Page 46 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

I kick over a chair and curse my stupidity. I can’t believe I walked into a fucking trap.

But why would they...

They need me gone so they can get to her.

Panic races through me, setting my teeth on edge. I grab the handle again and shout, but it doesn’t budge.

Quinn.

Chapter Sixteen

Quinn

Part of me wants tohate Claude for interrupting us, but he couldn’t possibly have known what was going on between his brother and me. Hell, I wasn’t even expecting it.

The stillness of the apartment fills me with apprehension. Grant will be back any moment. He promised to finish what we started.

But first, I need to get dinner out of the oven.

I put on a T-shirt and loose shorts. No reason to put fifteen layers back on if he’s only coming back to strip them off again. The timer dings, and I check the roast, pulling it from the oven before it dries out.

With the roast done, I put some water on the stove to boil potatoes. Pretty standard fare, but a hearty meal nonetheless. I wanted something comforting, even though it’s warm outside. The air conditioner in the window barely keeps the living room cool during the day.

The hum of the air conditioner lulls me into a rhythm. My mind drifts to the moment just before Claude knocked on the door.

Grant kisses like a man staking his claim. He tastes like stolen chocolate from a high-end store. Decadent and forbidden. His strength shouldn’t have surprised me, but I was left stunned when he carried me to the couch and stripped me bare. That wicked mouth and those talented fingers brought me the best orgasm I’ve ever had.

Holy shit. I giggle and do a little dance in the middle of the floor. I didn’t think he wanted me.

Reality steps in, looming like a shadow over my post-orgasm bliss. This can’t last. Whateverthisis between us. Once he solves the case, he’ll go his way and I’ll go mine. No grand gestures, no long-term promises.

Just a short-term indulgence.

Disappointment tugs at my heart. I don’t necessarilywantsomething more, but Grant’s grumpy, unorganized presence is growing on me with every passing day. He’s handsome, and I can’t help but smile when I catch a glimpse of the charm hidden beneath his gruff exterior.

He may claim to be jaded, but he’s an overstuffed teddy bear who just wants to be held and loved.

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