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Quinn could still feel the way her heart had nearly stopped when he’d asked.

Up to that point in their newly-formed friendship, they’d only shared a few inconsequential details of their lives. Never anything as personal as what he’d just asked. But she hadn’t wanted to lie, so…

“I don’t really date.”

“Ever?”

“I mean, of course, I’ve dated. Just not recently. What about you?”

In spite of her vow to never get close to anyone again—to not let herself care about a man in that way again—Quinn had found it impossible to breathe as she’d waited for his answer…

“Wouldn’t be talking to you if I was.”

A silent exhale and then…

“You think our team’s ready for the next level?”

The question’s intent had been to change the subject, which it had. But that was also when the flirting had officially started.

An insinuating comment here, a harmless tease there.

Quinn knew as well as anyone how easily lies could fall from someone’s lips. But somehow, she knew in her heart—sheknew—the man she’d gotten to know this past year was telling her the truth about being single.

And it had been so easy to let her guard down with him. Probably because she’d known it would never go anywhere.

They’d never know each other’s names. Never see the other’s face. And with such a low risk of getting hurt again, Quinn had convinced herself that allowing herself the anonymous connection was okay. That she deserved at leastthatmuch.

But now…

She looked at her phone again sighed. Even if shedidcall him, there was no guarantee ByteMe69 would answer. Not that she could blame him if he didn’t. Not when she’d dropped him out of her life like a hot potato.

A fitting metaphor, since you were trying to avoid getting burned.

“You can’t call him.” Quinn spoke aloud to herself again. “Even if he does answer, he’s probably pissed as hell at you. And if he’s not, the guy could still live a world away.”

And then what? Did she honestly expect him to be some sort of white knight who would appear at a moment’s notice, ready and willing to wisk her to safety on his trusted steed?

A sarcastic huff left her shoulders shaking. Of course, that wouldn’t happen.

There’d be no white knight. No romantic gesture or daring rescue. Because those things didn’t exist. Not for women like her.

What do you have to lose?

Nothing, really. Not anymore.

Tonight had been the cold, hard slap of reality she’d clearly needed. The neighborhood and new name, encrypted phones and computers… It was never enough.

And until she figured out a way to stop Justin—or whoever was after her—it never would be. Which left Quinn with only one choice.

I have to disappear.

It was exactly what she needed to do. She needed to go someplace else, far away from Chicago, and start a whole new life. But she couldn’t do it on her own. And certainly not without money or shoes.

Call him.

Quinn pulled the phone from her pocket and tapped the screen. Her hand trembled as she paused, the fear of rejection so strong she could taste its bitterness inside her mouth.

If he doesn’t answer or refuses to help, you’ll find another way. You always do.

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