Page 222 of Quinlan

Liam:You know you can just drop by instead of watching us from the living room window.

Damien:We’ll create new memories in the conference room.

Rome:Painful ones.

Me:You sure you want me to make a mess of your table?

That’s the best positive-upbeat message I can do, considering my mood. I’d hate for them to worry about me.

Damien answers almost immediately with a:Ruin it for all I care. We’ll get a new one and fuck you on it too.

Banter is good. They have no idea I’m losing it. Otherwise, they would’ve been here already, like they did the last time.

They don’t need to be here.

It’s fine. It’s totally fine.

I’m fine.

My phone vibrates again as I stare out my window. The early afternoon’s clouds hide the clear blue of the sky. An omen of sorts.

The day Blake drowned started out with gray skies.

I don’t even notice that I’m stroking my tattoo until my finger is dampened by a sneaky tear.

Not going there, the voice in my head says. I swipe at my cheek angrily and check out my phone.

What I expected was a message from one of my men. It isn’t. It’s my newfound sister, Anne. A grin creeps on my face as I read her response to the text I sent her an hour ago.

Anne:Q, I’m doing great! You? I had an early morning meeting with the bank, then work. So sorry I didn’t answer earlier!

We exchanged numbers the day we met, and have been texting at least once a day since. Other than being funny and sweet, I do it because I care for her.

The four of us are here together as a unit. There’s always someone to talk to. Someone’s always up to make sure the others are okay. I might hide my frustration, but it’s easier to carry the burden when people who really get me are here all the time.

Anne has Nick, who Rome trusts, which is huge. And though I was told he’s a great guy, he wasn’t there with us. So I’m being that person for Anne.

Me:I know, you told me yesterday :) I’m so happy for you! Let’s meet again soon when you can. Miss you!

She doesn’t need the bank. Not really. Rome and her husband are wealthy. They’ve offered her the money, practically forcing her to take it.

Anne turned both of them down. I supported her. I always will. I told Rome that if she was going to do it while keeping her job at Caldwell Mullins until she’s ready to quit, then he should let her.

He did.

Anne:Of course you do, captive ;)

At her last message, I snort-laugh. She’s the one who promised to personally kick the men’s butts if they ever so much as upset me.

Which is no longer impossible.

I love them.

And fuck, that anger is back again. That protectiveness.

The more I sit at my desk, where I’ve been working all morning, the more useless I feel.

I get up, stretch my arms over my head, and wiggle my butt just to get the blood flowing. My muscles are sore from having too much sex and spending an hour a day annihilating the punching bag. I’m stronger for it. Probably happier than I would’ve been without it.

---