QUINN'S POVDinner turned out to be wonderful. The Harper family proved to be humorous and engaging when they were all together. Despite the obvious ill feelings between Ford and Hayes, even 'they' managed to get along peaceably. Conversation flowed easily and I immensely enjoyed hearing their childhood stories and the memories of their dad. They seemed to be tightly knit and a piece of me ached with jealousy.It served as yet another reminder of how much I'd missed in my own childhood. But it warmed my heart to see Ford more relaxed. He seemed at peace in a way I'd never seen before. Amongst this ornate dining room with its gaudy, crystal chandelier and red brocade walls, he was as comfortable here as he'd been in the souvenir shop at the Empire State Building.It became clear how much he cared for his family -- even Hayes in his own way. It also became clear why Hayes considered Ford the golden boy. Olivia Harper doted on Ford. If she hadn't been his mother, you could've easily mist

QUINN'S POVI swallowed hard, fear rising in my chest. His eyes were glassy. I could tell he was high and not thinking clearly. I needed to talk him down."I wasn't particularly nice to Sara, I admit it. But I made my peace with her at her gravesite. She would want us to get along -- to remember her fondly.""What the hell do you know about what Sara wanted? We were your family and you left and never looked back. 'I' went back for her."I glanced around the room for a weapon as Justin advanced on me. "You're right, I did. And I'm sorry. The Carrs were such jerks, I had to get away. But I never forgot about you or Sara. And I never thanked you for keeping me safe -- for keeping us both safe."He still moved toward me and I'd backed myself into the closet. "I promised her something. I promised her before she died that I'd get even with everyone who hurt her. First you, and then that *sshole and his wife. I know where the Carrs live, but running into you on the Metro was just dumb luck.

QUINN'S POVI awoke startled and shaking, bathed in my own sweat. I'd dreamt of Justin, his grimy, black-nailed hands gripping the gun -- the cool, metal barrel staring me in the face. I bit my tongue hard to keep from crying. Ford rolled over in the bed next to me, instinctively wrapping me up in his arms."Can I get you anything?" he whispered in the dark.I turned my head against the pillow. "It won't be like this forever. The memories will fade and it'll be like it never happened. You're safe here."Ford draped an arm around my waist, drawing me near. The warmth of his embrace soothed me and I snuggled into him. I pressed my rear against him and felt the hard bulge of his erection press back. Instantly aroused, I knew it was the Ford effect. But sex was the last thing on either of our minds. I closed my eyes and drifted back to sleep.THE NEXT MORNINGI rose with the sun after an unrestful night. Despite being wrapped in the warm, safe cocoon of Ford's arms, even he couldn't ke

QUINN'S POVThere could only be one way to get answers from a man like Ford and that was to ask him point-blank. So, I made sure dinner was on the table when he got home from work so he could eat, unwind, and then explain to me what in the hell we were doing together.I felt very domestic padding around in his expansive kitchen, fiddling with plates and cups and silverware. I desperately wanted a glass of wine to calm my nerves. Instead, I poured us both a glass of tonic water with lime and put the glasses on the table next to the lasagna, salad, and breadsticks. He didn't arrive until nearly eight and I became frustrated at having to reheat dinner twice. But as soon as he glided through the front door, his deep brown eyes immediately piercing through mine, my exasperation dissolved into pure exultation.Strands of brown hair floated across his permanently furrowed brow, no doubt mussed by the wintry wind. His slightly parted lips were pink, his breathing even and steady. His cheeks

QUINN'S POVI rolled over and reached for Ford. The sheets were cold beside me and I inched my eyes open. He'd gone. I glanced at the clock on the night table. It read three in the morning. I stretched and yawned, grabbing his pillow and burying my face in his divine scent. But a shrill noise caused me to still.I lifted my head, instantly recoiling at the sound of a heart-wrenching wail. I sat up in the bed, partially frozen, as I tried to determine what I'd heard. The strange sound riddled me with curiosity and a sickening, paralyzing fear. Another sob, deep and guttural, sounded, filling the air and I knew. It was Ford's cry.I scampered out of bed and into the living room. The black of night blanketed the space and I could just make out Ford's figure, crumpled on the floor near the couch. As my eyes began to focus and I neared him, he buried his head in his knees and raised a hand to halt me. I grabbed his hand and knelt beside him, my insides quivering with fear."Don't," he whis