Chapter 24: Emerson

I watch as Riley walks, no stomps, out of my office. I’ve only ever seen Riley cry once in my life and that was when we saw Emlyn bruised from Rich cheating on the mate bond that he couldn’t feel.

When the door closes, I scrub my hands over my face. I’ve been trying to find the right time to have my night with Quinn. And I’ve tried to be better about giving her affection when we’re alone. But I can only do so much before I’m on the verge of exploding and I have to back off.

I’ve noticed, however, that Quinn still looks like a wilting flower. Obviously, Riley is seeing or hearing more than I am, and I know I need to do something, something more than I've been comfortable doing so far. Before I can decide what that is, there’s a knock at my door.

“Come in, Quinn,” I say, smelling her sweet mandarin orange scent. Goddess, the closer she gets to her birthday, the better she smells.

“Hey,” she says and I see instantly what Riley is upset about. Quinn looks sad. She’s never looked sad and it