Hunted (Love like Yours Series Book 3)

by Nicole S. Goodin

  I just smirked and shrugged.

  She rolled her eyes. “Did you talk about it this morning?”

  I thought back to this morning and I could feel the blush staining my cheeks.

  Not a lot of talking this morning…

  I opened my mouth to answer her but she interrupted me by holding up her hand.

  “Uh uh. See? I know that face, and I don’t need to hear it.”

  West chose that exact moment to walk into Ellerslie’s office, carrying his salad.

  “Oh, somebody got laid.” He pointed at me with a grin. “Spill it. I want all the goss on hotty-mc-hot-bod.”

  I burst out laughing. “God you’re just so gay sometimes West.”

  “It’s the best way to be girlfriend.” He replied without missing a beat.

  West was always so positive; nothing ever seemed to get him down for very long.

  I looked at El. “Sorry girl, majority rules!”

  She rolled her eyes and Weston winked at me before I launched into just how mind-blowing that morning had been.

  30. Harrison

  This week started so fucking well…

  I sat down heavily in my chair and let my forehead rest on the desk.

  What a fucking day.

  It had been the worst day in court I’d had in a long time.

  I’d lost a case. A big case. A case where a young woman was depending on me to come through for her.

  And I failed.

  I knew it wasn’t my fault – the accused had pulled some bullshit on the stand and somehow convinced the jury he was innocent.

  Bunch of fools.

  There was no way… no way in hell was that scum innocent.

  He’d be back on the street this evening, looking for his next victim.

  I decided then and there that I’d be out there too… putting a stop to it.

  ***

  “What’s up your ass?” Quinn snapped at me.

  I breathed out a deep breath and tried to keep my cool. What happened today wasn’t Quinn’s fault. I needed to remember that.

  “Nothing.” I murmured. “Can you pass the milk?”

  “You don’t have milk in your coffee.” She stood with her hands on her hips.

  Keep your cool… keep your cool.

  “Today I do.”

  She scowled at me and passed the bottle over.

  “Don’t be a drama queen Skippy. Not today.”

  Deep breath in…

  “I am not a drama queen.” She hissed. “You’re the one in the mood.”

  “Jesus Quinn can you just leave it alone?” I snapped.

  She opened her mouth to do the opposite.

  “Just stop talking or I’m outta here.”

  “Forget it. I’ll just leave.” She turned on her heel and stormed out of the kitchen.

  “It’s your house Skippy.” I called after her as she headed for the front door.

  “Screw you Harrison.” She yelled back. I heard her change direction and stomp towards the back of the house.

  “Then you leave.” She hollered. “Zero fucks given Harrison. ZERO.”

  Fuck my life.

  Worst day ever.

  31. Quinn

  I paced the room nervously. I felt like a little kid sneaking around behind her parents back to ring her friend when she’d been told not to.

  He answered on the second ring.

  “Hey Q, what’s up?”

  If there was anyone who knew what the hell was going on with Harrison, it was Reeve. Once I’d gotten over my anger I’d decided there was something wrong with Harrison – he wasn’t usually such a dickhead.

  “Hey, how are you?” I answered nervously.

  “I’m good. You?”

  “Good.” I replied, stalling.

  “Spit it out Q, we both know you didn’t ring to make small talk.”

  I blew out a deep breath.

  “Something’s wrong with Harrison.” I told him.

  “What do you mean?” I heard him shut a door in the background.

  “I don’t know.” I confessed.

  “Is he hurt?” Reeve asked, his voice slightly panicked.

  “No. Nothing like that.” I reassured him quickly. “He’s just…” I trailed off, unsure of how to explain.

  “Jesus Quinn, what the hell is wrong?”

  “He’s moody.” I finally said. “He turned up in a mood. He’s aggressive and looking to pick a fight. We argued about milk for fuck sakes… did I do something wrong?”

  I sat down in a chair, keeping my eyes on the door of Logan’s office. I knew he’d gone for a shower, so I was confident I wouldn’t get caught, but given the mood he was in, I didn’t want to risk him catching me talking about him.

  “Ahh.” Reeve replied knowingly.

  “Ahh what?” I asked, exasperated by this whole situation.

  “He lost a case today.”

  “And?” I pressed.

  “And that’s why he’s in a mood.”

  I scoffed.

  That’s it? This is just about a case?

  “He takes it incredibly seriously Q. It wasn’t a very pretty case. He feels like he let a woman down today.”

  “Did he?” I felt bad for asking, but I needed to know.

  “Not at all.” Reeve replied.

  Of course not. He always gives it one hundred percent.

  “Then why is he taking it so hard?”

  “It’s who he is. He feels responsible for getting her justice. He really cares about helping people.”

  My insides warmed at Reeve’s description of his friend.

  “He’s a good man.” I thought aloud.

  “He is. It guts me to see him so torn up. Be strong for him Quinn. He’ll need you.”

  My stomach dropped at the thought of how cut up he was about this.

  “I’ll try.” I promised. “Thanks Reeve.”

  “Anytime honey.”

  ***

  I could still hear the shower running when I snuck back out of Logan’s office. I tiptoed into my bathroom and silently peeled my clothes off. I was playing with fire here, I didn’t know how he’d react to me invading his space, but I’d never been one to shy away from a challenge, I reasoned with myself, and I wasn’t about to start now.

  I peeked into the tiled shower; he was standing under the stream of water, his back to me and his forehead resting against the wall.

  I considered calling his name, but decided against it.

  For now… no words.

  I slid in behind him and slipped my arms around his waist, pulling his toned back against my front. He didn’t even flinch, from his lack of surprise, he must have known I was coming. I rested my cheek against his shoulder blades.

  His muscles were tense, wound tight like a rubber band ready to snap.

  I held him, the hot water pelting us both for the longest time.

  Eventually I felt his muscles start to relax under my body. He loosened my hold and turned around slowly. His face was a mask of hurt and disappointment.

  My heart ached at the expression he wore.

  My Harrison…

  I reached up and stroked his face gently, rubbing at the frown lines between his eyes.

  He stood stock still, not touching me.

  His eyes were dark and hard as they locked on mine and I searched them for a sign that he was okay… that we would be okay.

  My thumb brushed over his bottom lip and I couldn’t handle the space between us a moment longer.

  I rose up on my tip toes and placed a gentle kiss on the corner of his mouth; testing the waters for how he’d react.

  He didn’t respond.

  I kissed him again, firmer this time, and with more urgency.

  His mouth opened slightly in acceptance.

  My hands found the hair at the nape of his neck at the same time that his found my waist, gently pulling me closer.

  He kissed me back now, and I could feel his body starting to respond to me.

&
nbsp; He dipped his head and placed chaste kisses along my jaw line.

  “Harrison.” I whispered softly.

  I’d been expecting him to respond to me with fire, not tenderness. If anything, I thought he’d want to fuck me, hard. But his soft lips and gentle touch were telling a different story.

  “Quinn.” He murmured into my neck.

  “Take me to bed?” I whispered.

  His strong arms lifted me, holding me tight against his body as our mouths met again.

  He carried me out of the shower, not even pausing to shut the water off, and into my bedroom.

  He sat down on the bed and lowered his back to the mattress, leaving me straddling him.

  He looked so vulnerable in that moment and it terrified me.

  Where is my strong, dominant man?

  Reeve’s earlier words flooded my mind.

  “Be strong for him Quinn. He’ll need you.”

  Harrison needed me… he needed me to be strong for him.

  I dipped my head down to his and took control.

  32. Harrison

  I couldn’t help but glance back at her as I head for the door. Just the sight of her, sound asleep, made my chest burn.

  Why is this so god damn hard?

  I knew it was her. The idea of leaving her here, innocent and trusting, while I roamed the streets was what was causing me physical pain.

  She’d done so much for me tonight. She let me have space to wallow… she came to me when I needed her, she took control when I couldn’t… she was incredible.

  She brought me back.

  I knew I didn’t deserve a woman like Quinn.

  Get back into bed.

  I wanted so badly to forget this whole mess and snuggle back into her side, but I couldn’t.

  Olivia’s terrified face flashed through my mind and I knew I didn’t have a choice.

  I have to go.

  ***

  I looked at Quinn over my bowl of cornflakes.

  I got fucking lucky.

  I’d gone out last night, and come back without Quinn being any the wiser. I was in a much better mood too. I’d got my man last night, and I hadn’t even needed to use my fists. He’d begged me not to hurt him, like the pathetic little weasel he was, and then he took his slimy ass down to the station and handed himself over.

  One look at the pure rage in my eyes had told him everything he needed to know… I wasn’t here to fuck around.

  “You look tired.” Quinn commented, looking back at me. “Did you not sleep well?”

  My stomach dropped.

  Does she know?

  “I…” I cleared my throat. “Ah, I woke up and couldn’t get back to sleep, so I came and got a drink and sat around down here for a bit.”

  She studied me closely and I could feel my heart racing.

  Jesus Hunt. Get it together.

  “You should try warm milk next time.” She smiled as she stood to take her bowl to the sink.

  “What am I? A kitten?” I chuckled.

  She giggled and threw a tea towel at me. “Don’t forget we’ve got Stella’s party this afternoon.”

  “Like I’d forget my best girl’s birthday.” I teased her.

  Stella loved me. Even Quinn couldn’t deny it. I don’t know what it was about that little girl, but she just melted my heart. We’d hit it off right from our first meeting, and now every time I saw her, she’d hold her arms out to me for a hug.

  Quinn pretended to be mad but I could practically see her ovaries exploding every time I was around Stella.

  “What’d you get her for a gift then, since you’re BFF’s and all?” Quinn asked smugly, strolling towards the door.

  Shit.

  “Aunty Quinn, one. BFF, zero.” She called over her shoulder as she went out of sight.

  Ah crap.

  “I was just kidding Quinn.” I called after her. “You know you’re my best girl.”

  I got no reply.

  “Quinn?” I called again. “You’re putting my name on the card… right?”

  I heard her laugh float down the stairs.

  Is it too late to go shopping?

  ***

  I shook my head in dismay; still not quite comprehending what the hell I’d just bore witness too.

  “Swear to god Skippy, I’ve never seen so much pink sparkly shit in my entire life.”

  Quinn just laughed. She knew Ellerslie a lot better than I did, and she was nowhere near as shocked at the girly explosion that had just occurred in Lawson and Ellerslie’s living room.

  “I don’t know how Lawson handles that shit.”

  Quinn rolled her eyes. “Oh please. He’s worse than El. That little girl has her daddy wrapped around her little finger, she might only be one year old, but she makes eyes at him, and he gives her whatever the hell she wants. I’m terrified for when she becomes a teenager.”

  I couldn’t exactly say I blamed him, I wasn’t sure I’d want to be the one to look at that angel face and say the word no.

  “Did you get much of a chance to talk to my mom?”

  I grinned. “Yeah me and Whitney are thick as thieves.”

  She whacked at my arm, but was too slow. “I’m serious.” She moaned. “Did you get to know her at all?”

  I had got to know a bit about Whitney Adams. She seemed like an incredible woman, it wasn’t hard to see how Quinn had turned out the way she had. She was grounded and sweet and had a real appreciation for life. It was obvious she loved her children and granddaughter more than life.

  “Yeah we talked. It was nice.” I smiled at Quinn. “She seems like a pretty special lady.”

  Her face lit up. “Yeah, she’s the best.”

  “So she raised you both on her own?”

  “With the help of my nana and pop.”

  “Where are they? Texas?”

  Her smile fell for a moment. “They both passed away a few years back.”

  Shit.

  “I’m sorry.” I reached for her hand and squeezed it gently.

  “Oh don’t be.” She waved away my apology with her free hand. “I love talking about them, they were great people.”

  She smiled brightly at me. “They were so good to Lawson and I. I learned how to snowboard with them, and they always encouraged me to chase my dreams with my dancing.”

  She looked so vibrant and alive when she talked about them; it was blatantly obvious that she had a lot of love for her grandparents.

  “If it weren’t for them, I’m not sure I ever would have pursued either of my passions.”

  I was never going to meet either of these people, but if I could, I’d thank them. Anything that put a sparkle in Quinn’s eye was always going to be in my good books.

  33. Quinn

  Two whole weeks without a fight.

  We’re making progress.

  ***

  My eyes opened and shut drowsily as I tried to make out my surroundings.

  Harrison’s bedroom.

  I rolled over in the darkness and reached out for him.

  “Harrison?”

  The bed was empty and cold. He’d been gone for a while.

  Not again.

  He couldn’t be doing this to me again.

  “Where the fuck are you?” I murmured into the still room.

  I wanted to give him the benefit of the doubt. I wanted to imagine him sitting in the living room, maybe because he couldn’t sleep, but I just knew better, he thought I hadn’t noticed the last time he disappeared a couple of weeks back… but I had.

  I pulled the sheet around my body and padded barefoot to the doorway.

  “Harrison?” I called down the hallway. “Are you here?”

  There was no answer.

  I knew he wasn’t here. The house was missing his presence.

  I sighed and blinked back the tears that had sprung in the corners of my eyes. “Fuck you Harrison Hunt.” I whispered into the emptiness.

  I dressed and walked to the door. He thought he could leave me?
Well fuck that, I was leaving him. I wouldn’t be here waiting, not this time.

  Let’s see how you like it.

  Nicki Minaj’s ‘Bed of Lies’ came on the radio as I drove away from his house.

  “Do you ever think of me when you lie,

  Lie down in your bed, your bed of lies?

  And I knew better than to look in your eyes

  They only pretend you would be mine

  And oh how you made me believe

  You had me caught in every web that you weaved

  But do you ever think of me when you lie,

  Lie down in your bed, your bed of lies?”

  Oh the irony.

  I changed the station.

  34. Harrison

  I jogged down the street, my breath visible in front of me in the cool night.

  I knew this wasn’t the best plan I’d ever had, but it was too late to back out now, I could see the neon sign flashing up ahead. I knew he would be in there.

  I approached the door of the tattoo parlor and pressed my back against the wall for a moment to get my breath back. I’d parked about half a dozen blocks over. The last thing I needed was some asshole getting my license plate.

  I thought through my game plan. I knew I could get him alone. I called earlier for an appointment and had been told he was the only artist working tonight and he was booked up until he finished at eleven.

  These guys work some queer hours.

  This guy was only a tattooist for show. His specialty was pimping out girls that were too young to know better. They all wore his mark, his brand. A small tiger tattoo was etched into the skin on each of their bodies. That’s what he was known as, ‘Tiger’, and the symbol alone was enough to instill fear into every street hanging gangster on this side of town.

  Tiger Bronson’s gang was not something to be taken lightly. The man himself was nothing, but the connections he had were anything but.

  I knew I had to do this, and I had to do it now. Max wasn’t getting away with this, and the only person who might have the information I needed was behind this door – all three hundred pounds of him.

  I pushed open the door and the bell above it rang out, signaling my arrival.