Page 199 of Savage Suit
Dakota glared at her, and she smiled sweetly.
“Your intentions are either bullshit to change the public’s perception of you or because it’s the easiest way to appease Ryan by throwing this bone to her.”
I refused to give Dakota the satisfaction of a response. I was quite serious about the new department but not about Ryan’s role.
I didn’t want her to work, but I wanted her happy. I had ideas on how to rework her current contract to get her the bank account she wanted. However, I couldn’t immediately demand Ryan stop working and that was where her position in the as-yet-created department would come into play when I told her about it later. In my heart, I would give her six months in the new department. If she didn’t decide to retire by then, I intended to take her on so many extravagant vacations, she’d realize she didn’t have time to work. I was certain the invitations to sit on charitable boards and committees would also begin to pour in the moment I announced our engagement. Hopefully, that would be enough to keep her busy. When her current contract ended and I took my time about settling the legalities for the new department, Ryan would enjoy her unrestricted time.
“I’m in love with your sister,” I said into the silence, looking at each Hagen sibling so they’d see my sincerity. I might’ve betrayed Ryan, which I’d regret until my dying day, and I might be finagling her career intentions to keep her safe and healthy, but I spoke the truth. “I want her by my side in every aspect of my life, so I’m willing to do whatever I need to make that possible.”
Quinn muttered, “M’kay.” She took in a breath, then spoke again. “If you’re willing to do all that for my sister, you have my blessing. But if you hurt her, I’m cutting off your dick and feeding it to my neighbor’s chihuahua.”
Noted.I’d make sure she’d never discover my transgression with Megan. Something dawned on me. “What happened to your tongue piercing?”
“I lost interest in it,” she said with a little sniff.
“When do you intend to propose to Ryan?”
Logan’s question redirected my focus back to the matter at hand.
“Tonight,” I replied.
“Tonight?” All three Hagens echoed, looking at me like I sprouted another head.
“That’s so soon!” Quinn protested.
Dakota narrowed his eyes. “You waited for the last minute to ask us?”
“Are you sure you don’t have an ulterior motive for this sudden proposal?” Quinn asked, eyeing me with suspicion.
Yes.“No, Quinn. I love Ryan. I thought you’d be happy for us.”
“I would be…I am…” Her shoulders heaved and she blew out an agitated breath. “I don’t want you to break Ryan’s heart. I…never mind. You aren’t Reid. I’m being unfair to you. Reid’s an irresponsible man whore.”
“Who’s Reid?”
Dakota’s question drew Quinn’s attention away, so she missed my wince.
“A worse asshole than you, Dakota,” she said with irritation, then addressed me again. “Do you need help with anything?”
“Yes. A lot actually. Thank you.”
“Well, I can’t stay.” Dakota stood. “I’m watching Eli tonight, so I have to go. I’ll see y’all later.”
“Can you get the Shepard’s pie recipe Armani made, Quinn?” I asked once Dakota left. “Would you mind preparing it? It’ll be a more personal touch than if Angelo does it.”
“Sure. I take it you already have the ingredients?”
I nodded. “Afterwards, we can clean up.”
My place was always spotless, so we wouldn’t have much to do.
“Clean up?” Logan asked with a frown.
“Clean what? This place is fucking immaculate,” Quinn said, as if she read my mind.
“Everything must be perfect. Once we finish cooking, I’ll fill you in.”
The three of us spent the rest of the day jamming to a bunch of songs I’d never heard and filling my penthouse with romance. We turned it into the perfect place to get engaged, complete with chocolate cake, a bucket with several bottles of champagne on the island, and a trail of roses leading to the bedroom. The large windows revealing the Manhattan skyline heightened the dreamy aura. Once Logan and Quinn left, I headed to my room to prepare to ask an especially important question, my stomach in knots.
