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‘Such devotion,’ Quinn said softly.
Paige’s eyes blazed with anger. ‘I know it’s beyond you to understand, but I don’t want to see Alan hurt.’
He dipped his head in mock appreciation. ‘Nice. If I didn’t know you better, I’d be tempted to believe it.’
‘If only you’d never come back,’ she hissed. ‘If only you’d stayed away.’
‘But I didn’t stay away,’ he said, swinging her towards him. ‘The prodigal son returned—and ruined all your pretty little plans. Hard luck, sweetheart.’
‘It’s useless to argue with you, isn’t it? You’re so damned sure you’re right…’
‘I’m right about you, Paige. I know you’ll find it difficult to believe, but women like you aren’t unique.’
She looked up at him. ‘What’s that supposed to mean?’
‘Just what it says. I’ve met your type before. Women like you sell yourselves for whatever you can get. Quick sex or a long tease—whatever the occasion or the purchaser requires—you can manage either one.’
‘God, how I loathe you! No wonder your parents tossed you out. You were probably the sort of little boy who pulled wings off flies.’
He laughed. ‘I was the sort who thought for myself, Paige. I still do. If Alan had ever developed the ability, he’d have seen right through your Snow Queen act.’
Her face whitened. ‘You have no right to say that to me,’ she whispered. ‘I never lied to Alan about… about that. He knew…’
‘He didn’t know a damned thing. You had the poor bastard half convinced you were Sleeping Beauty and he was the Prince whose kiss would awaken you.’ He clasped her shoulders tightly and drew her to him. ‘If only he knew the truth.’
‘I never led your brother on,’ Paige said, trying to twist free of him. ‘He was the one who pursued me. I…’
‘Yeah, I’ll bet he did,’ he said, his voice sharp with sarcasm. ‘You worked him like a trained donkey. Dangle the carrot and he’d follow you anywhere. And it would have worked—if you hadn’t run into me.’
Paige lifted her chin. ‘Back to square one. “Quinn saves Alan from the clutches of la femme fatale.” I’m surprised you didn’t tell your whole family about me—if they’d believed your lies, you’d have been transformed from black sheep to hero overnight.’ Her eyes flashed defiance. ‘I hope you’re not crazy enough to think what you’ve done is your ticket back, Quinn. Your name’s blacker than ever now.’
He laughed, a soft, frightening sound, and mimed applause. ‘Fantastic performance. I take back what I said before, Paige. Your trade isn’t unique, but your talents may be. A little amateur psychology, a little method acting—damn, but you’re good.’ His hands slid to her waist and he pulled her against him. ‘But not good enough.’
Fear shot through her as she felt the heat of his body against hers.
‘Let go of me,’ she said carefully.
He smiled coldly. ‘Did that work with Alan?’ She gasped as he moved against her, letting her feel his power. ‘Because it sure as hell doesn’t mean a damned thing to me.’
‘Don’t…’
His hands slid up her back and he cupped her face, tilting it up to his. ‘That’s not what you said on the beach.’
‘I should have,’ she said quickly. ‘And I’m saying it now. Please…’
‘The return of the Snow Queen,’ he said softly. ‘How charming.’ His t
humbs moved slowly along her throat, and he gave her a quick, dangerous smile. ‘But it’s too late to try that, Paige. It won’t play, not with me.’
‘Can’t you… can’t you forget that night?’ she asked desperately. ‘I’ve told you and told you, it was a mistake. It was…’
His hands curved around her neck. ‘I’ve known many women, sweet Juliet.’ His voice was soft, his eyes dark. ‘Some of them wanted to play games that might even make you blush. But what happened on that beach…’
Her hands spread on his chest. ‘I… I don’t want to talk about it. It was… it was as if…’
He laughed softly. ‘You don’t have to tell me what it was like. I remember—I’ll always remember.’ His voice hardened. ‘Why didn’t you come back to me?’
‘I… I couldn’t. People were… people were waiting. And… and it seemed wrong. I was… I was marrying Alan in just a few days. I was…’
