Page 52 of Body Lock

Quinn knew how to touch me, and every part of my skin. He looked at me,really looked at me.It sent butterflies cascading into my belly, the warm tingly feeling burned from head to toe.

What the fuck Cadence! You know these things are always to good to be true!

I forced myself to think of my past, all the times I was hung out to dry, used and tossed to the side when they were done with me, or when my father got in the way.

It's going to happen again, you know it is.

It always does.

I didn't really know Quinn, who he was, or what he stood for. Was this typical for him, his way to get in a girl's pants? Maybe.

The realization that I might be reaching for something more than it was hit me like a ton of bricks. Could I have been played for a fool?

You promised yourself you wouldn't fall for a guy like him again, you know they all leave. No one ever stays.

The metallic screech of the front door pushed me from my thoughts. Heavy feet thudded across the floor, a hacking, wet cough echoed through my ears.

Straightening my spine, I looked up while hooking the spray bottle onto my belt. My dad stepped into view, wiping his mouth against a bright green handkerchief. “Cadence, my dear. Hard at work as usual, how was your day?” His deep voice cut into my ribs.

“I'm here, does anything else matter” Dropping my head to the bar, I wiped the area speckled with cleaning fluid.

“You didn't answer the question. How was your day?” he asked again.

“Like you even care, give me a break.” Rolling my eyes, a rush of air gusted out.

“What's wrong? Are you still upset with me?” Rocking his head to the side, the fake caring tone pushed through his lower lip. I didn't answer, remaining mute, and keeping my face set firm on the bar top. “Sweetheart, look, you know what it takes to do what we do.”

“Whatyou do.”The words shot out of my mouth. I didn't want him to include me in his world, like I had an option, and actually chose this life.

Running his finger across the rim of the stool, he exhaled loudly. “Cadence, stop this. You're acting like a child, you know the rules.” His elbows slid forward, hands clasped together.

“Rules, yeah I know your rules. Except this time your rules don't apply.”

“They don't? And how's that? Please, enlighten me.” His hand drifted up, holding his chin.

“He isn't going to fight for you.” Shaking my head, both hands jerked down to my hips.

I was tired of his bullshit, trying to rule every aspect of my life. Wanting to control me, dangling his fucking mind games in front of my face till I gave in.

Mia had been right, I was an adult, I didn't need him making decisions for me anymore.

“Trust me, Honey, I know he doesn't want to work for me. He made that very clear. Lucky for me, I have something hewill fight for.”A devilish grin peeled off his lips.

“What the hell is that supposed to mean?” I asked, wrinkling my nose.

“Well, now I can't go exposing all my tricks, even to you. But, if money won't talk to him, I have other ways.” Slapping the glossy surface, he walked towards his office, door slamming behind him.

My brain shook, confusion filling the spaces between the anger singeing my brain. I had no idea what he could possibly do to Quinn to make him fight.

Threaten his life?

Threaten to ruin him?

Was he going to hire one of his mafia bidders to put a contract on his head?

I couldn't understand what purpose that would serve, or how that would benefit my father in any way.

What good would that do?

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