Page 11 of Lost King

Blinking my eyes open it takes me a moment to remember last night's events.

Although the soreness between my legs is all the reminder I need. Stretching out my limbs I realize an arm is halting my movements. Looking over my shoulder, I see Quinn fast asleep with his arm draped across my stomach. I didn't expect him to still be here. I figured he would have left last night after I fell asleep. Glancing at the clock on the table beside my bed I see it's only four o'clock in the morning. My shift doesn't start until six o'clock but I decide I'd rather not deal with the morning after awkwardness so, I'm going to head to work early. I'm sure Quinn can show himself out. Carefully slipping his arm off me, I slide out of bed hoping I don't wake him. Once I see he's dead to the world, I quickly throw on a pair of scrubs then grab an extra pair throwing them in a bag along with a few things from my bathroom. I can take a shower at the gym before my shift. I might as well get a workout in since I have some time to kill. After I've gathered all my things, I slip out of my apartment. Thankfully the Uber I called is already waiting on me to take me to get my Jeep. For a brief moment I worry Quinn will be pissed I left without telling him but then brush it off. He'll probably be relieved. I'm sure now that he's gotten what he's been after for so long he's done. Quinn got one night, and now I'm out of his system. A knot forms in the pit of my stomach at the thought. "You sure this is the place ma'am?" The driver asks me stopping in front of the clubhouse. "Yeah, this is it," I say as I step out of the car and walk up to the gate.

"What ya doing here so early, doc?" Sean asks me.

"Just come to pick up my car."

"Why didn't ya have Quinn bring you, sweetheart?" He asks pointing at the Uber that just left. Of course, he noticed I left with Quinn. I'm sure he's not the only one either, but I am not ready to answer anyone's questions. Seeing the look on my face, Sean shuts his mouth and lets me in the gate to get my Jeep.

Later that day, I'm sitting in the doctor's lounge finishing the last of my paperwork for the day when Dr. Givens walks in. "How's it going Emerson?" she asks making her way to her locker.

"It's been a busy day. I didn't even get a break for lunch, but luckily all is quiet now," I smile.

Looking at her watch, she replies, "you only have thirty minutes left of your shift. Why don't you knock off early? I'll cover for you."

"Really? Are you sure you don't mind?"

"Not at all. Go on down to the cafeteria and get you something to eat before you pass out. You look dead on your feet, Emerson."

"Alright, thanks," I sigh, "I owe you one."

Leaving the lounge, I make my way down the hall to the elevator and I'm met with a familiar face, and smile. "Hey Christy, how are you?" Christy is a social worker. I met her during my first week at the hospital, and we became quick friends. She is usually the social worker sent when the hospital has the misfortune of needing child services. She is the best social worker in Polson if you ask me. Christy doesn't just treat children as if they are her job. She cares about those kids and will go above and beyond when it comes to their well-being. She's also the same social worker who I called in a favor to for Bella and Logan when they wanted to adopt Breanna. She had a big hand in making sure Breanna was placed with them while waiting on the adoption process.

"Hi, Emerson. You on your way out?"

"Yeah, but I was going to stop by the cafeteria and grab a bite to eat."

"Mind if I join you? I was headed back to the office, but since I have a mountain of paperwork, I doubt I'll make it home in time for dinner."

"I'd love for you to join me."

After making our way into the cafeteria, we grab our food, and decide to sit at one of the tables outside since the weather is warm and there is a gentle evening breeze. We eat in silence for a minute before Christy speaks up. "Something is different about you, but I can't put my finger on it. You look, I don't know, relaxed and glowy."

"Glowy? Really?" I giggle.

"You know what I mean," she nudges me with her elbow.

"So, how's your husband?" I ask trying to change the conversation.

"Oh no you don't, Emerson. Come on, you can tell me."

Rolling my eyes, I give in, "It's nothing. Just had a good time this weekend with some friends."

"Was one of those friends a man? Come on, tell me, who was it?"

"His name is Quinn."

"Quinn Beckett?" she asks, and I snap my head in her direction.

"You know Quinn?"

"Of course. He volunteers down at the youth center. He has for as long as I can remember. He's a great guy and great with the kids." I sit stunned for a moment at the realization at how little I know about Quinn, though not surprised at all the good he does. Christy brings me out of my thoughts when she stands and tosses her trash in the bin. "Well, I need to be going if I want to make it home to my husband at a decent time. But don't think this conversation is over. I want to hear all the juicy details about you and Quinn later."

Waving my hand dismissively, I tell her, "there's nothing to tell, Quinn is only a friend." The words taste bitter on my tongue the moment they leave my mouth. Christy looks at me like she doesn't believe me but doesn't say any more about the subject. Once Christy and I part ways with a promise to catch up with each other again later this week, I round the corner of the front entrance of the emergency room towards the parking lot when I see Quinn sitting on his bike next to my Jeep. My steps falter. The look currently directed in my direction is one I have not seen before. Quinn looks pissed. Forcing my legs to work I walk in his direction. Stepping in front of him, I go to open my mouth only to have him swiftly shut me down. "Don't," he grits out. "I don't know what's goin' on inside that pretty head of your, babe but apparently between the time my cock was buried deep inside your pussy last night to this morning when you snuck out of bed you forgot that you are mine. So, the only thing you're going to do right now is get your ass on the back of my bike, so I can take you home and remind you."

I stand there staring at him in silence until he thrusts his helmet towards me and growls, "now, Sunshine." Doing what he demands I put the helmet on, place my hand on his shoulder and climb on the back of his bike. Once settled with my arms wrapped around his waist, Quinn turns his head slightly and looks at me over his shoulder. "You pull another stunt like you did this morning I'll redden your ass so good you'll carry my mark for a week."

My breath hitches at the promise as he fires up his bike and takes off in the direction of my apartment.