My Pulse

Chapter 24: Quinn Keane

The saleswoman drags me through the store, and I'm in awe. I've never been surrounded by this much extravagance in my life. Wearing Cian's baggy black t-shirt and his jeans that are practically falling off me, I feel completely out of place. I'm not usually embarrassed, but this? This is kind of mortifying. The way the women here are looking at me, it's like they think I'm homeless. I want to tell them to fuck off, but I hold my tongue. They have no right to judge anyone. 

Inside the dressing room, clothes are thrust at me one after another. I hate trying on clothes, but I can't deny the allure of this luxury. 
"What about this dress with these shoes for your outing tonight?" the blonde saleswoman asks, holding up an outfit. 
"I love it," I tell her. 

I try it on and stand in front of the mirror. Dang, I look great. The white bodycon dress hugs every inch of me and falls elegantly just above my knee. The fabric drapes off my shoulder in a ruffle, adding a soft, feminine touch. Paired with the white wedge sandals, the look is both stylish and comfortable. 
"What about these sunglasses and this purse to match?" she asks, handing me the accessories. 

I open the curtain, and she gives me an admiring look. 
"That looks great on you," she says perkily, clearly no longer willing to mess with me after seeing Cian's earlier death glare. 

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I walk out to find Cian, eager to show him the outfit. As soon as he senses my presence, he turns, and a huge grin spreads across his face. His smile is contagious, and before I know it, I'm smiling just as hard. This man is absolutely crazy. He makes me feel so many things. 

"Quinn, you look amazing," he says, his eyes sweeping over me with unmistakable hunger. 
"I love this dress. Thank you," I tell him. 
"Get whatever you want, baby. Especially dresses...and maybe some lingerie?" he adds with a wicked smile. 
"Maybe," I tease. 

He watches me walk away, and I can feel his gaze on me until I'm out of sight. Changing into a pair of jeans and a light silk blouse, I get ready to leave. The saleswoman informs me she'll handle the checkout with Cian. 

When I walk out, I'm greeted by the sight of Cian and his driver surrounded by a literal mountain of shopping bags. Shaking my head, I approach him. 
"This is too much. It's ridiculous," I tell him. "Cian, I can't even take all of this back with me on a plane." 
He smirks, completely unfazed. "And where do you think you're going without me?" 
"Cian, I need to go home. I have to check on my parents and friends," I reply firmly. 

"You mean Rory?" Cian snaps, his expression darkening. 
"What's your problem with Rory?" I ask, frowning. 
"He's in love with you," Cian states, staring me down. 
I laugh in his face. "Rory? That's just ridiculous." 
"You don't see the way he looks at you when he thinks you aren't looking," Cian continues. "Anyway, he wants what's mine. And you're not going anywhere." 

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He practically pushes me into the back of the car as his driver rolls up the partition, separating us from the front. 
"I didn't realize I was a prisoner," I say, glaring at him. 
"It's for your protection," he replies, trying to reassure me. 

When he places his hand on my thigh, I push it away. 
"You can't keep me locked up here with you. I need to check on my family and friends." 
"It won't be for long. We could be there as soon as this weekend, in fact," he says with a knowing smirk. 
"Oh, well, why didn't you just say so?" I ask, narrowing my eyes at him. 
"I was going to tell you tonight," he admits, looking at me with a soft expression. 

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I turn away and stare out the window, lost in thought. My emotions are a whirlwind, and I don't know how I truly feel. Cian has a way of making everything spin out of control. 
"Quinn, look at me," he says, reaching for me. 
I keep my eyes fixed on the window, unwilling to let him see the turmoil inside me.