Page 174 of Quinlan

My body rippled with rage. I scrambled to the floor to help clean them up, but the damage was done. That was the only time I hurt myself. Pushed two fingers into one of the wounds in my stomach.

But this is worse. Quinlan deserves better, and she won’t get it. I’m all she’ll ever have. Me and my friends.

This isn’t Rome I’m angry at. It’s all me.

The cloud of rage, though, it’s blinding. It’s numbing. I’m past recognizing my mistake.

“She’s figured out that someone’s hurt you.” I step around Liam’s chair, my finger mashing Rome’s chest. Liam doesn’tget up. Doesn’t say a word. “But for some reason, you’re still pretending to be this big, untouchable person. You’re a fraud.”

I’m a fraud.Icouldn’t protect Laurel and Jagger.

Me.

“You don’t think I know that?” While my voice doesn’t rise over a hiss, Rome’s thunders. “She’s mine just as much as she is yours. She deserves better. Deserves honesty. I fucking know.”

A knock at the door.

“What?” Rome and I both snap.

“Is everything okay?” Tatum peeks inside, one hand on the door, the other smoothing down her plum-colored jacket. “The walls are thick here.” Her gaze flicks to Rome, half-apologetic. “Not soundproof.”

“Can we—” I clear my throat. Force a smile that can’t possibly reach my eyes. “Can we help you, Tatum?” It’s a dumb question, since she clearly came here to tell us to shut the hell up. Keep this argument between us instead of the whole office. “We’re done for the day. You’re free to go home, if that’s what you’re here for.”

“I could stay.” Her expression is sincere, and I have no doubt she means it. Tatum helped us build this company from scratch, filed contracts and made phone calls until we’d order her to go home and rest. “Solve this…thing between you three. I’ll help.”

“We appreciate it.” Liam slams his Zippo on the desk, his voice clipped. “We’ve got this. You’re dismissed for the day. Thank you.”

Tatum’s brow furrows. Neither of us has been rude to her. Least of all Liam. “Are you—”

“Positive.” Another snappish response. He’s upset.

This isn’t our argument that’s got him like this. Something’s happened with Quinlan while we were at each other’s throats.

While I wasn’t watching her.

“Goodbye, Tatum.” Rome isn’t looking at her. He’s focused on the screen too.

“Okay.” Tatum nods. Understanding shines in her eyes. “I’ll be heading out.”

“See you tomorrow.” I’m the last to speak before the door shuts close behind her.

I can’t cut my gaze to Liam’s laptop’s screen fast enough.

“What the fuck,” I mumble, the argument with Rome a distant memory.

Tears stream down our girl’s cheeks. She’s typing and crying and I can’t stop myself. My fingers are on her again.

As if she feels me, Quinlan pauses. Looks away from her email and into the camera.

“Jesus, it’s embarrassing.” She swipes at the tears with her knuckles. Her heart tattoo shines, the skin glistening. “I hope you’re not watching. Stalkers.”

She snort-laughs, the sound a pained one.

“Sweetheart.” Rome’s voice has lost its venom.

“What is she crying about?” I ask Liam while keeping my eyes on her.

“Here.” Liam wraps his fingers around my wrist. Touches me like one would a wild animal as he removes my hand from the screen. “See for yourself.”

---