Page 118 of Quinlan

My feet plant me in place. My heart races.

I’m jealous.

I resent being kidnapped. Hate being kept in the dark. They’ve wronged me.

And I can’t stop this ridiculous jealousy from creeping up on me.

They were mine yesterday. All over me. We bonded, in a bizarre, unique kind of way.

Rome kissed me in the middle of the street for everyone to see.

But I’m not the only one, apparently.

The woman on the other line can’t be the little girl in the photo. Or maybe she is? Maybe she’s Liam’s sister or something, all grown up. Dating Rome.

She could be his wife. Bile rises in my throat. She could be living in a different city or state. She could have no idea what her husband is doing to me. And Liam approves of this sick behavior.

Anne. That’s what he called her.

I’m sorry, Anne.I apologize to her over and over in my head.

The territorial feeling doesn’t go away, as sincere as it is. This possessiveness isn’t a switch I can flip off.

Going back to my bedroom would be the smart move.

Stay up there, do my job, get paid. I’m not here to have fun. I’m not here to fall in love. They sure don’t love me.

They said I belonged to them. Like property. Like a mistress.

One step, then another. I walk backward, returning to safety. To being by myself, like I’m used to.

Except I’m doing it all wrong. I’m too shocked, too hurt to be stealthy. My left foot lands on the step in a stomp, the sound loud in the quiet penthouse.

Rome’s back goes ramrod straight instantly. His head snaps back in my direction, dark blue eyes narrowing.

I was right. He does have his earbuds plugged in.

Fuck, what am I thinking about? Who cares about the earbuds?

I care for him. I… Damn it. I care.

While he’s on the phone with another woman.

It’s possible I’m the worst, most pathetic case of Stockholm syndrome out there. And I’ve been their captive for less than forty-eight hours.

Have I mentioned pathetic? Maybe. It’s worth repeating anyway.

Pathetic.

That’s what I am.

“Anne, I’ll call you back,” Rome says.Oh no. He’s going to hang up. He’s going to come over here, and I’m frozen in place. “Yeah, love you too.”

Love you.

This is it. These are the words that snap me out of it. I spin on my heel and launch myself up the stairs, taking them two at a time.

I’ll be in my bedroom in less than a minute. Barricaded. Protected.

---