Quinn knew he let her pull away. Allowed her to maneuver around until she could face the other window. She did not try to slide across the seat, didn’t attempt to put space between them. Remaining close to his side with his arm looped around her, nothing would appear amiss on the surface.
The bond rattled and screamed, angry and tormented in her chest, but under it all was the steady thump of his heartbeat. She believed what he said. Knew that he would rip this city apart if anything should happen to them. There was something to that, an emotion she didn’t want to give close inspection. It was hot, volatile… comforting.
Tobias tapped his knuckles against the cold glass, ordering Curtis and the other man to return. Within moments they set off.
Except they weren’t returning home, at least not by any path Quinn could map out. She knew most of the city streets by heart, all the back roads and side alleys. It had served her well more than once to keep safe.
The rattle of paper distracted her further, Tobias opening the bottle of pills. Shaking one free, he pressed it between her lips with a smile that showed true warmth.
“Don’t swallow it or chew it. Just let it dissolve.”
“What—”
“Let it dissolve.”
Chapter Seven
No further conversation was encouraged as the dark car wound through the city streets. Many areas she wasn’t as familiar with as she would have preferred. Posh offices and extravagant bistros abounded, a pay grade far above any Quinn could lay claim to.
Oh, she had delivered Alton’s drugs to plenty of these people, but they didn’t want her type seen around their own. No, they wanted their vices in dark alleys and damp basements, thinking that’s how one did these things.
Any proper junkie would tell you that such places were just asking for trouble and some people watched too much television.
Tobias muttered under his breath, pushing Quinn’s head to his shoulder. Petting at her hair, he cradled her skull with one massive palm. Seeking to instill peace as if her thoughts troubled him.
Tires hissing over wet asphalt as the car glided into a parking lot, Quinn tried to peek through the misty rain at the building looming before them. There was an impression of soft golden light, deep greens and bright white muted in the gloom. Several other cars were arranged around the lot, none as understated in their refinery as Tobias’. Odd how she’d become accustomed to the subtle inflection of his wealth, seeing the exotic sports cars and flashy emblems as tacky.
Whatever Quinn might have expected, it wasn’t for Tobias to climb out of the car. Less still for him to pull her along behind him and under the protection of an umbrella before he led their little band of shadows and menace towards the glossy green doors where strings of lights battled the gray with their orange filaments.
“What’s going—”
“Quiet.”
Silenced with a word and the oppressive weight of his command, Quinn bristled. For him to drag her out into the world to parade his prize in front of others was bad enough, but to be kept quiet and docile infuriated her. For every step forward she seemed to make with this confusing bastard of a male, it seemed he wanted to shove her back a thousand more.
“Mr. Kahler,” a woman squealed as they all piled into the little entry. Rippling locks of the richest inky black caught and held the warm glow of the lights as she glided from behind the low counter.
The distraction of a liquid burst of rage at the airy tones of the female momentary, Quinn lost herself in the rich scents wafting about the building. Fear that even the smell of so many different foods would make her feel ill slipped away as saliva pooled in her mouth when a tray piled high with golden slices of garlic bread drifted past on the other side of a half wall.
“We weren’t expecting you so soon, sir.” Delivered in a sultry tone, the woman sidled closer, sable eyes sparkling in a mockery of coy abashment. Large breasts straining against the crisp white of her shirt, she presented them to Tobias to feast on.
“His usual booth,” Curtis said with a curl of his lip, tone dead as the slab of meat still crackling on its warm plate that waltzed past on the arm of a waiter. Moving to help Tobias from the heavy coat, he revealed Quinn from Tobias’ presence.
Curiosity piqued, Quinn slid a sly glance at the pair behind her. If Curtis’ disdain for her was bitter, it was downright venomous for the woman standing before them.
Then she realized what Curtis had said.
“We’re staying?” It tripped over her lips before she could think of repercussions, quick stepping towards the glower settling on her shoulders despite a sense of self-preservation telling her to turn the other way. Fingers hurrying over Tobias’ chest in a mindless placation, she gripped the edge of his suit coat. “Are we?”
It was clear as day to her in the evergreen depths of his gaze, even without the glorious swell of warmth centered under her sternum. Breaking free of any icy shield she might have attempted to armor herself with during the drive there, the bond hummed and whispered of sweet, beautiful things. He was beyond pleased.
Lips tipping into a stifled display of pleasure, Tobias kept his brow creased and gave a stiff shake of his head. He acted the part of the disgruntled Alpha, uncaring of his Omega’s delight in the simple adventure of going out to eat.
Excitement fading fast, Quinn pushed a hand against her stomach. Gnawing at her lip as she looked up at him, uncertainty welled in pale grays that he was quick to banish. Hand at her nape, Tobias pulled Quinn against his side, caught in the cage of his arm as he strode past the simpering female towards the booth that seemed to be his alone whenever he wished it.
It would of course be the huge corner booth, upholstered in velvety emerald fabric set off by wood worn to a luscious golden hue under thick layers of glossy lacquer and crisp white linens. Manhandling her into the very center of the long seat, Tobias took up the remaining bench to her right. Curtis took a seat on the opposite edge, angled to watch the open floor and the door beyond where the others took up positions of watchful defense.
“This is unnerving,” Quinn whispered as she made wide eyes at the fine white tablecloth, fingertips drumming out a stilted melody. “What if I get sick?”
