Page 2 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

There’s no one else in the diner at this early morning hour, and I’m thankful for that. We must look like an odd pair to the waitress, but she doesn’t stick her nose in it. I’m sure she’s seen her fair share of crazy shit in this city. She returns with the coffee before retreating again.

I push one of the cups toward the burglar. “You got a name, kid?”

She snorts. “Why do you care?”

“Look, I’m not above dragging your ass down to the station and booking you for breaking and entering and attempted theft. But by all means, keep testing my patience.”

Her shoulders slump. She reaches for sugar and cream, dumping a ton of each into her steaming mug. I sip my black coffee, watching her closely.

She samples the drink that was once coffee and sighs. “Quinn.”

“She speaks.” I try not to focus too intently on her, but being this close makes me uncomfortable. I keep waiting for her to lunge at me with a fork or to toss the coffee in my lap before racing to the exit.

But she doesn’t move. Instead, she pushes her riotous curls away from her face and exhales sharply. Her gaze lifts from the coffee mug and settles on me.

I’ve never been swayed by a pair of pretty eyes and a flirty smile, but damn it if this little minx isn’t the definition of pure temptation. She’s all curves beneath a skin-tight black top and leggings. The light catches the red woven deep into her auburn curls. This close I can nearly count the freckles across the bridge of her nose.

“Irish.” The word tumbles from my lips, and I cringe.

“What?” She gapes at me.

“Your name. It’s Irish.” I lean back and cover the slip with a shrug of indifference.

“Yeah. So?” She cocks her head and narrows her eyes. “The red hair, green eyes, and freckles didn’t give it away?”

“Calm down, smart-ass.” I sip my coffee and redirect my attention when the waitress appears with our breakfast.

Quinn licks her lips at the plate coming to rest in front of her.

“Dig in.” I grab my fork and take a bite, ignoring the way my heart aches.

We eat in silence. She’s done before I even make a dent in my eggs. I arch a brow as she mops her plate with a slice of toast and licks her fingers.

Her gaze meets mine. “What?”

Her tongue curls around her index finger, and a thousand wicked thoughts fly through my mind. I slam a lid on them before they can take root.

“You were hungry.” I pull my attention from her face and resume my meal.

“Yeah. I don’t exactly have money to indulge in a fine meal at such a quality establishment.” Heavy sarcasm laces her words.

“Is that why you’re breaking into people’s apartments and robbing them blind?”

“Look, I fucked up, okay? You gonna take me in? Or keep rubbing it in my face?”

I finish my last few bites and wash them down with coffee. She crosses her arms and glowers expectantly in my direction. When I lean back, I give her my full attention. Those luminous eyes blink at me, full of irritation and hate.

“Do you want me to take you in?” I wipe my mouth and toss the napkin aside. “I mean, it’s up to you, kid.”

“First of all, stop calling me ‘kid.’ I’m twenty-six.” Her scowl deepens as she folds her arms across her ample chest, drawing my attention there for a split second. “And secondly, I don’t appreciate you fucking with me—either you’re gonna take me in or you’re gonna let me go. Pick one.”

“Why are you in such a hurry?” I smirk. “Got better places to be?”

“Yeah, I do.”

“You got someone waiting for you?”

Her cheeks flame, turning a delicate shade of rose pink. “No.”

---