Page 69 of Quinlan

This has to be the world’s strangest coincidence. That’s it.

Right?

“Right,” I tell my reflection. “Fine. Perfect.” I wash my hands, the water icy cold refreshing on my skin. “I’ll go out there.”Soap. “Enjoy the rest of the evening.” More water. “Forget about everything and have fun.”

The last word isn’t a word. It’s a breath. A gasp.

I’m not alone in the restroom.

“There you are, darling.” Sapphire eyes stare at me from the mirror.

“Are you hiding from us?” Rome is right behind him.

Liam closes the door and flips the lock.

Run.

I should. I should. I should.

The three of them are tall, large and imposing. They fill the small space with darkness and in practiced movements. I spin to them, and they form a wall. Force me to the back of the room.

They close in on me in half a circle. Cornering me until my back hits the cold tiles behind me.

I hate that they smell good. I hate that their colognes infiltrate my senses. I hate that they confuse me.

I walked past them. I had this. Now I’m cornered?

“You need to go away. All three of you.”

“I don’t think so.” Mystery man trails the pad of his finger along my cheek.

The hair at the back of my neck stands on end. My world turns upside down. My heart, that’s only settled a second ago, is once again racing like it’s an F1 driver.

This is bad. This is very bad.

I flinch at his touch instead of leaning into it like I want to.

“No.” My nipples harden against my bra. My thighs clench. They turn me on. Fearing them turns me on. “Go away.”

“We won’t.” Rome pats my head like I’m his pet.

“This can’t be happening.” I stare at him, raising my voice. Faking confidence. “You all don’t know each other.”

“We do, little flame.” Liam wraps a hand around my throat, pulling me to his face. Controlling my airway.

“How?” I whisper.

“Sweetheart,howisn’t the right question.” Rome’s in front of me, his rough knuckles stroking the side of my face. Then he flips his hand, grabbing my jaw and pulling me from Liam. “In fact, I’m pretty sure we’ve done enough talking over the last few days. What do you say, Damien?”

Rome cuts his gaze to mystery man—to Damien, who reaches behind me.

“Agreed.” He grabs a fistful of my hair. I hiss at the pain when he tugs on it. It hurts so good. “Way too much talking. We’re not here for that.”

I shouldn’t be curious. Except I am. “Then?”

“We’re here to give you what you want.”

“I don’t want anything from you.” Lies.

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