Page 26 of She Gives Love a Bad Name

I take another drink. “If you’re so worried about her, why don’t I let her move in with you so you can coddle her?”

Claude’s brows draw together. “Don’t be a dick. She’s your responsibility right now. If you don’t take it seriously, she’s gonna disappear, and then your case will be fucked.”

I slap a bill on the table and finish my drink. “Thanks for nothing.”

“Anytime.”

My empty stomach protests the two glasses of whiskey as I climb the stairs to my apartment. I grip the railing tight with every step. When I reach my landing, I rest my hand against the door and take a deep breath. I should have eaten something. Fuck, it’s too late now. I’m not going back down to the bar to face Claude again. Not tonight.

I unlock the door, and the scent of roast chicken nearly knocks me back. The savory aroma lures me deeper into the room. When the door shuts behind me, I snap out of my trance.

“You’re back.” Quinn appears in the bedroom doorway, her hand on her hip. “There’s a plate in the oven if you’re hungry.”

My gaze skims over her. She must have changed at some point; she’s wearing some of my clothes. I need to find her something more suitable. Seeing her wrapped in one of my button-down shirts has my mouth watering.

It must be the smell of the food.

I clear my throat. “Did you eat?”

She nods and takes a seat on the couch.

“Good.” I grab the plate from the oven and sit down at the table. Chicken thighs with mixed veggies and a baked potato. I moan at the first bite.

Quinn’s head whips in my direction. Her eyes narrow as her jaw slackens, making those plush lips part on a soft gasp.

“It’s delicious.” I jab my fork at the plate.

“Thanks.”

I take a few more bites while I work up the courage to invite her to join me. “There’s a bottle of red wine in the cabinet below the sink if you want to join me.”

She slowly rises from the sofa and crosses to the kitchen. I bite my lip when she bends over to retrieve the bottle. This woman is endless curves in all the right places. My cock jumps at the thought of exploring every inch of her luscious body.

Quinn joins me with two glasses and the bottle. “Where’s the opener?”

“Drawer by the fridge.”

Once she retrieves it, she makes quick work of the cork and pours two glasses. I wash down the last bite of my chicken as she takes the seat across from me. Her hands cradle the glass, and she eyes me cautiously before drinking. Silence surrounds us as I polish off the veggies. Her gaze shifts between me and the window to her right.

“Did you get any leads?”

I push the empty plate aside. “Not yet.”

Her shoulders slump.

“Don’t worry, kid. We’ll find him.”

She closes her eyes and nods.

“Were there any calls?”

“Phone rang twice. I didn’t answer it. I didn’t know if you wanted anyone to know I was here.”

“Smart thinking.” I smirk. “They’ll call back if it’s important.”

“Your brother dropped off cleaning supplies and some toiletries.” A soft smile curves her lips. “He’s very thoughtful.”

I bristle at her kind words toward Claude. She’s right, he is thoughtful. Apparently, more thoughtful than me.

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