Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) (5 page)

“You know what this means, don’t you?” He looked at me confused. “It means you don’t get to uphold your side of the bet. I beat you to the car so you owe me popcorn, Mister. How am I going to enjoy the movie if I don’t have something to munch on?”

His eyes lit up, that familiar spark back. “Well, I’m sure we have time to grab one bag before we go in.” He looked at the clock, doing the calculations in his head. “We’ll buy one and share it.”

I groaned so loud I almost missed the quiet chuckle he made. He knew this would be my reaction. We went through this little debate every time we went to the movies. I always wanted popcorn, he always suggested we share, and then I had to point out all the reasons why we needed our own separate bags. He would then tease me, telling me it was funny I got squeamish over popcorn.

“Come on, live a little. It’s really not going to kill you to share just this once. That’s unless you’re too scared? Don’t tell me you’re afraid I’ll eat all your popcorn?” Quinn leaned into the seat so he could face me.

I rolled my eyes, tempted to stick my tongue out, but all I could do was sigh. “Fine, we can share.” My words dragged as if I was being sentenced to death.

He was clearly shocked, not expecting me to cave so quickly, and he grabbed my hand. There was a moment of hesitation, and I nodded. “It’s okay.”

He traced the side of my cheek as though he was going to say something but we’d arrived at the theatre. Sidetracked with finding a parking spot, I scanned the area and offered a silent thank you when I saw a vehicle pull out of a space.

I glanced at the clock and realized the opening credits were just about over. We’d missed the start and I didn’t feel like rushing anymore—the car ride here strange. Quinn seemed to be himself again, but it was hard to forget those scary moments where he’d been so angry and rude. I wanted the rest of the night to be perfect.

 “I’m thinking we should go to the second showing. That way we don’t miss the beginning of whatever spectacular movie you’ve chosen for us.” I winked. After checking the time as well, he nodded.

Grabbing my bag, I exited the car and smiled. Quinn stood waiting on the curb, his hands in his pockets, bouncing gently on his feet. I joined him, grabbing his hand so I could lead him to the window when he suddenly pushed me up against the car.

His body pressed hard on mine and without speaking, he claimed my mouth with a kiss that was hot and demanding. His tongue outlined my lips as though he waited for permission to enter and when I responded, he swept in—tasting me.

The kiss smoldered, making time stand still as he ravished me over and over. Its fierce intensity dazzled me—as though he was trying to prove his love. Blistering heat surged through me and I pulled at his shirt to keep him close—to prolong the moment.

We reluctantly broke away and he rested his forehead on mine. Passion had left us breathless, our hearts pounding as we struggled to regain control. Quinn was the first to speak.

“I love you, Bri,” he whispered.

“I love you, too.” His lips were so close, and I ached to continue our kiss. He tensed—signaling he wasn’t finished and there was something more he wanted to share.

“I know you said we’re okay, but let me say this.” His hands rested lightly at my waist, his expression solemn. “I’m sorry. I don’t ever want to hurt you again . . . ever. You’re my whole world, and I’m going to make this up to you somehow.”

I pressed my fingers gently on his mouth. “You don’t need to say anything. I know.” I rose on my tiptoes and kissed him. This time it was slow, almost lazy—the kind that could go on forever and no one would complain. I took my time; dipping in and out of his mouth before deepening the kiss—inch by glorious inch. I wanted to savor, melt, and forget everything but him. He groaned low as I slowly retreated. He’d felt it too.

Staring into brown eyes, I offered a smile that said I accepted the apology and promise. My body immediately missed his when he moved away and I slipped my hand into his—keeping the connection.

I approached the ticket booth, money in hand, and looked up at him. “So what movie am I getting tickets for?”

He frowned again, and I resisted the urge to smooth his creases with my fingers.

“Maybe you should choose after what happened. I don’t think we need to spend the next two hours watching something violent.” He studied the board to see what else was playing.

“Which movie?” The lady behind the window leaned to look around us, growing impatient.

“Here, take the money and you can buy the tickets.” I handed over the bills and stepped aside so he could tell her what he wanted.

Still standing at his side, I looked around the large theater. Penshurst was a large city, and even though there were at least two other larger cinemas, we loved coming here. We weren’t the only ones as people milled about waiting for the different showings, chattering amongst themselves. It was a busy night and I hoped we’d be able to get good seats.

Feeling impatient now, I turned toward Quinn when a couple caught my attention. They were huddled in a far corner in the midst of a heated argument. I could only hear snippets, their voices muffled, but it wasn’t necessary—their angry body language was loud and clear. The guy was furious about something as he towered over the girl.

Common decency told me to give them some privacy, but I couldn’t tear my focus away. She looked just as pissed, speaking in rapid spurts as her hands betrayed her annoyance. She pounded her hands against his chest, raising her arm to slap him when he slammed both fists into the wall, caging her. I stood transfixed, hoping it would quickly blow over.

The man’s next words were shouted and shattered that belief. “Hannah, you’ll do what you’re told . . . when you’re told. Anymore lip and I’ll show you what I do to those who don’t listen.”

I flinched at the threat. The guy was practically snarling, and I knew I couldn’t stay a silent bystander. Deciding to call the police, I kept watching so I could inform the dispatcher.

The woman stopped ranting, her body still. She became quiet and my fingers fumbled in my purse for the phone. I worried what his next move would be, but his posture had slackened and he was shaking his head as if trying to clear something. He stepped back from the wall—away from Hannah.

He now wore a confused expression, reminding me of earlier. The look was the exact same one I’d seen on Quinn’s face. Without thinking, I stopped searching for my phone and took a few steps toward the couple.

Hannah shoved at the guy. “Go to hell!” she cried before rushing away, heading down the street. He stood there for a second before he raced after, telling her he was sorry and to stop.

I jumped in shock when I felt Quinn’s hand on my lower back as he stepped up behind me.

“You ready?” His breath felt warm on my ear, and I nodded. I kept staring at the fleeing couple—unable to shake the feeling it was more than mere coincidence.

“Let’s go.” I smiled.

We raced up the stairs and quietly slipped into our chairs. Quinn wrapped his arm around me and I snuggled into him, resting my hand on his chest. He placed a kiss on my head and we relaxed, ready to enjoy the movie.

Chapter Four

Three minutes into the movie, the lead guy blew something up.

I rolled my eyes and started creating a list of what I needed to do in my mind. It’d been a while since I’d last visited the grocery store, the list growing and growing. Scared I’d forget something, I reached for my purse and notebook—my memory was horrible.

Opening the zipper, I jumped when my phone vibrated again. I muttered a small curse and was rewarded with stern looks and demands to be quiet.

I’m sorry, I mouthed, removing the device from my bag. I had eight missed calls and, hiding the glare from the phone’s light, I took a peek at the screen. They were all from my grandmother. Another weird feeling passed through me—she never called this obsessively. I couldn’t ignore it any longer; I stood so I could make my way outside.

 “Where the hell do you think you’re going, Bri?” Although the movie was loud enough to block out most sounds, I could hear the sharpness in Quinn’s voice perfectly.

I tightened the grip on my phone and answered. “I need to see what my grandmother wants. She’s called a number of times and I’m worried. I’ll be back as soon as I can.” I kept moving, but his arm struck out—blocking me.

“Did I say you could leave?”

I regarded him sharply, searching for clues he was having another episode. It was too dark to see his eyes, however. Even without the telltale sign, the tightness in his jaw told me something was affecting him.

“Can you move your arm?” I paused, staring. “I need to return her call so either sit back and watch the movie, or come with me. Decide quickly because I’m going.”

I had no idea where the steel in my voice came from. I’d never spoken so forcibly with him—our relationship was a good one where I was able to speak my mind comfortably. It was definitely a shock hearing myself talk like this.

It surprised him as well and he suddenly developed a mean glare, his face hardening. I pointed at his arm and gestured I still wanted to pass through. When his only response was a sarcastic smirk, I decided to try a different approach.

“Please let me pass. I’m worried, okay? My grandmother never calls like this. I’ll be right back . . . please.” I made another step, expecting him to let me go by. His arm wound around my waist, pulling me back onto the seat, and something inside me snapped. I quickly stood again.

“Damn it, Quinn. You’re not only scaring me, but you’re starting to annoy me!” I slapped him hard, angry beyond words. I could’ve scratched his eyes out and it took everything not to beat him over the head with my purse. The second I contemplated it, my arm rose, ready to attack.

With his own temper boiling, he stood. I didn’t get the chance to lash out—his hand latched onto my wrist and with a brutal twist, forced me to drop it. That didn’t stop my other hand from swiftly moving through the air, however, and I hit him solidly across the face

Breathing heavily, we glared at each other. He looked ready to detonate, and all I could think was, Bring it on you asshole, you want a fight? I’ll give you one. I shifted my weight, readying myself for his next move. With that derisive grin I was beginning to loathe, he sat back down—dismissing me. He treated me as though he was the master and I would blindly obey him.

Indignant fury churned fast within me. I wanted to beat him, unleash the malignant whirlwind inside. It was like a frantic desperation being honed into a single focal point—pain. I wanted to inflict pain on him, the more vicious the better. My violent cravings fed my building rage until all I could see was red. Moving in to attack him, the thoughts and feelings mysteriously disappeared—vanished as if they were never there.

The abruptness left me reeling, and I staggered into the seat behind my back. I had no idea what had just happened, but as each second passed, the more it terrified me. Something very bad was going on and I didn’t trust myself. I’d felt like a stranger in my body.

“Don’t make me force you, Bri.” The threat in his voice was loud and clear. I may have regained control over my senses, but he hadn’t. Conflicted, I peered at him closely, the light reflecting from the movie screen briefly illuminating the theater and I swore his eyes were blue—affected again.

Throwing caution to the wind, I grabbed his hand. I needed to get him away—get us away from what was unfolding and it started with leaving the theatre. I didn’t even wait to see his reaction. I kept pulling until he lifted out of his seat and stumbled.

“I said sit down!” He was yelling now, and gave me a sharp shove. I banged into the row ahead of us, the seat jolting forward, but I didn’t have time to apologize. Quinn stood again and he was angry.

“I didn’t want to do this here in front of everyone, but you leave me no choice.”

I braced myself. I didn’t know what he’d do—whether I needed to scream for help or fight and the irony made me laugh. This was the very reason I hated being boxed in because now I was trapped in the middle of a crowd with a mad man.

Licking my lips nervously, I struggled for a way I could move and escape. Everything was unraveling and I suddenly realized other occurrences were happening around me. People were arguing, the raised voices almost louder than the movie.

“We need to leave now. It’s happening again,” I pleaded, but was interrupted by the patron in front of us.

“Listen, man, if you can’t control your woman, step aside and let me do it. You’re keeping me from watching the movie so shut up and sit down before someone gets hurt.” His fists were clenched tightly, a scowl on his face. My stomach surged in panic as I watched him focus on Quinn—the tension so thick it was almost palpable.

Quinn was the first to strike. With lightning fast reflexes, he threw a hard punch that snapped the guy’s head back.

The stranger gathered himself together—wiping blood from his nose with the back of his hand. He looked like something from a horror movie with the gore smeared across his face, still trickling down to his chin, but it was the murderous gleam in his eyes that chilled me.

Quinn’s arm lashed out again, this time hitting his opponent with such a force it lifted the guy off his feet. The motion splayed him against the chairs behind and he quit moving. I couldn’t either—I was frozen to the spot.

I stared at him in horror as he stood there basking in feral triumph. The light from the movie reflected off his face, the blue in his eyes bringing my world crashing down. There was no denying it, he was changing and not in a good way. Thinking fast, I slammed my own fist into his stomach, and he doubled over.

“If you love me at all, you need to follow me and get out of this place.” Not caring about the tears that had begun streaming down my cheeks, I was grateful he offered no resistance—submitting to my lead.

Chaos had broken out around us as we pushed past the other patrons toward the exit, and it was clear no one was watching the movie anymore. It was complete bedlam, the scene disturbing as people yelled at each other, some cowering while others looked like they bordered on exploding into a wrathful rampage.