Ignoring Red’s concerns, I unfold the note, and read it out loud. “‘Maybe you are right, Quinton Marquis. Maybe I do love her. Maybe this is a love story. Maybe she is the Juliet to my Romeo.’”
My blood runs cold, a shiver climbing down my spine.
“Don’t they both…” Red trails off, the sounds of sirens in the distance. “Oh, I called the local FBI field office when we disconnected. Sorry. I didn’t know what to?—”
“I think I fucked up,” I mutter to myself, rereading the note. “I think I?—”
“At least now you know her plan.”
A plan I helped create.
THE SACRED MANTRA
EMERY
Sitting by the fireplace,my arms crossed tightly over my chest, I watch the front door. Damon paces behind the armchair. Fists clenched. Jaw tense. Posture stiff. Agitated. On edge. Is this Murphy's Law in effect? First my parents, and now this? The last thing I expected was a phone call from Agent Ube, informing me that Quin attempted to confront Toni on his own and got tasered. Tasered! What an idiot. I knew he was lying about what he was doing, but this? This was completely reckless.
My head snaps up as the lock clicks open. Quin comes strutting through the threshold. He looks so…nonchalant. As if he didn’t just do something incredibly careless. My blood boils. Really? Is he seriously going to pretend nothing happened?
Before I have a chance to begin my lecture, Damon storms toward Quin.
"What in the fuck were you thinking?! You went after Toni? By yourself?" Damon's voice booms, his large frame rattling as he glares at a stunned Quin. "I should punch you in the face right now for acting so stupid!"
Quin sighs, his gaze shifting sheepishly over Damon's shoulder toward me. "I'd prefer it if you didn't. I'm still rather sore."
"Yeah?" I bristle, sneering at him. "Sore from what, Quin?"
Quin closes his eyes, shoulders sagging. "I apologize, okay? I know... I know it was foolish to go see her by myself and?—"
I hop up from the armchair, stalking toward him, my tone low and dangerous. "Foolish? Foolish?! Foolish doesn't even come close. She could've killed you, Quin. She could've?—"
Quin grabs me by the shoulders, stabilizing me, grounding me. His gaze connects with mine as he speaks, his voice earnest. "I should have told you, I know, but," he swallows, "I didn't want to worry you."
I scoff, pushing myself out of his embrace. "Worry me?" I glance at Damon, who remains stoic, his anger but a second away from exploding. "He didn't want to worry me?" I whip my head back at Quin and smack him on the chest. "You." Another smack. "Are." Smack. "An." Smack. "Idiot!" I release a loud groan, running my hands through my hair. "This week... I can't. First, my parents with their impending visit and now this?!" I glare atQuin. "You're aware I have a heart problem, aren't you? Are youtryingto kill me, Quinton? Are you?!"
Damon narrows his eyes, ignoring my dramatics. "Your parents are coming to visit?"
My face pales, and I close my eyes, willing the headache away. "Yes," I sigh. "They're planning to stay here this weekend and..." My wincing gaze flicks between Quin and Damon. "And meet my boyfriend."
Damon's jaw ticks. "Boyfriend."
Quin swallows, his expression empathetic. "They're coming here?"
I flap my arms in frustration. "Yes, since I haven’t gone and seen my parents for a while, my mother assumed I’m in a relationship and that’s what’s keeping me so busy, and now..." I place a palm over my forehead. "Now I have a headache."
“When are they coming?” Damon asks through his teeth.
I swallow, and Damon’s face falls as I say, “Friday evening. They’re wanting to spend the night…here.”
“I see,” Damon respond, tone frighteningly calm. “I guess I’ll make myself scarce.” He glances at Quin. “Have fun meeting her parents.”
Fuck. This is awful. He looks so hurt. I don’t want to be the reason he’s in pain, whether momentarily or long-term.
“I want you to be there,” I say quietly. “At dinner.”
Damon lifts a brow. “You want me…at dinner?”
A small hopeful smile plays on Quin’s lips. “Are you going to tell them?”
