curious, Bella leaned closer. “What cause?”

Rose flashed her a cheeky smile. “Now, I like ye very much, my lady, but I won’t be telling a Sassenach any more about that.”

Bella let the matter go and turned to watch the girls play in the distance.

Some of them were likely too young to remember the massacre.

They would have only been infants, but for Moira, doubtless memories of those days lived on inside her like a nightmare that would never end.

Tears stung Bella’s eyes. Her own heart ached for her mother in that moment, and she gave thanks to God that the children had found Jack.

He may have been a criminal, but she was beginning to realize that he was also a hero in his own way.

As Bella continued to watch the girls play, she felt a sudden urge to help them. To offer them comfort, safety, and a permanent home. She turned to Rose and said, “I have resources that could make a difference in their lives.”

Rose looked at her with surprise. “Ye, an English lady, wish to help a wee pack of Scottish orphans?”

Bella nodded without hesitation. “I do. These children need more than just food and shelter. They need a future.”

Rose smiled. “I think ye and Jack have more in common than ye realize, my lady.”

Bella didn’t know what to make of that, but she knew without a doubt that she wanted to make a difference in the children’s lives.

Suddenly, a chorus of girlish squeals caught her attention the instant before Jack’s lassies took off back down the path.

“Jack,” they cried.

Isabella’s stomach flipped at the sight of him.

He dropped to one knee and opened his arms. The girls threw themselves at him, knocking him onto his back.

Isabella blushed at the sound of his rich laughter.

Then she glimpsed red hair through the leaves as Ian came into view, followed by Rory, Quinn, and another man whom Isabella had not met, but given his height and black hair, she guessed he was the infamous Alec.

The sight of him made her stomach dance with nerves.