We leave the shallow grave open, exposed, for the police when the time comes. Heading back into town in our own cars, I continue to Quinn’s shop, watching Farrow fly by, continuing to Weston.
With my eyes peeled, I scan for Hugo. For Reeves. My blood cooks, making the hair on my arms rise. If Hugo is true to his word, he’s coming tonight.
Parking on the curb, I see her inside, through the window in the door to the kitchen.
Hugo doesn’t have the bones now, but that won’t stop him from dealing with me. I’ll need time to draw Drew out. Until that happens, Quinn stays with me when it’s dark.
She moves around her tables, heading toward the kitchen, and I follow, into the alleyway.
After two knocks, the door opens. She peers up at me with a messy ponytail and flushed cheeks and lips that look like pink gum. And instead of chastising her for answering without asking who it was, I step inside and sweep her up, kissing her as the door closes behind us.
Wrapping my arms around her thighs, I tip my head back, letting her have complete control.
“How are you doing, not running on any sleep?” I almost accuse. She looks bright-eyed as she kisses me like she’s not exhausted too.
But she simply grins. “I feel good. High as a kite.”
To be honest, I don’t feel the same. A weight sits on my shoulders, and I could sleep for a year, but I don’t deserve rest. If I can just hold her for one more night…
I set her back on her feet. “I have a present.”
“Number seven?”
I cock a brow at her, remembering what number seven was on her birthday wish list.
Instead, I pull out the envelope with the title and the car keys I had Farrow acquire while I was busy at the tunnel.
Handing her the keys, I gesture toward High Street. “It’s old, but it has character.”
She takes the keys, looking confused. Holding her hand, I lead her to the front of the shop where she can see the old Jeep at the curb. Farrow had the owner drop it here before he gave him a ride back home and then returned to me at the tunnel.
She looks between the keys to the car. “You bought me a car?”
I don’t get nervous at the fact that she’s not smiling. Even if she doesn’t use it, I need her to have options.
“Just a starter one,” I tell her, cradling her face in my hands. “You need something for the business, and you can’t ride your bike back and forth to Weston in the dark. I’m putting my foot down.”
She cocks her head. “Oh, are you?”
I plant a kiss on her mouth. “Be good and drive it.” I turn to leave through the kitchen again. “Or I won’t do number seven to you tonight.”
She might not remember what it was, but I do.Wear a collar.
I have no interest in anything but being as gentle as possible with the most precious thing in my life, but…I can do what she wants and still be tortuously sweet.
And I’m not worried about the car. Once she realizes how much easier life will be with a vehicle, she’ll drive it.
“Where are you going?” she calls out.
I glance back. “Pet store.”
I face forward again before I see her smile appear, but I know it’s there. Number seven requires props.
Quinn
Checking the clock on the wall, I hold my breath for a moment. Time is moving too slowly. After I closed the shop for the day, I sent my crew off early and raced to my parents’ house, irresponsibly leaving the dirty dishes, a full register, and overflowing garbage cans.
But Lucas wasn’t at the house. He texted and said he’d meet me at Fallstown at eight instead. I’m sure Madoc wrangled him into an outing at the races tonight, but I would’ve hoped Lucas would just politely decline. I don’t want to go to Fallstown.
