Quinn-
I stagger back from the solid hit, blinking as the guy advances on me, his fists raised.
Quinn, I’m sorry.
It’s the last thought I have before I hit the ground, and it all goes black.
24
Quinn
I’m awake when he comes home later. Well, I’m fairly sure I’m asleep at first actually, curled up in the large couch in his study. But the loud crash and the sound of shattering glass has me bolting from my sleep and from the couch with wide eyes and my breath in my throat as I dash towards the sounds. A cold chill seizes my heart as I round the corner, and my hands fly to my mouth when I see Logan slumped over on the floor next to a broken lamp.
Oh, God-
I’m running into the room, and I’m at least four steps in when I shriek as I realize we’re not alone, and the scream hitches like cold water in my throat.
“Well hello there, bonita.” Javier has his arms crossed over his chest and a predatory glint in his eyes as he grins at me, backed by two big looking guys who look incapable of smiling. I’m freezing mid step, and I glance back towards the doorway as Javier laughs; “Aww, now don’t go leaving the party just yet, chica. You just got here!”
He blows me a kiss that has my skin crawling, and one of his guys is stepping behind me to block the doorway.
“Get the fuck away from her, or I’ll-”
I scream and Logan grunts as Javier strides over and cuts him off with a kick to the ribs; “You’ll do what now?” He says with a leering grin down at Logan; “So sorry cabrón, I think you mumbled that last bit.” Logan grits his teeth and glares up the man, but Javier only laughs again and turns towards me. I can feel the blood pounding in my ears.
I’m suddenly keenly aware that this is a world I know nothing about, and that I’m so far out of my element with seeing actual mobsters - or whatever these guys are - inflicting real violence. I immediately think of my time as a med student working the late-night E.R. shift and patching up all manner of stabbings, or busted faces, or cracked ribs from people fighting. But I’ve only ever seen the aftermath, and seeing the first part being enacted right here in the supposed safety of Logan’s home is almost too surreal to even take in.
“Sorry if we woke you, baby,” Javier says, his eyes drifting down over my t-shirt and making me shiver uncomfortably; “We just had to bring your boyfriend back home.” He mimes tossing a drink back; “Think he had a bit too many,” he finished with a wink. “But hey, listen, I could do with a little nightcap if you wanted, honey.” The wicked look on his face has my heart pounding in my ears like a freight train as I slowly take a step back and narrow my eyes at him; “Don’t you fucking touch me.” I hiss.
Logan makes another move on the floor, but one of Javier’s guys keeps him down with a booted foot on his chest as they all laugh.
“Relax, honey,” Javier says with another lecherous grin; “But hey, if you’re into the mercenary type and you wanna try something new,” He winks and grabs his crotch, and I sneer at him in disgust; “Maybe you’d like a guy who doesn’t get his ass kicked so much?” He turns and chuckles down at the bleeding and enraged looking Logan pinned to the floor; “You know, I taught this fucking pendejo everything he fuckin knows back in Africa, and this is the kind of thanks I get!” He sighs dramatically and shakes his head; “Always gotta play the game his way, even when I tell you not to, huh Logan? Always gotta be on top instead of just knowing your fuckin place.”
I frown; Mercenary? Africa? What’s this guy even talking about?
Javier’s eyes light up as soon as he sees the look of confusion on my face; “Oh shit; he still hasn’t told you has he!” He starts to laugh out this grating, horrible chuckle; “Man, Irish, only a guy like you could get away with hittin’ a cutie like this and still not telling her where you came from. Shit, I’m almost impressed!” He chuckles before he turns his gaze on me, a glint in his eye; “And you’re his daughter! You’re William Archer’s kid, and you still don’t know!”
His laugh curls into an evil looking grin as my face betrays my shock; “Oh I know who you are, honey,” He says quietly; “I know exactly who you are, and I also know where to find you and those pretty little sisters of yours.” He grins; “So how about we keep tonight just between us friends, comprendes?” He shoots me a last, lingering wink that has every muscle in my body tensing before he shrugs and turns; “Well, looks like my work here is done!” He nudges Logan with the toe of his boot; “See you next time, Irish.”