Chapter 25
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THE NEXT TWO WEEKS flew by as they settled into their new routine.
They spent every night together, cooking dinner, occasionally meeting up with their friends, and then coming home and making love.
Knox was insatiable in the bedroom, and Quinn thrilled at being in his arms, his hard body moving over her own.
He’d taken her in all sorts of positions, and she blushed just thinking about the many ways he’d commanded her body.
They’d talked about their life and dreams. Both wanted kids someday—a family of their own. While they both worked hard in their careers, they agreed they wanted more than just a good paycheck. Quinn could see having it all with him, and she was excited for everything that was yet to come.
Knox typically drove Quinn into the office each morning, the two of them walking into the lobby together like they’d been doing it for years. No one was surprised that they were officially a couple now, but everyone had been thrilled.
“Knox looks at you the way Boone looks at me,” Radley confided one day. “I’m used to handling myself, but trust me, those guys on Bravo Team are all assertive alpha males. They’re protective as hell when they meet the woman they want.”
“Don’t I know it,” Quinn joked.
Emily’s ears perked up, and she looked over from her computer. “I don’t think any of them have noticed me,” she mock-complained.
Radley smirked. “You have your eye on one of Bravo Team? We could absolutely help set you up.”
Emily smiled without comment.
“That’s a yes,” Quinn noted. “Not Gage,” she said thoughtfully. “He’s too...well...he’s Gage.”
The women laughed. “He’s too much of a player,” Radley agreed. “He’s still talking about that woman Sloane you guys met in Kabul. She must’ve been something.”
“Badass is the word you’re looking for,” Quinn said. “She’s probably more similar to you than Emily, personality wise. I don’t think Emily is Gage’s type, or vice versa, for that matter. There’s Xaden,” she mused. “And Cooper.”
Emily flushed. “He’s a major flirt.”
The women didn’t get a chance to continue their conversation because several of the team came in just then.
“Looking good, Quinncess,” Cooper teased as he walked into her office. “Ladies,” he added, flashing a smile at both Radley and Emily.
“Thanks,” Quinn said. “Have you been out there breaking any hearts this week?”
“Just a few,” he joked. “I told all the ladies they can’t fight over me though.”
“Ha ha. I’m just waiting for the day you fall head over heels for some poor, unsuspecting woman,” she teased. “She’ll never know what hit her.”
“Unsuspecting?” Cooper asked. “Nuh-uh. When I find the woman I want, she’ll absolutely know I’m chasing after her. I gotta lay on all the Cooper charm.”
“Lord help us,” Radley quipped.
“You’re just sorry Boone snagged you first,” Cooper said.
The women exchanged a glance, bursting into laughter.
It felt good to be back in the office joking around with her friends.
Quinn had taken for granted how good it felt to be simply living her daily life.
They were all fairly new, but they were already like family.
Just thinking about what she’d almost lost during her terrifying ordeal made her want to burst into tears.
She’d been doing really well, waking only occasionally at night.
She knew that was because Knox was with her.
Her return home had been a whirlwind, and someday, when everything was settled and Qureshi was captured, she hoped she’d be able to move on entirely.
“I hate to break up the fun, but I have some news to share,” Knox said.
The room sobered, everyone looking to him.
“What’s wrong?” Quinn asked.
“Qureshi is on the move. He was put back on the no-fly list, but he was spotted this morning.”
“That asshole never should’ve gotten back in the country,” Radley said, interrupting him. “Heads need to roll for the fact that he’s even on American soil.”
“Damn right,” Cooper agreed. “I don’t know who those fuck-ups are at Customs, but there’s no way he should’ve been let in.”
“Where was he spotted?” Quinn asked. “Why didn’t they arrest him?”
“Apparently, he tried to board a flight in Chicago. He must’ve arranged transportation there from Boston. The airport police were called when he caused a commotion, but he ran from the gate before anyone could stop him.”
“He’s heading west,” Quinn said, her voice thin.
Knox moved toward her, resting a broad hand on the back of her neck.
He gave her a gentle squeeze, trying to soothe her.
“It stands to reason he’d come back to the west coast even if he’s not looking for you.
Their entire operation was based out of the L.A.
area. He still has contacts. Personal belongings.
We’ll be on alert, but he might not even have you on his radar. ”
“What happened to his apartment?” Radley asked.
“It was searched by the Feds, and some of his belongings were confiscated. He still has clothes and furniture and shit there. Once he stops paying rent, the landlord will no doubt get rid of it, but in the meantime....” Knox’s voice trailed off.
Quinn cleared her throat, already back to business. “I can get into the surveillance systems there. We can monitor their cameras to see if he returns.”
“That’s a good idea,” Knox murmured.
“We’ll all be on alert,” Cooper stressed. He eyed Quinn. “I know Knox has been staying at your place, but maybe you should stay at his apartment instead. Qureshi doesn’t know any of Bravo Team’s names or addresses. It’d be safer.”
“He’s right,” Knox agreed. “I can protect you, but why make it easier for him? He’d be a fool to show up at Shadow Security, and there’s a much better chance he’d come right to your front door.”
Quinn frowned. “Yeah. All right. I’ll pack a suitcase this weekend, clear out the fridge or whatever needs to be done, and move in with Knox.”
He caught her eye, his expression unreadable. He was mad about the situation, but there was something simmering beneath, too. Knox ducked, pressing a chaste kiss to her forehead. The others continued talking, but he murmured quietly in her ear. “I like the idea of you in my space—in my bed.”
She blushed, and his eyes grew hot.
Knox licked his lips, smiling. “Think my neighbors will hear you, too?” he joked.
Quinn playfully swatted at him, and he snagged her hand, bringing it to his mouth for a soft kiss.
“Look at you two all lovey-dovey,” Radley said. “Like I said, he’s smitten with you.”
Quinn flushed, but Knox only chuckled. “Damn right I am.”
The rest of the workday passed quickly, a variety of things on the table.
New jobs were landing on Holt’s desk, and Xaden and Cooper had already been tasked with an assignment.
Quinn and the IT staff got into various surveillance systems to monitor Qureshi’s potential return.
They were attempting to track his credit cards as well, but he hadn’t used any since his arrival back in the U.S.
His phone wasn’t pinging any cell towers either.
It was unnerving not knowing where he was or if he’d attempt to find her, and Quinn was ready to put the entire thing behind her and move on with the love of her life.