Free Quinn II (Undaunted Men #2) by J.C. Cliff Page A

old man,” I tease.
    “Ohh, I see how this goes. Do you need this old man to demonstrate his skills for you again?” He shoots me a knowing grin. I laugh and lean into him, looking up at him through my lashes, and he shakes his head. “You think your charm is gonna get you out of that remark?”
    “Yep, I sure do,” I singsong. I pause in our walking to stretch upward and give him a peck on the cheek then lean my head against his thick bicep. “I will miss all the camo garb you wear.”
    “I’ll wear it twenty-four-seven if it means you’ll never leave me again.” Even though his voice is lighthearted, I stiffen at his words, knowing the last time I tried to run away really hurt him.  
    “I’m sorry, Quinn,” I begin.
    He steps in front of me, forcing me to a halt, and lifts my chin to meet his gaze. “I didn’t mean anything by that statement,” he assures me, concern etched in his eyes.
    “I know…I just...”
    “You’re done running from me,” he growls in a dominant, controlling voice. “There’s something called communication, and we’re going to start using it. End of discussion.” I nod my head, and he leans down to softly kiss me, and then grins over my lips. “Or I’ll have to fuck some more sense into you.”
    “Mmm, I kind of like the sound of that.” I smile back.  
    “That can be arranged,” he taunts, “minus the fuck-ups, of course.”
    “I don’t know; I kind of like the angry sex.”
    He pulls back, his blue eyes blazing with mischief. “Well, you are female. I’m sure it won’t take me long to piss you off in some way, shape or form.” I scoff and swat at his broad chest. He grabs my wrist then winks at me. “Come on, woman. I’m ready to get you home.”
    He tugs at my hand and we start making our way down the trail again. I believe he’s put my mind to rest regarding my fears over the trust issues I have with men. I suppose over the years, even growing up, Vince had really done a number on me. He’d always been able to strong-arm me into doing things his way, usually by sugar coating things so I wouldn't know any better. He was astute like that, always knowing how to play me. He was so charismatic, I usually wasn’t aware of his schemes until after the fact. It wasn’t until later in life I became wiser to his games, and even then, he could blindside me. Being with Vince was like playing a nonstop game of chess with a pro. The brain games were exhausting.  
    A half hour later, we’ve grown silent, and I’ve found myself daydreaming, retracing the steps of our hot shower sex. When Quinn abruptly stops and tugs on my hand, I shake myself out of my fantasy daydream, and all my lascivious thoughts come to an end. When he tightens his grip on me to the point of pain, I give him a perplexed look.
    “Ho-ly shit,” Quinn murmurs, slowly pronouncing his vowels. Confused, I look around to see what Quinn sees.  
    I draw in a quick, sharp breath, feeling as if a sledgehammer has slammed into my chest. I think a sledgehammer would have felt better instead of witnessing the sight of Vince and his dark men as they surround us. Kimber is at Quinn’s side and lets out a low, menacing growl meant to intimidate and threaten, and I don’t have to see her to know her hair is standing on end.
    “Easy, girl,” Quinn tells her in a gentle, soothing tone. “Stand down.” My heart pounds in my ears, and in a split second, the tension in the air is about to snap in two. I glance at Quinn and know immediately he’s calculating how to defend us, but it looks as if we’re outnumbered.  
    I count five armed men, and knowing Vince, those are only the ones he wants us to see. There's no telling how many more are at our backs, or possibly hidden behind foliage. Terror fills my lungs with a choking thickness, and I can’t breathe. I glance at Kimber who is waiting on one simple command from Quinn that would cause all hell to break lose. Vince's men begin closing in on us like a