Page 75 of Trusting Her Bear

“Whatever.” When we were done dancing, he led me back to our seat and resumed the same position. I finally was able to have a conversation with Gabby, and I was grateful she helped cut through the lust. She was having a blast with Sally. Marie drove them home and was planning on staying there, too. Bash wasn’t happy being away from her, so he went with them.

“Fuck.”

I look up at Quinn, confused.

“Do not move,” he orders, and I follow his gaze to the front door of the bakery. To the open door of the bakery.

“No,” I say faintly.

“Kade, are you close?” I look back to Quinn, his phone to his ear.

“Yeah,” I hear Kade respond.

“Someone broke in. I need you and Cash to go in first. Make sure he’s not still here.” He ends the call and turns to me. “It will be alright.”

“Why can’t we go in?” All I can think is, if they fucked up the bakery, Breeane is going to be heartbroken.

“I won’t put you in danger, and I won’t leave you out here alone,” he says, gruffly.

“Okay.” I twist my hands in my lap.

“It is going to be okay. I’m going to make it that way,” he promises.

“I believe you.” I see Kade and Cash hurry past his window, crouched low. They move into the building carefully but quickly. I stare into the darkness, waiting for them to come back. I’m torn between wanting this person to be there still so this can be over and hoping he’s not so they won’t get hurt. The best outcome would be that I somehow forgot to lock the door, but even if I did, Quinn wouldn’t have.

I blink when the light turns on and they appear in the doorway, and Kade signals. “Wait for me,” Quinn says as he exits the car. He walks around the hood. “Stay by my side,” he orders when he opens my door.

He holds my hand tight. His head swivels constantly as we walk toward his men.

“Tell me,” he commands once we are in front of them.

“The bottom floor is fine,” Cash says.

“The top floor is not,” Kade says.

My stomach rolls. “How bad is it?” Quinn asks.

“Bad,” Kade confirms.

“Kade, come with us. Cash, stay out here, watch.” The brothers nod. “Are you ready?” Quinn asks me. “You could stay in the bakery with Kade. I’m afraid you aren’t going to like what you see.”

“I have to,” I say.

“You don’t have to see shit,” he denies. “I’ll leave Kade with you.”

“No, we are in this together,” I say bravely. I like being protected by Quinn but I don’t want to be left in the dark.

He takes my word and pulls me through the room and up the stairs. The door to the apartment is hanging by the hinges. I take a deep breath and follow him through it.

The kitchen is destroyed. The small table is in pieces. The couch is slashed the stuffing all over the floor. It looks like a hammer was used on the island and cabinets. The fridge door is hanging, only holding on at the bottom.

How much anger do you have to have to do this kind of damage?

“The bedroom is worse,” Kade says, and I look at him shocked. It’s the first time I see sympathy and concern in his expression.

“Baby,” Quinn says.

“I’m ready.” I nod firmly. I can’t let this asshole ruin our lives.

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