Page 37 of Quinlan

“Nope. It’s only fair.” In my periphery, I see him smoothing his shirt. “She is ours, after all.”

“She is.” I sit on the bench and slip into my running shoes, tilting my head to Damien. “What are we going to do about her…date? How do we know she’ll even say yes?”

I’m still pissed. She could’ve bought Quinlan a puppy, for fuck’s sake. Why would she need anyone other than us?

“I know she will.” He leans on our lockers, planting his hands in his pockets. “Quinlan told me the other day she’s swamped with work. So I ordered Jefferson to email her again and say nothing’s expected of her for the first month at work. It’ll give her some free time. She’ll say yes.”

“The actual fuck, Damien?” My office clothes and shoes are in my bag, and I sling it over my shoulder. “Your plan better not end with me beating the crap out of her date.”

“We’ll be there.” Damien’s twisted logic starts making sense. I see it in his eyes. “The three of us.”

Everyone thinks that just because he looks like a ray of sunshine, that means he’s a good guy. They’re blind to the mask he wears. Have no idea what’s lurking beneath. How he plans to kill and torture the man who wronged him and his foster siblings.

How he installed a camera in Quinlan’s bathroom.

What a conniving son of a bitch he is. The best person I’ve ever met, other than Liam.

“Together.” His eyes twinkle. “It’s another opportunity to mess with her.”

He wants to play a game with her.

I want to see her, period.

“And she already sounded unlike herself in her texts to Rex.”

“I remember. We read her texts in your office,” I remind him. Just us. This is the part our private investigators can’t touch, other than the live feed from her shower. “You don’t have to repeat it.”

“Only reminding you that she needs a push in the right direction. Until then, I’ll listen in on Ray’s phone.” He raises an eyebrow. “Not hers. So I won’t get in the middle of your fun tonight.”

I frown, studying him. Forgetting about the time running out. “Sure you’re not jealous?”

“It’s all a way to get back at Rex. A game.” Before I call him out on his bullshit, he adds, “She’s ours, Rome. Better get used to that.”

I am. And it’s then that I see how I, too, am not jealous.

All I need is a few minutes with her by myself.

A few minutes to show her who I am. No bullshit. No distractions.

She and I.

I’m going to get it.

CHAPTER EIGHT

Quinlan

Bright purple sports bra.Matching T-shirt and black leggings.

Socks. Running shoes. Yup.

All set. I fix my high ponytail, lock the door to my apartment, and slide the key into the hidden pocket in my leggings. I’m out.

This morning, I thought I’d have to give up on running. Work doesn’t wait for anyone, and I’ve got loads of it.

The thought came and went. I never miss my one-hour jogs, four days a week. I’ve been sticking to those for years. If I don’t have my strict schedule set, I’d never get any exercise in, and I need it. I have to prioritize myself, otherwise I won’t be able to work. Won’t be able to provide for parents who can’t provide for themselves.

Taking care of myself isn’t a luxury. It’s a necessity.

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