Page 87 of Enticing My Off Limits Billionaire

"We'll figure it out," I say. "Together."

His hand finds my thigh, and my body sparks to life under his touch. "You didn't sign up for this. It's my responsibility."

"Sometimes you just take on new responsibilities when you fall in love," I shrug, my hand covering his. "That's perfectly fine with me."

We get to Lifeline a little after that conversation, and I search for a parking spot close by, only to realize they have a reserved lot behind the building. The facility looks just like an apartment, subtle and reserved—normal—compared to what Quinn told me about the place they'd thrown Adam in the Alps. Quinn wakes Adam up, and he stirs, groaning.

"Already?" he says.

"Yeah, and it's looking pretty good so far," Quinn says. "Come on. Let's get this all sorted."

We all head inside, and a security guy buzzes us through the front door when Quinn gives them our names. Adam looks nervous, swallowing hard as we head inside. Two people are standing at the front desk, filling out forms on a clipboard, and it takes me a moment to realize that I recognize them.

"Dad?"

My father turns around, looking like he just stepped out of a fancy business meeting. Kylie is with him, and her face breaks into a wide smile when she sees me, rushing forward to give me a hug. "Madison!" she says. "We were wondering when you'd get here—traffic?"

"Of course," I say, laughing in confusion. "What...what are you doing here?"

"Getting financing set up," my dad says. "I spoke with Quinn over the phone this morning—we're footing the bill."

Adam looks between all four of us, his brow furrowed. "Is that what the phone call was about...?"

"Absolutely not," Quinn says, shaking his head. "Gavin, you don't have to do this—"

"Excuse my language, but cut it the fuck out," my dad says, his tone calm even though there's a smirk on his face. "We're family, Quinn. This is the least I can do, and Iwantto do this."

My dad...this is something he does, of course. When I wasn't sure how I would afford grad school, he stepped in to pay my tuition without me even knowing. Before he and Kylie got married, he went behind her back to get her a job on Broadway that kickstarted her career. And usually, it annoys the hell out of the people in my dad's life.

But this...it feels like an apology, in a way.

An acceptance of me and Quinn being together and a way of saying he wants to be involved.

I want to be mad, but shit...how could I be?

Kylie sees the look on my face, and her expression softens, her voice quiet. "I know he can't just throw money and influence at a problem—trust me, I know," she says. "But we talked about it this morning, and it's no problem for us. After everything we've all been through, just let us do this. Let us be a part of your family."

I gulp, not even realizing I'm on the verge of tears, until I feel the lump in my throat. Then I turn around and look at Adam, trying to figure out how to navigate this strange situation.

"Adam...uh, this is my father, Gavin, and his wife, Kylie. I want to introduce you and explain that this is just...something he does."

Adam sticks out his hand and shakes my father's. "Hi Gavin, thanks for uh...footing the bill. And Kylie, congrats on your marriage. And your baby. I've heard a lot of...things."

"Not good things?" my dad says, cocking an eyebrow over his shoulder.

"Not all," Quinn mutters. "Gavin, really—are you sure about this?"

"Absolutely, and the papers are already signed," my dad says.

"I've got to admit, this is kind of making me feel like a kid again," Adam says. "Can I just go upstairs and get settled in? You guys can uh...work this shit out, right?"

Quinn laughs. "Yeah, dude—of course. I love you, man."

I've never heard him say that to his brother, and I can tell he means it as he gives him a big hug.

"I'll call you and keep you updated," Adam says. "Thanks for everything. I love you too, man."

Kylie reaches out to squeeze my hand as Adam enters the patient area with a nurse, his backpack over his shoulder. I know this has got to be hard for him...but also for Quinn. And while Quinn is taking care of Adam, it's my job to take care of Quinn. To protect Quinn's heart.

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