Page 40 of Toxic Obsession

Before I could respond, he stepped past me and into the entryway. He looked around before his attention landed on the girls.

Heat feathered my cheeks. “I’m so sorry. I didn’t realize we had an audience. When I saw them, they scared the shit out of me, and I screamed.”

Quinn’s shoulders relaxed and he massaged his forehead. “I thought someone was in the house, trying to hurt you.” He took my hand and squeezed it.

“Ladies, try to not to scare the hell out of us next time, okay?” Irritation dotted his tone, but he chuckled as he rubbed the back of his head.

“Sorry,” Leighton said, scrunching her lightly freckled nose. “We were just watching out for her. Ya know, making sure you weren’t stepping out of line on a first date.” She crossed her arms over her chest and shot him a syrupy sweet smile.

I muffled my snort with my arm.

“Noted.” Quinn bent down, his breath tickling my ear as he spoke. “Can I talk to you on the porch for a sec?”

Anxiety infiltrated my veins and slithered into every part of me. “Sure,” I whispered, my voice cracking with nerves.Is he pissed that I screamed?

“I’ll be back in a minute.” I gave my roomies a pointed look before we slipped outside, and I once again closed the door. I looked up at him and saw concern still etched into his handsome features. “Iamreally sorry. I didn’t mean to freak you out.”

Quinn’s eyes burned into mine as he cupped my chin. I shivered beneath his touch, barely able to withstand the fury that vibrated from him. “I swear on my life, if anyone ever lays a hand on you, I’ll fucking kill them. No matter what time it is, promise that you’ll call me if you need me,” he growled.

My throat tightened with the realization that he wasn’t upset with me at all. Quinn wanted to protect me and make sure I was safe.

I took a shaky breath before responding softly, “Promise.”

The warmth of his lips grazed my forehead before he turned and walked to his car.

Tears trickled down my face. I quickly brushed my wet cheeks, mortified that his words had pierced through my hardened armor and rekindled a piece of my fractured heart. But after years of drowning in shame and loneliness, Quinn had left me standing in an emotional whirlwind, desperately attempting to protect myself.

I clenched my teeth together, refusing to let him in.

Good luck with that. Too late.

A cold reality seeped into my bones. No way in hell could I allow him to get closer to me. My nostrils flared that I’d let my guard down with him, I spun on my heel and marched back into the house.

“Uh-oh,” Gabby said from the couch. “We’re sorry. We didn’t mean to scare you.”

I blew out a sigh. “It’s okay. I appreciate that you all waited up for me.”

Everlee jumped out of the recliner she had taken over and gave me a quick hug. “Did he say something to make you cry?”

My stupid heart melted all over again. “No, I’m okay.”

“I say we make some drinks and Wynter can give us all the deets of her date.” Without waiting for agreement, Leighton hopped off the couch and walked to the kitchen.

Everlee arched her brow and searched my face. “You don’t have to.”

“The night was amazing. That’s the problem,” I said to her and Gabby.

“Make it a double, Lei! We might have a crash and burn on our hands,” Gabby yelled.

Leighton popped her head around the corner. “Oh. Shit. That good, huh?”

I nodded and giggled through more tears.

Everlee placed her hand on my back and led me to her favorite seat, the recliner. “Just chill. I’ll grab snacks. We’ll be tired tomorrow, but you may need an intervention.” She winked at me before she joined Leighton.

“It’s scary when you connect with a guy like that. Especially when its brand fucking new. We’ve all been there.” Gabby shifted on the couch and tucked her legs beneath her. “Just remember, babe. If he’s the one or if shit goes sideways to hell, we’ll be there for you.”

I choked on my sob, overwhelmed with her words. “I’m sorry. It’s just been a crazy … life.”

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