Free Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) by Belinda Boring

into him, clinging desperately as I cried. He’d never felt as good as he did right then, and he intensified his embrace. It was a short-lived victory, however. His body stiffened and he stood back—holding me at arm’s length.
    He searched me for any damage and faltered when he saw the bruising around my throat. He knew he’d been the cause, and judging by the blanched expression he wore, he was sickened.
    “I knew it,” he whispered. “You’re not even safe from me.” He staggered backward, putting more distance between us. He looked frantic as he raised his hands to stop me from approaching. “Listen. I don’t know how much longer I can stay this way. It’s building again so you need to promise something.”
    I opened my mouth to argue. Knowing me like he did, he quickly interrupted.
    “No. You need to get as far away as possible, and no matter what happens, you don’t come looking for me. If there’s a cure, I’ll find you. Promise me.”
    “But I don’t want to leave you.” I knew I sounded desperate, but I didn’t care. We rarely spent time apart—the idea appalled me.       
    “Promise!” he shouted, a tremor moving through him.
    “Okay, I promise!” I cried. I watched as he convulsed and his eyes began flickering again.
    “Now run, Bri. Run!”
    I love you, I mouthed, and began running down the street, careful to avoid the fights that were still breaking out. Just as I reached the corner, I paused, hoping for one more glimpse of Quinn. He was standing where I’d left him, staring at me.
    I couldn’t see whether he’d converted back, but as I waved goodbye, his face took on the predator appearance I’d seen earlier. With a sarcastic smirk that still seemed strange, he raised his fingers in a saluting gesture.
    I received the message loud and clear—the hunt was on, and in that moment I knew the Quinn I loved was gone.
     

Chapter Seven
     
    The farther I ran, the deeper the ache of separation tore through me. Step after agonizing step, reality drove home that he was gone and I had no clue what had happened—why he’d changed. The only thing I knew was I wouldn’t rest until I fixed whatever it was.
    Every look he’d given me churned in my mind—every harsh word and tone echoed until all I wanted to do was scream. Nothing I did seemed to work as I frantically tried dismissing the repeated images of Quinn glaring with those hateful eyes. I couldn’t shake how he’d had no qualms in killing me.
    I started crying and it infuriated me. Tears were a luxury I didn’t have time for—a weakness I couldn’t allow to take over. Now more than ever, I needed to keep strong. There was too much at stake.
    The familiar streets of Penshurst became a blur as I fled down Wilmont, passing storefronts and restaurants. I didn’t stop for anyone, ignoring the shouts and protests around me, keeping a steady pace. I had no destination in mind and finally stopped when the stitch in my side threatened to cripple me. Resting alongside the large window display of Reese’s boutique, I held my stomach tightly as the fiery stab almost drove me to my knees.
    Every instinct I had screeched to continue running, that no distance would ever be safe enough. An almost hysterical gurgle rose up as I realized how absurd that sounded. The only place I had ever felt protected was with Quinn and I’d been robbed of him.
    A fresh shard of pain pierced my heart as the loss hit me again. Closing my eyes, I wished this were a nightmare—willing myself to wake up. My body ceased protesting, and exhaustion took control. I wanted to crawl into a tiny ball and fade away—somewhere the hurt couldn’t reach me.
    His image flashed through my mind and I automatically flinched. Barely holding onto my sanity, I knew if I was reminded of those ice blue eyes one more time, I’d vomit. Willing myself to focus on the real Quinn, I pictured him whispering my name—a gentle smile on his lips that lightened his entire