Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) (25 page)

“I know so. We’ll figure this out. Remember that conversation we had earlier? Well, I want you happy too. Then we’ll go on that double date you were talking about.”

I grunted, the sound strange. “I just didn’t think he could do this. He’s so gentle.”

“Again, this is the Fae. Don’t give up on him.”

There was a snort of disgust behind me. I knew it belonged to Liam, but I didn’t have the strength to explain why I needed to believe in Quinn’s goodness. I couldn’t—not when all evidence in the room showed he’d started going down a different path.

“I think it goes without saying that you’re to be extra careful,” Noah interjected. “No more alone time with him. I’m not saying give up, but I told your grandmother I’d watch out for you.”

I kept my mouth shut. I knew I should give some kind of verbal agreement, but I didn’t want the added guilt for when I broke my promise. A plan was already formulating in my mind—I was going to find Quinn and bring him in. I would tighten the restraints myself, and no matter how much he railed and ranted, he would be kept under lock and key until this was all over. I couldn’t risk someone else getting hurt because of him. He could hate me all he wanted—when this was all over, he would thank me. It was for his own good.

A low moan filled the air, followed by another. The stranger was slowly coming around, and was no doubt in a lot of pain. Noah moved toward him, our discussion finished—his focus now on uncovering the guy’s identity.

“You know what? I think I’m going to lie down again. This . . .” I waved my hand at the conference table. “I need some time to process.” I stood and began walking toward the door.

“Are you sure?” Lacey asked. “Do you want me to come with you?” There was no mistaking her concern.

“I’m fine. It’s just a shock. I need to be alone for a little while. I’ll come find you, okay?” I didn’t meet her gaze.

“You’ll stay in your room, right?” Liam added, stepping closer and blocking my exit.

It was the straw that broke the camel’s back. “Did you want to come tie me up to make sure?” I snapped. He recoiled at my attack, and my anger gave way to remorse. “I’m sorry, Liam. I didn’t mean to be a jerk. I’m just tired.”

I’m also a liar, I thought. I avoided eye contact with everyone and plastered a fake smile across my face.

I didn’t wait for anyone to speak. A frantic energy had begun and the longer I stood there, the longer it would take for me to find Quinn. Time was of the essence—there was none to waste.

I quickly left the room, the worried stares of my friends boring a hole in my back. I tried ignoring the fact I’d lied. I tried justifying my motives as honorable. I tried reminding myself I wasn’t truly in any danger.

Knowing I wasn’t being followed, I grabbed something from my bedroom and then fled through the building until I burst out into the outside air. Despite my confidence in escaping, I knew sooner or later Liam would stop by to check up on me and discover me missing. He’d know exactly where I’d gone and attempt to stop me.

I couldn’t let him. I needed to do this. Nobody was more important. Armed with a Taser, it was all or nothing.

Taking in a deep, fortifying breath, I retraced my steps to the grove.

Chapter Twenty Six

I made it within three blocks of the Botanical Garden’s entrance before I was stopped.

“Well, what do we have here?” A voice asked from behind me.

I cringed at the sleazy drawl and braced myself for what was inevitably coming. Twirling around, I was relieved to see only one man standing there, his lips cocked in an arrogant smile. One person I could take.

I shifted into a loose fighting stance and watched him carefully. The recognizable angry blue eyes were blazing, but the danger lay in the lustful leer he was giving me. He had other things in mind and fear blasted through me. I could easily disable him with my Taser, but I needed it for Quinn. I didn’t think to bring anything else when I left headquarters and I cursed myself. I’d assumed the streets would be clear, never thinking I’d be stopped by anyone.

My mind raced, frantically trying to think of a way to escape. The man’s frame worked in my favor—he wasn’t as big as Quinn, but I knew not to misjudge him. He may not be large in stature, or have visible bulk, but all it took was a wrong move on my part and he’d overwhelm me.

I dug deep for bravery, knowing this wouldn’t be easy. He licked his lips, his gaze dropping to my chest and then lowering before he took a step closer. Placing his hand at his belt, he crooked his finger at me.

“Not going to answer? That’s okay . . . I’m not much of a talker anyway. How about we just get down to business? I promise I won’t be rough and if it hurts, it’ll feel good.” He chuckled at his own joke. “Be a good girl and come give me some sugar.”

I forced myself not to flinch, to stand my ground. Judging from his triumphant look, he thought I was an easy target and wouldn’t give him much trouble. My skin crawled as he closed the distance, and I fought to keep my breathing under control. I had one shot at making this work and I didn’t want to blow it.

“Come now, don’t be afraid,” he crooned, his dirty blond hair falling across his eyes. He raised his hand to touch my face, and I faked a whimper when he dragged his calloused thumb across my cheek. Up close I could smell the foul scent of alcohol and perspiration.

“Please . . .” I whispered, shaking my head slightly.

“Let me show you how good it can be,” he murmured. His focus was now on my lips as his hand lowered and cupped my breast. I took a step in and he grinned widely. “Yes, baby.”

I moved quickly, my knee raising and hitting him square in the groin. I didn’t stop when he dropped to the floor, covering himself as he blasted profanity at me. I kicked him solidly in the ribs, hearing the distinctive pop, and gave him another for good measure.

He howled in pain, and I looked down at him with anger. “You’re right, that felt good. We should do it again . . . not!” I brushed my hair from my face, and started to back away from his crumpled body.

Someone started clapping, a slow rhythm followed by approaching footsteps. My heart sunk. I needed to get away from here—fast. I didn’t have the time to fight another, especially when they were joined by the guy I’d just hurt. Two against one weren’t favorable odds.

“Well done, Bri. I love this feisty side of you. Can I say those extra two kicks in the ribs were a nice touch? And you said I was violent. Brava!” Quinn gloated as he continued applauding.

He pushed past me, roughly grabbing the stranger by the scruff of his shirt. “I recommend you become scarce. Don’t push your luck with me.”

“Screw that. I found her first, she’s mine. Maybe once I’m done though . . .” He was cut short as Quinn’s fist pummeled his face. The man staggered backward, but Quinn wasn’t finished with him. He threw another punch, causing the guy to bend over, all the air in his lungs evacuating his body in a loud grunt. Before he could straighten, Quinn kneed him in the head and blood gushed freely when his nose broke.

“She is mine. Mine.” He emphasized the last word with a growl. “I should kill you for even thinking you could touch her . . . have her.” Quinn cocked back his foot, ready to level the guy with a kick. “Give me one good reason why I should let you keep breathing?” He was now shouting, fury emanating off him in waves.

There was no response.

“I think you knocked him out,” I said softly. I kept my voice low, not wanting him to turn his anger on me. I felt for the Taser in my pocket, knowing this was the perfect time to use it with Quinn distracted.

He stared down at the body, his hands still clenched into tight fists. His breathing was ragged, and a thin line of sweat coated his forehead. “He can’t touch what doesn’t belong to him,” he murmured, not looking at me.

“I wasn’t going to let him.” My fingers trembled as I tried pulling the device out, knowing my window of opportunity was getting smaller. It started to move only to get caught on my belt loop. My heart raced—it was hard not to panic. Now was not the time to be clumsy.

He finally turned and glared at me. “Of course you weren’t. You know you’re mine.” Quinn took me firmly by my hand. “Let’s go.”

I let him lead me away, frustrated, my chance missed. As we walked in silence down the street, I scanned for possible places where we could have privacy. I’d almost given up when we passed by a side street between two small stores.

I tugged on his arm, forcing him to stop. “I don’t know where you’re taking me but . . .” I dropped to the ground and clutched at my foot. “Wait, Quinn. I think I twisted my ankle.” To make it believable, I winced when I touched it, whimpering softly.

“Walk on it. Limp if you have to. I’m taking you to the General. I’m tired of not having you with me. He’ll know how to convert you.”

“Please!” I begged, “It hurts.”

He crouched beside me, shaking his head in disgust. “Fine, let me see.” I hid the exultant grin as I flinched from his rough examination.

“I can’t go any further. I need something to wrap it . . . a crutch or something.”

“I’ll carry you if I have to,” Quinn answered gruffly.

It was now or never—I needed to make my move. Putting my hand on the Taser again, I knew all I had to do was point and fire. My pulse quickened as I began pulling it out. I was ready.

“Bri . . .” Quinn said, seeing my movement. I stood, aimed, and fired. Electrodes shot from the device, voltage sizzling, and the shock sent him staggering before he dropped to the floor, convulsing.

He was angry, sputtering out furious words, but I still kept my distance. His body twitched but it wasn’t the same reaction from when Liam shocked him. He appeared more aware—less affected—and it scared me.

He chuckled—the sound chilling. “Bri, Bri, Bri. You do know I will kill you for this, right?” he threatened, menacingly. “I’ve wanted us to be together, but you’re proving too much work.”

He shifted on the ground, trying to regain control. My plan had failed, and I didn’t know why. He shouldn’t be talking—let alone lie there laughing.

I rose from my hiding spot and gave him wide berth. I needed to leave. I should’ve listened to the others and not gone on this foolish errand. I kicked myself for being careless and vowed to never make the same mistake again.

Quinn’s hand lashed out, wrapping his fingers around my ankle. I kicked, trying to break his grip, but the action made me lose my balance and I tripped.

“Let me go,” I begged. “Just let me go.”

“Never. You crossed a line with this, Bri. You don’t expect me to ignore it, do you?” he answered, and my eyes widened as I saw him sit up. He raked his fingers through his dark hair, and started pulling me toward him. “You need to be punished. You need a reminder of who the boss is.”

I scrambled for anything to stop me from being dragged. Everything was out of reach, and before I could begin kicking with my free foot, Quinn seized it.

Pain shot through me as my back scraped along the rough cement ground. I let out a hurt cry, but it fell on deaf ears. Raising his knee, he straddled my waist, and I was at his complete mercy. I wanted to believe he was the man I loved, but the scornful expression on his face revealed the truth—I’d lost him.

“What are you going to do?”

“What I should’ve done when all this started. There’s a fine line between love and hate, sweetheart. Right now, I’m pissed enough that I have no problem seeing you dead. In fact, it could make everything easier. You won’t be around to act as my damn conscience, trying to save me. I wanted to save you. You leave me no choice.”

“You love me, Quinn. Search your heart! This isn’t what you want,” I spoke as calmly as I could, trying to reason with him. I couldn’t hide the fear though as my voice wavered.

“Shut up. Enough!” He placed his hands at my throat and began bearing down. “Why didn’t you convert? It would’ve been perfect then. The world would’ve been ours and you ruined everything. I hate you, Brianna Lane.” He squeezed tighter, cutting off my air supply.

I scratched at his hands, flailing, but each movement depleted my oxygen. Spots danced in my vision, the edges of my sight turning fuzzy. This couldn’t be happening, not again. I gave one last attempt to remove his hands and my fingers got tangled in the chain around my neck. I tugged at it, hoping to break it free and use the locket’s edge to gouge at his skin. The necklace snapped, but it didn’t matter. I didn’t have the strength left to lift my arms.

I felt the broken heirloom drop beside my head. So much for saving me, I thought as everything started darkening. I gazed up at Quinn and locked eyes with him. My heart fractured. I was willing to give everything up for this man..

There was no love blazing in his stare. No soft smiles and tender touches. No words of commitment and devotion. Black hatred broiled within him, his mouth twisted into a cruel and relenting grimace. I’d lost him. It was over. The last thing I’d see were those cold, icy blue eyes—empty.

I love you, my mind whispered, my final thoughts. I’m so sorry.

Letting go of everything, I gave up as unconsciousness threatened to consume me.

“Damn, wake up. I’m not finished with you yet.”

I recognized the voice, but the pull of obscurity was slow to release me. My body felt heavy as though it was weighted down with bricks and my throat was on fire. I tried swallowing and the action made me gasp in pain. I didn’t want this awareness and I clung to the safe cocoon I’d been embraced in.

“Stop ignoring me. I know you can hear me.”

The world began spinning as I was moved. The voice . . . Quinn was shaking me and the jolting made my muscles seize and my chest burn. I needed to breathe—desperately. My mouth flew open and I began inhaling cool air, my body straining for more.

“That’s it, breathe. I don’t want the fun to be over yet.” He sounded annoyed. I tried shifting slightly, but my movement was stopped by the large body still straddling me.

“Get off me, jerk.” I finally opened my eyes and shoved hard at his chest. He retreated and I stretched out gingerly. “I should kick your ass for this. So I Tasered you? Boo freaking hoo.”