Page 40 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

Quinn reels as if I struck her, and she stumbles back a few steps.

While she composes herself, I can see it build like a storm gathering on the horizon over the open sea.

Whatever is simmering between us needs to stop. I can’t take what I want from her, even if she willingly offers it. I have a job to do, and I can’t do it if I’m emotionally and sexually invested with a key murder witness. I won’t put the case in jeopardy. I won’t put her in danger.

I’m already in over my head. There’s nothing I can do to put these feelings back in the bottle. I’m drowning in them. And it fucking terrifies me.

Risking her life isn’t an option. She was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and now she’s stuck with me. I won’t ruin what remains of her life.

But I can help her close the door and move on if I solve this case.

I can’t do that with my dick buried in her and my mind lost in the possibilities of a future neither of us can ever have. We’re too different. Like oil and water.

Judging by the tempest brewing before me, I’m in for one hell of a fight.

Good. I’d rather have her mad at me, makes this break clean and easy.

Hurricane Quinn unleashes her fury, and I brace for impact.

Chapter Fourteen

Quinn

“Idon’t fucking thinkso.” My patience has reached its limit, and I erupt like a long dormant volcano, unleashing upon anyone in my path. “I came to you for help.Youpromised I would be safe here until you solved the case. You left me here all week while you were out chasing leads.”

Grant stands still as a statue, his only movement the tension pulsing along his jaw and the spark of fire flickering in his dark eyes. I step closer, invading his space, pushing him like he pushed me.

“I kept myself busy with whatever domestic bullshit I could find. I cooked. I cleaned your goddamn pigsty of an apartment. The least you can do is tell me why you suddenly want me as far away from you as possible.”

My finger jabs his chest where his withered heart should be. Deep inside, my heart beats frantically, screaming for release from its bony prison. I want to understand why he finds my company so abhorrent. Why am I not welcome?

His hands clench into fists, then release. A heavy sigh fills the space between us before he glances heavenward and closes his eyes.

“Fine. I get it.” I step back, pain lancing my pride. “I’ll give my statement, but I’ll take care of myself from here on out. I don’t need cops to protect me. And I sure as fuck don’t need you.”

Choking back tears, I study his expression. Stoic and unreadable, it’s like he’s carved from stone. Fuck this. I’d rather take my chances on the street than deal with this bullshit for another moment.

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