Page 36 of Something like Redemption

She quickly extends her fingers forward, and her hand overlaps Quinn’s.“I really shouldn’t, but it’ll be our secret.”

She has five seconds to get her hand off Quinn before I rip her fingernails out, one by one.

“Thanks, darlin’,” Quinn says, cleverly sliding his hand out from under her claws.

She reaches under the counter, producing a key cardanda business card. “If I can doanything”—she emphasizes the wordanything—“you don’t hesitate to call. That there is my direct line. You call me any time. Dayornight.”

That’s the final straw. I turn around and walk away before I vomit.

My boots thump onto the marbled tiles as I walk toward the elevator, trying not to gag.

Quinn approaches me casually. “Ready to go?”

“You’re sick,” I utter, stabbing the call button for the elevator.

“What?” Quinn says innocently when I roll my eyes.

Crossing my arms over my chest and ignoring his chuckling, I occupy myself with the elevator’s progress, watching for its arrival.

“It worked, didn’t it?” he says, stepping in front of me and unfolding my arms.

I struggle but don’t stand a chance against his strong hands.He may have succeeded in uncrossing my arms, but that doesn’t mean I have to look at him. Thankfully, our elevator arrives, and I walk in, leaning back against the silver railing as Quinn casually strolls in, swiping the card and pushing our floor number.

Some cocky businessman shouts at us to hold the door, but Quinn presses the button, making the elevator slide shut. He gives the disgruntled man a sarcastic wave through the closing doors. Normally, I would find his defiant behavior comical, but now, I’m in no mood to laugh. And that’s because, who knew, I’m a jealous person.

I hate that most women would happily fuck him, no questions asked. I know the reason behind it was for our benefit, but it still pisses me off. I don’t like this feeling of uncertainty, and I certainly don’t like this feeling of raging jealousy I experience every time someone loses their shit over Quinn—which isallthe time.

I don’t realize I’m grinding down on my jaw until the cart stops with a jerk, and I fall forward.

Snapping out of my daze, I meet Quinn’s stare.“W-what happened?”

“I stopped the elevator,” he replies coolly, crossing his arms over his chest and leaning up against the mirrored wall.

“Why?”

“Because we’re not going anywhere until you tell me what’s wrong.”

“Nothing’s wrong.” I lunge for the control panel to start the elevator. But Quinn slaps my hand away.

“Bullshit. Tell me,” he demands, taking a step toward me while I step back.

“Nothing,” I stubbornly huff, my back hitting the wall, and I’m trapped as he advances.

“You think Ilikedher?”

“No,” I mumble, looking away. I can’t meet his baffled eyes because I’m being so irrational.

“Then what is it?” he says, leaning his body into mine, our chests inches apart.

“I…”

“You what, Red?” He places his finger under my chin, forcing me to look at him.

I see nothing but concern reflected in his deep eyes and feel horrible for getting angry with him. He’s doing all of this for us.

For me.

“I’m jealous,” I finally confess with a blush.

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