Page 29 of Crown of Lies

Pushing myself to my feet, I shrug one shoulder. “Just thought I’d keep an eye on things out here.”

Her lips press into a thin line. “I made a deal with Nico. I’m allowed to come and go as I please.”

“I’m not stopping you.” I match her unamused tone and move about half an inch to the side, forcing her to make herself smaller and shimmy past.

She shoots me a murderous look, then skirts past and starts down the hallway with those long legs of hers, forcing me to fall into step behind her whether I want to or not. She looks back over her shoulder at me, clearly annoyed that I’m shadowing every move like some glorified babysitter.

“Is this really necessary?” she bites out. “You gonna follow me around all day like a damn puppy?”

“Maybe. Where you headed?” I ask, not really expecting a straight answer.

She whirls around, her eyes flashing. “None of your fucking business. Don’t you have something better to do than sit around waiting to harass me every time I leave my damn room?”

I cross my arms, unimpressed by her sarcasm. “No, I don’t. Now where are you going?”

She lets out an exasperated sigh. “If you must know, I’m heading to the shop. Need to show my face at Blood and Ink, let everyone know I’m still breathing.”

“I’m coming with you,” I state, my tone leaving no room for argument.

Quinn’s eyes narrow. “Like hell you are. I don’t need a babysitter.”

“It’s not up for debate.” I take a step closer, towering over her. “Nico’s orders. You don’t go anywhere alone.”

“Screw Nico’s orders,” she spits out. “I can take care of myself.”

I lean in, my voice low and firm. “Maybe so, but I’m still coming. Deal with it.”

We stand there, locked in a silent battle of wills. Quinn’s glare could melt steel, but I don’t budge. Finally, she throws up her hands in defeat.

“Fine,” she growls. “But stay out of my way. And don’t you dare try to contradict me in front of my people.”

I nod, satisfied with the small victory. “Wouldn’t dream of it.”

She stomps off down the hallway, her frustration evident in every step. I follow close behind, keeping a watchful eye on her and our surroundings. She might not like it—hell, I don’t like it, either—but keeping her safe is my job now.

We walk through the front door of the shop, Quinn leading the way with her head held high. Several Enigma members glance our way as we enter, surprise flickering across their expressions when they spot the two of us.

“Well, I’ll be damned,” one of the guys calls out from behind the counter, a grin splitting his face. “If it ain’t our fearless leader, back from the dead.”

A few others offer greetings and nods of acknowledgment as we make our way farther inside. Emmett pokes his head out from a room in the back, his eyes going wide when he sees Quinn. He rushes over, relief etched into his features.

“Quinn! Thank fuck.” He pulls her into a quick hug. “When you didn’t show up, I didn’t know what to think…”

“I’m fine. Just had a little situation to deal with.” Her voice is smooth and even as she speaks. “Silas came after me—the bastard torched the Carnage clubhouse too. Not sure what would’ve happened if Nico and his men hadn’t been there.”

Emmett’s brow furrows in concern. “Silas? But why would he?—”

“Doesn’t matter now.” Quinn cuts him off with a shake of her head. “Point is, he won’t be a problem anymore.”

Her confidence is almost unsettling as she relays the fabricated story Nico fed her. There isn’t a single tremor or hint of deception in her tone or body language. She’s completely convincing.

A part of me can’t help but be impressed by her acting skills. Another part is really fucking uneasy at how smoothly the lies roll off her tongue. If she can sell this cover story to the people who supposedly know her so well, who’s to say everything she told me before wasn’t an act?

The thought makes my gut churn, and I have to swallow hard against the sudden bitter taste in my mouth.

I hang back a few steps as Emmett confers with Quinn in a low voice, shooting furtive glances my way. His brow furrows as he speaks, his words clipped and urgent. Whatever he’s saying, it’s clear he’s on edge.

Quinn nods along, her expression neutral, betraying none of the uneasy feelings that must be clawing at her insides. When Emmett pauses, she leans in closer.

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