“What are you scared of, sweetheart?”

“I’m not scared.”

He might have believed her if her voice hadn’t been trembling. Lifting her chin with his finger, he gently traced the edge of her jaw. “Sam …” Lowering his head, he whispered a soft kiss across her lips. “Please … baby … I’m sorry I hurt you.”

She moaned beneath his mouth and opened hers for a deeper connection. Though everything within him urged him to give her the soul-deep kiss he wanted, Quinn kept it as gentle and unthreatening as possible. He’d hurt her before, damned if he would do it again.

Pulling away slightly, he looked down, hoping to see acceptance and forgiveness. It wasn’t there.

Samantha backed away, shaking her head. She couldn’t believe she’d almost given in. Even now, just from that one kiss, she could feel her body softening, preparing itself for more. Her libido might be a traitor, but her mind and heart made the decisions for her. They told her to get the hell away from him.

“Go home, Quinn. There’s nothing for you here.”

“You’re here, Sam,” Quinn said quietly.

Unable to respond without falling apart, Samantha turned around and took off running. She could feel Quinn’s eyes on her until she disappeared from sight.