Pretty Little Promises

Ch. 12: The Sacred Mantra

EMERY

Sitting by the fireplace, my arms crossed tightly, I watch the front door with a mixture of anxiety and frustration. Damon paces behind the armchair, his agitation evident in the sharpness of his movements. Is this Murphy's Law in effect? First, my parents, and now this? The last thing I expected was a phone call from Agent Ube, informing me that Quin attempted to confront Toni on his own and got tased. What an idiot. I knew he was lying about what he was doing, but this? This was completely reckless.

My head snaps up as the lock clicks, and Quin comes strutting through, an air of nonchalance about him that only serves to infuriate me further. Really? Is he going to pretend nothing happened? Before I have a chance to begin my lecture, Damon storms toward Quin, his anger palpable.

"What in the fuck were you thinking?! You went after Toni? By yourself?" Damon's voice booms, his large frame rattling as he glares at a stunned Quin. "I should sock you in the face right now for acting so stupid!"

Quin sighs, his gaze shifting sheepishly over Damon's shoulder toward me. "I'd prefer if you didn't. I'm still rather sore."

"Yeah?" I bristle, sneering at him. "Sore from what, Quin?"

Quin closes his eyes, evidently showing defeat. "I apologize, okay? I know... I know it was foolish to go see her by myself and—"

I hop up from the armchair, stalking toward him, my tone low and dangerous. "Foolish? Foolish? Foolish doesn't even come close. She could've killed you, Quinton. She could've—"

Quin grabs me by the shoulders, stabilizing me, grounding me. His gaze connects with mine as he speaks, his voice earnest. "I should have told you, I know, but—" He swallows. "I didn't want to worry you."

I scoff, pushing myself out of his embrace. "Worry me?" I glance at Damon, who remains stoic, his anger simmering just beneath the surface. "He didn't want to worry me." I whip my head back at Quin and smack him on the chest. "You—" Another smack. "Are." Smack. "An." Smack. "Idiot!" I release a loud groan, running my hands through my hair. "This week... I can't. First my parents with their impending visit and now this?!" I glare at Quin. "You're aware I have a heart problem, aren't you? Are you trying to kill me, Quinton? Are you?!"

Damon narrows his eyes, ignoring my dramatics. "Your parents are coming to visit?"

My face pales, and I close my eyes, willing the headache away. "Yes," I squeak. "They're planning to stay here this weekend, and..." My wincing gaze flicks between Quin and Damon. "And meet my boyfriend."

Damon's jaw ticks. "Boyfriend."

Quin swallows, his expression empathetic. "They're coming here?"

I flap my arms in frustration. "Yes, since I haven't gone and seen my parents for a while, my mother assumed I'm in a relationship and that's what keeping me so busy, and now..." I place a palm over my forehead. "Now I have a headache."

"When are they coming?" Damon asks through his teeth.

Damon's face falls as I relay the news. "Friday evening. They're wanting to spend the night... here."

"I see," Damon responds evenly. "I guess I'll make myself scarce." He glances at Quin. "Have fun meeting her parents."

Fuck. This is awful. He looks so hurt. I don't want to be the reason he's in pain, whether momentarily or long-term.

"I want you to be there," I say quietly. "At dinner."

Damon lifts a brow. "You want me... at dinner?"

A small hopeful smile plays on Quin's lips. "Are you going to tell them—"

"No," I whisper, my apologetic gaze floating to Damon. "I'm not but—"