Page 44 of Knox
Quinn had called her parents before boarding the flight home.She swore her dad had wanted to fly overseas himself to escort her back, but she’d assured him she was safe with Bravo Team.Then Knox had gotten on the phone himself, speaking with the man.
Hell.
It felt like Quinn was already his, even though the reality was far from that.Still, she’d remained close at his side on the long return home.The team had all returned to Shadow Security, the other men having a quick briefing with Holt.There’d be plenty of time for Quinn to update their boss, so in the meantime, Knox had helped her into his big SUV, eager to get her home.
Once she was settled in the passenger seat, Knox rounded his vehicle, climbing into the driver’s side.When he caught sight of Quinn sitting beside him in the moonlight, he stilled.Despite it all, she looked beautiful—dark eyes, long glossy hair, and those full lips he loved.
“What?”she asked, a pretty flush creeping over her cheeks.
He smiled.“I like having you here.I hate the circumstances, but hell, you don’t know how long I’ve been wanting to have you here like this—in my life.”
She looked surprised for a beat then smiled back.“Same.This wasn’t exactly how I envisioned it either, but yeah, it works.”
His gaze briefly roamed over her.“And I like you in my clothes,” he muttered.“Maybe a little too much.”
Quinn laughed.“I thought men preferred women to be more scantily clad.”
His lips quirked.“I mean, sure, who’d be opposed to that?”he joked.“You’d look good in anything.But you wearing my things?It kind of feels like you’re mine.”
She didn’t deny it, just looked directly into his eyes.Knox’s heart thundered in his chest.He had half a mind to lean over and kiss her, but he wanted to get her safely home.She’d been through hell, and the parking lot at Shadow Security wasn’t quite where he’d imagined their first kiss.
Fifteen minutes later, he was pulling into her apartment complex.There was no traffic at the late hour, and for that, he was grateful.
“You’re coming in, right?”she asked, suddenly looking nervous.
“Of course I am,” he assured her.
“At least Holt got some of my things back—my house keys were inside my bag.My phone is long gone, but oh!There’s my car!”she said excitedly, pointing across the lot.
Knox’s lips quirked.Quinn was cute as hell, not that she’d want to hear herself described in that manner.“Yep.He arranged to get the car out of the impound lot for you.”
She sucked in a shaky breath, clutching onto her bag.“I was stupid to leave it there running on the street and follow Adam down the block.”
Knox hesitated.“Maybe next time you want to chase after a known terrorist, just shoot the guys or me a text instead.I was worried as hell about you,” he said, his voice thick.
Tears smarted her eyes, and Knox quietly cursed.“I didn’t mean to make you cry,” he said, reaching over and taking her hand.He lifted it to his mouth, brushing his lips across the back in a soft kiss.
Quinn smiled at him, swiping away her tears.
“You ready to go in?”he asked.
“More than ready.I’m exhausted.It just feels surreal to be back home.And no one knows what happened to Adam.It’s not like I expect him to show up on my doorstep, but—” She cut off, and Knox watched as she pulled herself together.“Let’s do it,” she said.
“I’ll come around and help you out,” he told her.
Knox climbed out of his SUV, happy as hell to be back in Seattle with Quinn at his side.His gaze scanned the lot anyway, out of habit.He noted that Holt had left Quinn’s car directly under a lamppost.She lived in a garden style apartment, with stairwells leading up to each floor.The area was quiet and serene.Safe.Except Knox knew as well as anyone that danger could find you anywhere.
After he opened the passenger door, he reached for Quinn’s hand.When their fingers touched, her hand sliding into his own, he stilled, shocked by the rightness of it.He didn’t let go, just guided her across the parking lot like she really was his.
“I’ve never been to your place,” he commented as they headed toward her building.
“It’s about time you came over,” Quinn joked.
He chuckled, silently cursing himself for not having ever made a move.Everything was easy with Quinn.She was sexy, fun, and easy to talk to.Sure, he was doing her a favor of sorts now, not bringing her back from a date, but there wasn’t a damn chance he’d let one of the other guys drive her home.He was protective of her in a way that surprised him.Knox knew for certain, however, that his life would be less bright without her in it.He didn’t think he’d truly breathed a sigh of relief until they’d safely landed back in Seattle.
When they walked into her apartment, Quinn flicked on the light switch, sucking in a deep breath.“Damn, it’s good to be back.I need a drink,” she announced.“Do you want a beer?”
“Sure, sounds great,” he said, his eyes quickly sweeping over her space.It was neat, as he’d expected, with feminine touches.It even smelled faintly like Quinn, and he felt his pulse quicken.“Are you hungry?I could order us some food.”
