Broken Promises (The Brianna Lane Series) by Belinda Boring Page B

tilt his head to the side as if he was evaluating the situation. I had no idea what was running through his mind, but I knew to place some distance between us as memories of his violent outbursts surfaced. His silence was eerie, standing still while his gaze never left my face.
    “What are you doing?” I asked, becoming self-conscious. After everything we’d endured tonight, his quiet appraisal frightened me the most.
    Fear struck hard when it finally dawned on me. He had the look of a predator—and me—I was his prey. I began to take larger steps away, making sure the path was clear.
    “Wait.” The command rang out sharply, and I froze.
    Shaking my head, I prayed it would release my feet and free them to move. My mouth suddenly felt dry as my palms began sweating. I rubbed them quickly over my pants and gathered my courage.
    “No.” The simple word broke the spell he had cast and I lifted my hand to ward him off. “No, you wait, Quinn. Whatever you’re planning, you need to let me go.”
    The heels of my shoes banging into the wall, my back hitting it a second later, stopped my escape. I closed my eyes in defeat, releasing a heavy sigh. Getting away had been a long shot, but now it seemed impossible.
    By the time I reopened them, Quinn was now directly in front of me, his focus never leaving my face. I tried to turn away, to look around him for help, but each time I did, he adjusted his head and blocked my view. I moved, and he moved his until finally a thought crossed my mind. My eyes—he was trying to make eye contact and a second later, I made the connection.
    The General had said those who resisted could be forced into converting. That’s what he was doing, which led to my next concern—why was it taking so long? It had taken him over pretty quickly, and my mind raced over the night’s events.
    There had been times I wanted to lash out and hurt someone, my anger intense and burning. But unlike Quinn, those moments had passed. The planted suggestion had wrestled inside me, but it had been stopped by something. It reminded me of an object repeatedly throwing itself against a barrier, hoping with each attempt it would weaken until it succeeded. Whatever my resistance was, the charm couldn’t penetrate it fully.
    The relief was overwhelming—there was still a chance for Quinn. It was all the hope I needed as I gathered my frayed nerves. It wouldn’t be easy, but I had a plan—I just needed to fight my way out. Renewing my struggle with him, I searched for the opportunity to escape.
    “Stop!” he bellowed. I wriggled in his arms, ignoring him. “I said stop. Now!” All movement ended as he brutally slammed me against the building, winding me. I grunted in pain. Between his aggressive presence and the solid brick wall behind me, I was well and truly trapped.
    I shut my eyes tightly and prayed that regardless of what he did next I wouldn’t reopen them. I had a growing theory I was immune somehow, but too much rested on my keeping clear-minded. My safety was paramount now that he was different.
    “Look at me,” he ordered. His voice had lost everything that had made him the man I loved. It was harsh and cold, lacking any endearing emotion. As each moment passed, he became more like a stranger.
    “No, I won’t,” I answered, defiantly. It probably wasn’t a smart move, but I couldn’t let him think he had total control. I continued standing with my eyes closed, taking in slow, deep breaths to steady my beating heart.
    Maddening silence filled the air. If I hadn’t known better, I would’ve thought I was alone, but I knew he was there—waiting.
    “I’m not opening my eyes, so you might as well go away.” I knew it was a long shot but I had to try. The lack of response was deafening.
    I frowned, doubting my judgment when I heard him move slightly, his shoes scratching on the concrete. Next there was a whimper, which soon turned into an agonized gasp. Something was happening and as much as it