The tightness grows into pain, and I take a long pull of whiskey, enjoying the burn as it goes down.
Love isn’t in the cards for me.
Quinn is going to have to settle for what I can offer.
Unfortunately, my heart isn’t part of the package.
“Let’s go take care of this asshole. I have other shit to do.”
Like watching my girl during the last couple of hours of her shift while looking through the photos the realtor emailed me.
We sitin silence and pass around the whiskey bottle, watching as firefighters spray down the home. There was no point in dragging the guy to our warehouse. His own home was the perfect setup for a fire that will be ruled an accident. Honestly, it’s a fucking miracle the bastard’s place didn’t blow up before now with the drug lab he had in there. Jesus.
“Who’s next?” Kian asks, his voice dark but laced with amusement.
“The director of her mother’s care facility. I need to figure out what to do with her mom first.”
I’ve never killed a woman before, but I want to. Quinn’s mom failed her. She chose drugs, alcohol, and men over her daughter. How can any parent do that? It makes me sick to picture what my sunshine had to endure.
Somehow, though, Quinn has some compassion for her mom. I also get the feeling Quinn carries some guilt over the situation. She still loves her even though the woman put her through hell. I don’t understand why, but it’s not for me todecide how my girl feels. My job is to support her and protect her. To do whatever makes her happy.
“Can I shower at your house?” I ask Cash.
“You going back to work?” He starts the SUV.
“Yeah. Gotta keep things running smoothly.” I shrug and check my phone for any notifications.
My brothers all laugh.
“Right. It has nothing to do with Quinn being at work.” Kian shoves my shoulder playfully, and a warm feeling settles over me.
It has everything to do with Quinn.
Even though I know she’s working, I type out a message.
Xander: I miss you.
When the delivered message turns to read, I watch and wait for the three dots to appear. Seconds pass, and my brothers are already talking about something else in the background, but I don’t hear their words.
Why isn’t she texting back?
I’m about to send Roman a message to check she’s okay when my phone vibrates in my palm.
Quinn: I miss you too. I’m super busy, though.
Xander: Quit your job, then you can just be with me all the time so we don’t have to text.
Quinn: …
Xander: That isn’t an answer, sunshine.
Quinn: Daddy… I’m not quitting my job.
I love and hate that answer all at the same time. One of the things I respect most about Quinn is how strong and independent she is. She won’t ever be the woman who depends on me financially. Even if I want her to. Even if I want her to be able to let go and know that I’ll take care of her.
Compromise isn’t my strong point, but for her, I’m going to try.
Xander: Fine... You win. For now. Be good. I’ll see you soon.
