Page 84 of Toxic Obsession

“Yeah, maybe just wash those with yours and I’ll keep them here?” I flashed her a big grin, knowing what I’d just said to her.

Her eyes widened. “You want to keep some of your things here?”

“If you’re cool with that, I would.”

Wynter nodded enthusiastically. “I would love that.” She patted the bag before she blew me a kiss and closed the door.

I watched her approach the house, then hopped out of my vehicle.

“Wait!” I jogged to her and kissed her. “Let me go in first. Vaughn isn’t with you, and the house has been empty …”

“I hadn’t even thought about that.” She used the key to unlock the door, then stepped aside as I went in and searched the house. If anything ever happened to her, I would never forgive myself. I’d already lost Bell. I couldn’t stand the thought of losing Wynter too.

A few minutes later, I’d checked every room and closet. The coast was clear.

“It’s good to go. I just needed to make sure.”

“Thanks, babe.” She pushed up on her tiptoes and kissed me. “Talk to you later.”

She slipped inside, and I headed to the car. Backing out of the driveway, I was relieved to be back in town, even if that meant I had to see that sorry son of a bitch, Adam.

My phone buzzed from the center console, then the message was announced through my car system.

I love you.Wynter’s name flashed on the screen. Warmth flowed through me as I pushed the button on my steering wheel to reply.

Love you too, beautiful. I’ll call you later.

A growing sense of apprehension nagged at me as I drove home. Brody and I had texted a bit yesterday, then again this morning. He knew I was coming back early. Brody promised that he was fine, so I wasn’t worried about him. Worst case scenario, he could take Adam in a fight. But old habits died hard. I’d spent so many years looking over my shoulder, I was tripping over leaving my brother alone with our piece of shit father. I tried to shrug it off, then pressed the accelerator a little harder.

Ten minutes later, I pulled into my driveway and parked in front of the garage.

My footsteps slapped against the sidewalk as I hurried to the front door, then let myself into the house. My gut twisted with the silence. Something was off.

“Brody!” I yelled. “I’m here.”

The mansion was big enough that he might not have heard me, so I headed to the kitchen, searching the living and dining area as I passed them. Not seeing anyone, I picked up my pace and checked Adam’s office, but it was locked.

With my heart in my throat, I ran to the other side of the house, to where mine and Brody’s rooms were located. I hightailed it up the stairs and came to a screeching halt as I noticed no one was in Brody’s room. I knocked, waiting to hear him respond.

“Brody!” I called out.

Nothing. I rushed to mine and turned the doorknob. It was locked. I pounded my fist on the door. “Brody! I’m home, let me in.”

“Quinn?” Brody’s voice shook as he answered me.

“Open up, bro.”

The door cracked open, and I pushed through, only to once again stop in my tracks.

“What the fuck?”

Chapter45

Quinn

Astonished wasn’t even the word for the emotion that twisted inside me. I stood rooted to the floor, unable to move as my attention swept my room, then landed on Brody again. “What the hell is going on?”

He paced in front of me, grabbing the sides of his head. He hadn’t looked at me yet, and I didn’t like it one bit.

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