Quinn I (Undaunted Men #1) Read Online Free Page B

“You’ve got options. I can help you.”
    My heart pounded in my ears as I tried to shake my head, but couldn’t. He still had me in a jaw lock. However, it didn’t stop my eyes from spinning wild with animosity. “Don’t you think you’ve done enough helping already? Oh wait,” I paused, pretending to think, “you probably have one more task left after removing your nose from Vince’s ass, right? I’m sure he’s given you the task of turning me over to the authorities.”
    He narrows his eyes and growls at me in exasperation. He lets me go and steps back, running both of his hands through his hair in a show of frustration. “No, I’m not turning you in. I would never do that. I came here to tell you that I have an escape plan for you. It’s already in place - all you have to do is take it.”
    “What?” I hoarsely asked as I tried to catch my breath. “What are you talking about?”  
    He stepped forward and cradled my cheeks, his eyes flicked over mine, imploring me to trust him. “I’ve worked out a way for you to break free of this mess, if you want.” Well, I certainly didn’t expect this turn of events to come from Connor. I eyed him warily, wondering what his ulterior motive was.
    “Lexi,” he sighs saying my name as if he was at his wits end. “I told you I’d always have your back. How could you have doubted me on that?”  
    I scoffed in reaction, my brows coming together in disbelief. “Where would you like me to start?” I asked, my tone full of bitter sarcasm.
    He nodded his head as if he were coming to terms with something. Letting go of my cheeks, he reached inside his jacket pocket and pulled out a sealed, white envelope. His eyes softened on mine as he held the thick envelope out in front of me, willing me to take it.
    I tilted my head to the side, remaining speculative about the mystery envelope he held in his hand, along with the intent behind the gesture. His tall six foot frame hovered over me as he looked down on me with what I thought was sympathy. His disposition had turned a one-eighty from the way he was acting this morning with Vince, and it put me on edge. This was the type of behavior indicative of Vince, hot one moment then cold the next. His hair dips down over his forehead, momentarily giving him back a boyish charm, reminding me of the sweet Connor I grew up with.
    I don’t know what he wants me to do. “I…I…” I stumbled for words, confused, and came up empty.  
    “I had a strong feeling if your back was to the wall, like it is now, you’d most likely want a way out,” he explained.
    “I don’t understand.”
    His entire expression reflects utter sorrow. “Look, I know it looks as if I’m the bad guy, but I’m not. For reasons you won’t understand, I had to play along with Vince this morning, but I’m here now to set things right.”
    “You can’t fix my life, Connor; nobody can. It’s in shambles.”
    “No,” he says, barely shaking his head. “Inside this envelope is something special. It holds your freedom, Lexi,” he says with a bit of excited urgency. “The choice is yours. You’d be a fool not to take it, but I’ll help you with whatever it is you decide.” He tapped my chest with the thick envelope, which apparently contained deliverance, but of what, I wasn’t sure. “Take it, Lexi. This is my gift to you.”  
    His lips turned down, his tone changing to regret. “Sometimes I think I should have offered this to you a long time ago.” He glanced down to his feet for a brief moment, and then lifted his head, giving me a remorseful frown. “I will make sure Griffen is well taken care of.”  
    “What? What do you mean by that?” Griffen is my life. I’m not liking the sound of this.
    He ignored my question as he patiently waited in silence. When I placed my hand over his, I looked down and noticed my hands were trembling. I looked back up to him with a million questions dancing behind my eyes. What happened to the