Page 196 of Broken Dreams

“Yes,” Ayla says gratefully with a nod, her gaze taking in Linus, Quinn, and I. “You’re going out!”

“I felt a date was needed,” I explain. “We’ve never had one.”

Ayla offers me a genuine smile, saying, “Have fun. I want to hear all about it over morning coffee, Quinn.”

We say goodbye to her, and walk out to the truck that is waiting in the driveway.

“I’m so happy for her,” Quinn murmurs. “I think it is scary to be presented with so many incredible things sometimes.”

“I kept waiting for the other shoe to drop with Duncan and Callum,” Linus confesses as we get into the vehicle. They sit in the back seat, sitting close to each other as I turn on the truck. “But then, it never did. No matter how difficult things got, or how little sleep, they never changed or became mean.”

“I don’t think either of them are capable of acting out of character like that,” I say. “They’re just really good people.”

The back seat is quiet as I drive through the gates and onto the road. I put the address into my phone to give me directions, and I do what it tells me to as I drive.

“I think you’re a good person too,” Quinn says tentatively. “You were never cruel.”

“I was dismissive,” I say. “I think that’s almost worse. I won’t ever be like that again. Not ever.”

“I know,” Linus answers. “We can both tell in the way that you involve yourself in our lives, haven’t left, and chose to remain handcuffed during my entire heat. It wouldn’t have taken much for you to have ripped the metal plate from the wall.”

“Duncan didn’t do a great job installing it,” I agree, chuckling. “I’m not going anywhere, guys.”

“Why do you still have your apartment?” Quinn asks innocently.

“I haven’t been invited to live with you,” I say, surprised. “I doubt Duncan and Callum are going to. I can commute if necessary. We haven’t really gotten that far. It’s been… chaotic the last week.”

“I think that’s a good word for it,” Quinn murmurs.

The rest of the drive is quiet, which doesn’t bother me at all because it’s also comfortable. I love hearing anything they have to tell me, but it’s not necessary for them to fill the void with senseless prattle either. I’m happy to sit in the silence too, knowing that they’re with me.

It’s everything that I’ve ever wanted. Getting to know each other, hearing their wishes and dreams. That’s what tonight is all about.

CHAPTER 38

QUINN

Christian is nervous, and I don’t think I’ve seen him like this before. It’s adorable.

The food was delicious at the restaurant he chose, the black beans and rice very flavorful, and the steak tender. The wait staff are also so nice and the owner has this wonderful flair about her.

“What do you think?” Christian asks, taking a slow sip of his wine.

“I think the food is amazing,” I sigh happily. “Where did you find this place?”

“Someone talked about it when I was working at the construction site when they noticed my light accent,” he admits. “He thought I may enjoy the food, and I haven’t had a chance to come until now.”

Smoothing down the skirt of my dark blue dress, I smile at him. I feel pretty tonight. I got dressed in clothing that was softand comfortable that would be easy to move in. Even my heels aren’t super high, just enough to add a little roll to my hips.

“That person was very right,” Linus says happily. “I was starving. It’s also nice to see some of the city.”

“It is,” I admit. “I’m excited that you’re starting school soon. You’re going to be amazing.”

“You don’t want to go to college?” Christian asks. There’s no heat to his question, just simple curiosity.

“It’s not for me,” I say. “I love figuring out puzzles and I can sit for hours unraveling them if it’s something I want to do. Sitting to learn a bunch of things I have no interest in so I can get to the good part? No thank you.”

Linus snorts, amused. “I’m far enough in my degree that I’ve finished the boring parts, Quinn. I’m going to be the old guy in my classes,” he says, wrinkling his nose.

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