Page 37 of Dust to Dust

Slowly, I nodded my head as I processed his words. I’d never seen a gunshot wound, nor did I know anyone who had ever been shot. Growing up, I’d been sheltered from the harsher realities of the world and living in the city.

“But how did you get shot? Did someone try to mug you on the street? I know this is a good area, but no offense, you probably brought it on yourself by the way you look.”

Quinn’s blue eyes narrowed. “Excuse me?”

“To a thief, you look like a flashy guy with your expensive suits and your watch. You’re the perfect target. I bet you drive an expensive car as well, don’t you?”

Quinn’s blood-stained hand came to cup my chin. “You are the purest of souls, Isla Vaughn.”

“Why do you say that?”

“Because despite what I told you the other night, you still refuse to believe that I’m the bad man. That whatever happened to me tonight was my fault because of who I am.”

Scrunching my brows, I asked, “Why would I think that?”

“I guess you haven’t been here long enough for the rumors to make it to your innocent ears.”

The conversation with Mabry and Lenora flashed before my eyes. “I might have heard some things,” I whispered.

He cocked his head at me. “About me and my family?”

Nodding, I replied, “Your sister-in-law was kidnapped.”

Quinn’s blue eyes darkened. “Aye, she was. She would’ve been raped and a miscarriage forced on her if we hadn’t rescued her.”

As my stomach rolled, my hand flew to my mouth. “Oh God.”

Leaning back against the bathroom door, he prompted, “What else did they say?”

“They said–” I swallowed hard. “They said that it was dangerous to know more, so I told them I didn’t want to know.”

“They’re correct, and you’re smart.”

“But…”

“But what, Little Dove?”

“I don’t think you’re dangerous,” I murmured.

“You’re so naive.”

The synapses in my brain shorted out as all the possibilities of who and what Quinn was ran through my mind. “Do you do bad things to women?

“Never,” he spat.

A relieved breath whooshed from my lips. “Do you do bad things to men?”

“Aye.”

With my chest clenching, I could only croak, “But why?”

“It’s who I am and what I do.”

Shaking my head, I replied, “I don’t believe you.”

“You yourself said I’m an asshole.”

Warmth rushed to my cheeks. “I shouldn’t have said that.”

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