“Did you date?”
Quinn laughed but there was no humor behind it. “No. He’s married. I’m good friends with his wife, actually. Or was. I’ve been distancing myself since Darren fired me. She’s a lovely person. I have no idea why she married the asshat.”
Wyatt would have used a stronger term than “asshat.” “Did he ever give you any hint as to why he didn’t want you to pursue the story about the labs?”
There was a subtle jolt to her hand.
“I wasn’t trying to hide this from you, but with everything else, it just kind of slipped my mind. That night you found the bruises on my arm, Darren admitted to me that he knew about people with altered DNA. He wouldn’t tell me how he knew or why he needed me to let go of the story. Just said they were dangerous.”
No wonder Quinn had been so freaked out when she saw him use his strength and speed. She’d been warned not once, but twice that people like him were dangerous.
“I don’t want to alarm you, but Darren might still be in town.”
The total absence of any surprise on the woman’s face told Wyatt that she already knew. “Tanya called me. This morning, actually. She wanted me to ask Darren to come home.”
Everyone wanted Darren to go the hell home.
“Does his wife know about men with altered DNA?”
Quinn immediately shook her head. “I don’t think so. When I asked Tanya if she knew anything about why I was fired, she said no. She doesn’t like to involve herself in Darren’s or my work. She suffers from anxiety. I think the research we do stresses her out. I also don’t think Darren would have told her. He doesn’t show her much respect. Basically sees her as the housekeeper.”
Yeah. The guy sounded like a real gem in the husband department.
Quinn leaned across the table. “What did you find on him?”
Wyatt shook his head. She knew him too well already. “Nothing. Everything points to him being completely average.”
Quinn lifted a shoulder. “Maybe he is. Maybe he’s just a normal jackass who got caught up with the wrong people.”
There was one problem with that. Normal jackasses don’t usually try to kill people by causing their workplace to explode. “I looked up Tanya, too. Nothing.”
Quinn didn’t seem surprised. Lifting her wineglass, she took a sip. “Sorry. I shouldn’t have brought any of this up. Curiosity tends to get the better of me.”
“I love your curiosity. How about we talk about how beautiful you look tonight instead?”
She frowned. “Just tonight?”
Wyatt threw his head back and laughed. “Every damn second of every damn day.”
“That’s better.”
Jesus, where had this woman been his whole life?
Standing, they both began cleaning the table. Half an hour later and they were on the couch. They were going to wait a bit before glazing the cinnamon rolls.
Quinn chose an action movie. But it was her body pressed against his that stole his focus.
“I’ve been thinking I might stay.”
Wyatt tightened his arm around her waist. “I was hoping you would. I’ve missed you the last few nights.”
Sleeping with her soft body against his made for the best damn sleep of all time.
She looked up at him. “No. I don’t mean tonight. Although, I am staying the night. That’s a given. You’d have to physically remove me if you wanted me out. I mean, I might stay here. In Marble Falls. For good.”
For a moment, Wyatt didn’t react. Because everything about what she’d said was life changing. “Really?”
She wet her lips. “Yes.”
“I would like that.” Not just like; it would be the best damn thing to happen. Possibly ever.
“That’s good. Because we haven’t talked about us or where we’re headed. I didn’t want to freak you out.”
“Why would that freak me out?”
She shrugged one of her shoulders. “Maybe you thought I was passing through. Maybe you see this—us—as temporary.”
Not a chance. He’d thought she was on the same page as him. Maybe not. Maybe she needed him to say it.
“There’s not a single thing that’s temporary about us, Quinn. I see you. I see everything about you. And it sucks me in and makes me want more. I don’t see that ever changing.”
He heard her quick intake of breath, then the pounding of her heart.
She was surprised. Whether she was surprised by his honesty or surprised by how he felt, he wasn’t sure. He’d say it again and again if she needed him to. Because he meant every word.
“I don’t see us as temporary either.”
Wyatt lifted her onto his lap. Even though she’d been right beside him, he wanted her closer.
“Good. Because if you left, I would follow.”
She leaned against his chest, her head resting over his heart. “I’m not going anywhere. But if I did, follow me, break down my door and talk some sense into me.”
“Was already planning on it.”
Chapter 20
Quinn pulled up in front of The Duck Motel. It was Friday, and she had just delivered items to three different addresses. This was her last stop before she was done for the day.
From the corner of her eye, she caught sight of a gray sedan pulling in across the lot. She didn’t need to look up to know who it was.
Oliver. He’d been trailing her to each address, not even attempting to remain hidden.
Quinn didn’t mind. Particularly after the gas-in-the-bakery episode. Clearly, Wyatt felt better if she was watched, so watched she would be.
Peering up at the motel, her first thought was that it looked neglected. Old. Basically, the place needed some serious TLC.
Lifting the box of apple pies, Quinn climbed out of the car. Mrs. Potter used a delivery service, but the usual delivery man had called in sick. Quinn didn’t mind getting the gig. Mostly because she had been the one to bake the pies. Just like she’d been the one to make the fresh donuts that had sold out by midday.
And in her opinion, both tasted amazing. She knew because she’d had a generous serving of both.
If Quinn wasn’t careful, she’d be gaining some weight here in Marble Falls. In fact, she probably already had.
As she made her way across the lot, Quinn decided she didn’t care one bit if she gained weight, and she doubted Wyatt would mind either.
He seemed happy that she was happy, both baking and remaining in Marble Falls.
Quinn had no idea how Mason would react. He was due to return tomorrow. She couldn’t wait. They had a lot of talking to do.
Glancing around, Quinn scanned the door numbers. The building was two stories, and half the rooms were on one side, while the other half faced the forested area around the back. She was looking for room twenty-two but couldn’t spot it anywhere. It must be one of the back rooms.
As she headed around the building, footsteps sounded behind her. Turning her head, she saw Oliver a few feet away.
She offered a smile, but it wasn’t returned. Oliver had a hard look on his face. Like he was watching. Waiting for trouble.
She was glad he was here. The place gave her the creeps. There were only a handful of accommodations in Marble Falls. This one had to be the worst.
Scanning the doors at the back of the building, she noticed twenty-two was at the end of the first floor.
At least there were no stairs. Even though she was only holding one box, with her luck, she would trip on her own feet and roll down. She was sure Oliver would catch her. But it was the potential embarrassment that would hurt the most.
When she stopped in front of the door, Quinn lifted her hand to knock, only to pause when Oliver’s hand went to her shoulder.
“There’s someone in the woods.” He spoke quietly but quickly. “I heard them moving. They’re fast. It’s one of my kind. Go back to the car.”
Quinn looked to the spot Oliver was watching. She didn’t see or hear anyone.
“He�
��s almost here. Go, Quinn.”
Jolting at the urgency in Oliver’s voice, Quinn turned and began a fast walk back to the car. She shot a look over her shoulder just before turning the corner to see Oliver still watching the same spot.
Quickening her steps, she scanned the parking lot as she walked.
What the heck was someone doing in the bushes? Were they waiting for her? Was the whole delivery a setup to get to her?
A shiver coursed down Quinn’s spine at the thought.
Once at her car, she placed the box on the roof while pulling the keys from her pocket. It took her longer than it should have and she dropped the keys in the process.
Damn nerves.
Once the door was open, Quinn quickly slid behind the wheel. She was about to lock the car when the passenger door suddenly opened.
A small gasp escaped her lips at the sight of Darren beside her.
What on Earth?
The man was almost unrecognizable. Dark circles shadowed his eyes, and his normally perfect clothes were dirty and wrinkled. His hair, which was always slicked back, was a ruffled mess.
The guy looked as far from his normal self as possible. And when she breathed in, she immediately smelled the pungent odor of whiskey. It made her want to gag.
Grasping the door handle, she was stopped by Darren’s hand on her wrist.
“You’re not going anywhere.” His grip was tight and painful.
“What are you doing here, Darren? Why aren’t you in New York?”
“Why aren’t I in New York?” He didn’t even sound like himself, his voice hoarse and desperate. “Because you can’t do what you’re fucking told!”
She tried to yank her arm from his hold, but his fingers were like a manacle around her wrist. “What are you talking about?”
“Don’t play dumb with me. You know what I wanted from you. One thing. One lousy damn thing! And you couldn’t do it.” He shook his head. “You know, they wanted me to kill you the moment you started researching the story. Stupid me, I thought I could just fire you. But they were right—you need to die.”
Ice slid through her veins.
“I tried to make it look like an accident,” Darren continued. “The bakery was supposed to explode. Your death would have been quick and easy. That was my mistake. Now I know I need to man up and do it with my bare hands.”
Her heart began to pound in her chest. “It’s done. I’ve dropped the story. I even deleted the little I’d written.”
He laughed. The sound made her stomach turn. “And you want me to just believe you? After I went so far as to fire you and you still didn’t drop the story? I don’t think so.”
“So what’s the plan? You sent your genetically altered soldier after me? Was he supposed to attack the moment I stepped up to the door?”
Darren’s body visibly tightened. “What are you talking about?”
“The genetically altered guy in the bushes! I’m assuming he’s with you.”
Real fear entered Darren’s eyes as he cast his gaze outside the car. “No. I’m alone. I’m doing what they asked. I’m shutting you up. They shouldn’t be here!”
“They told you to shut me up? Darren, how did you even become involved in this?”
If possible, his fingers tightened further. Pain roared up her arm. “That’s none of your damn business! I’m doing what I need to do to survive. They’ve got me by the balls.”
Darren reached for something behind him.
Crap. He was going to pull out a knife. Or a gun. Whatever it was, she was sure she wouldn’t like it.
Moving on instinct, Quinn grabbed the key, wrapped her fist around the base and, with all the force she could muster, punched it into Darren’s thigh.
The man yelped in pain. When he let her go and grabbed his leg, she took advantage of his distraction. Yanking the door open, she threw herself out of the car and ran back toward the building.
Please, oh, please, someone be at the desk. Preferably someone with a weapon.
Quinn was halfway across the lot when she was hit full force from behind.
Slamming to the ground hard, Quinn cried out in pain as her cheek scraped against the pavement. She tried to push up, but Darren’s body was like a giant weight holding her down.
Before she could attempt to buck him off, Darren fisted a handful of her hair, lifting her head, then slammed it back to the pavement.
Pain ricocheted through her skull. For a moment, she ceased fighting, her brain foggy.
She was vaguely aware of being rolled onto her back, but her limbs felt too heavy to move.
Large hands went to her neck.
“I didn’t want to kill you, Quinn. I tried to fire you. You wouldn’t let it go! And if I have to choose between your life and mine, I choose mine.”
Darren’s fingers tightened around her throat, cutting off her air. Quinn grabbed at his large hands, desperate to make him stop.
Panic surged through her as dark spots entered her vision. She was on the verge of losing consciousness. And if she did that, she was dead.
Mason had taught her self-defense. She needed to focus. Remember.
She couldn’t break his hold. She needed to attack the attacker. Attack his weak point.
The last scraps of energy were quickly leaving her body, along with her breath. This was her only chance.
Forcing her arms up, she put her thumbs to his eyes and dug in with as much strength as she could muster.
Darren yelped in pain before releasing her neck. His hands immediately went to her wrists.
Quinn coughed and spluttered as she sucked in as many breaths as she could.
“You bitch!”
She didn’t see it coming until it was too late. Darren punched her in the eye. The hit was fast and hard.
Through the fog of pain, she could just make out his arm reeling back, about to punch her again.
No. She couldn’t let him. She’d lose consciousness for sure this time.
As his fist came down, she moved her head to the side just in time. There was a loud crack as his fist slammed into the pavement.
Darren grabbed his wrist and rolled to the side. The man was now howling in pain.
Pushing to her feet, Quinn stumbled forward. Her legs were unsteady and her head pounded. She focused on putting one foot in front of the other.
She’d almost made it to the door of the reception office when footsteps sounded behind her.
When a hand grabbed her shoulder, she let out a scream and spun.
It wasn’t Darren. It was a man wearing a uniform. A police officer. More police stood behind him. One of those men was currently arresting Darren.
She was safe. Not as safe as if Wyatt were here. But safe for now.
Chapter 21
Wyatt took aim and fired.
Target practice was something he and his team did regularly. It was part of their training, which didn’t stop just because they had altered DNA.
That was the only reason he wasn’t watching Quinn right now; he’d missed their last practice.
“Worried you’re going to lose your touch with all that time you’re spending with Quinn?”
He turned to look at Luca. The two of them were shooting in the forest behind his house. As per usual, they’d set up targets on trees in the form of human silhouettes.
So far, Wyatt had hit his target every time.
“Don’t tell me you’re losing faith in my shot?”
Wyatt took aim at the next target. The bullet landed right in the forehead.
“I wouldn’t say I’m losing faith…I would say that a little distraction can throw some men off their game.”
Some men, maybe. Not Wyatt. Quinn wasn’t a distraction for him. She was a motivator for him to be at his best. He planned to stay at his best for a very long time. At the very least, until every person he cared about was safe.
“I won’t be missing my target. Particularly, not while Project Arma is still operating.”
Luca stepped forward and lifted his own pistol. He shot at three different silhouettes, each at varying distances. Every bullet landed in the center of the forehead. He lowered his weapon and turned back to Wyatt. “Hylar lost his main base. His drugs were seized. Most of his soldier were arrested or dead and his scientists were taken in. Other than a few men and doctors who weren’t there the day we attacked, he must have very little.”
Yet, he’d sent men to rob pharmaceutical companies and attack Maya. That told Wyatt he still had more resources than he should.
“I keep expecting him to come for us. We’ve taken so much from him.”
Luca shook his head. “He won’t kill us. His ego alone would stop him, what with him thinking he created us and all. He wants us to come back to him. He just doesn’t know how to make it happen yet.”
Unfortunately, Wyatt had to agree with his friend. Not long ago, Project Arma had invented a drug call Toved. Hylar had probably hoped it was the solution. Asher and Eden had both been injected with the stuff, just as Sage’s brother had. All it had done was make the recipients black out with rage.
If Hylar wanted a loyal army—men who would follow orders—Toved wasn’t the answer.
“Let’s just hope we find him before he achieves anything like that.”
Wyatt took aim again, this time hitting the silhouette in the heart.
Luca leaned his shoulder against a tree. “By now, he probably knows we took the drugs from Portland. All he had to do was question one of the five scientists who were in that room.”
It was true. Hylar probably would have known without the witnesses, though. Who else would be able to stop his soldiers?
“The security’s now been upgraded on everyone’s family members, hasn’t it?”
Wyatt aimed his gun at the last silhouette. This time shooting it twice, once in the heart and once in the head. “Upgraded security to alert us if their homes are breached. GPS devices have been inserted into everyone’s phones.”
It wasn’t ideal. Far from it. For now, at least, it would have to be enough. Until Wyatt came up with another layer of protection for them.
Wyatt: A steamy contemporary military romance (Project Arma Book 5) Page 15