Page 11 of Quinn

“No wonder he was pissed, he probably thinks we’ve found someone else.”

“I don’t fucking care; we don’t explain ourselves to anyone.”

Arabella snuggled into my side; she was trembling. I assumed she was frightened by the tone and gruffness of my brother’s voice.

“When Mala explained you were bringing an injured girl here, I asked Tania and Natalie to meet us at your place. I assume that’s where she’ll be staying?”

I hadn’t thought about what I’d do with Arabella once we reached home, but now Connor had mentioned it, I found myself not wanting her far from my sight. Strange sentiment for someone who valued his single existence and freedom to do whatever I chose.

“I suppose my place makes sense since she doesn’t know anyone else.” I glanced down at her and she gazed back, pain and fear clouding her eyes. “Would that be okay with you?” She nodded in agreement.

The short trip through the scenic countryside passed quickly and before long, Connor pulled the car to a stop at the compound gates.

Olga, one of our guards, greeted us before returning to the guardhouse where she flicked a switch that had the gates sliding open.

Connor drove straight to the front of my home—a white clapboard house with a wraparound verandah, very much like the two my brothers lived in a short distance away. Jake drove the other car to one of the large garages where the business vehicles were kept for anyone to use.

When our vehicle came to a stop, Tania and Natalie stood from where they’d been seated on the verandah and made their way closer. I opened the door and stepped out before holding out a hand to assist Arabella.

She slid along the seat, and when she was free of the car, she tucked herself into my side. I wrapped an arm around her waist.

“Ladies, this is Arabella, we’ll be taking care of her for a while and I’d appreciate your help.”

The girls stepped forward; hands outstretched to shake. Arabella shrank away from the gesture. Not to be deterred, and understanding something was very wrong, the girls continued to extend their hands and one after the other, they spoke softly.

“I’m Tania, Arabella.”

Taking Arabella’s hand, I placed it into Tania’s so they could shake.

“I’m Natalie, Arabella, but everyone calls me Nat. No need to be afraid, we’ll take good care of you. There is nothing to fear from these men, or us, I give you my word.”

Arabella shook her hand and I winked at Natalie.

“How about we get you inside where Barry can take another look at you while I head to the office to speak with my brothers.”

“Oh, you’re hurt?” Tania asked even though scrapes and cuts were visible where her dress didn’t cover.

“She’s been shot, but fortunately it doesn’t appear the bullet did major harm.”

I glanced at Connor who raised an eyebrow. The girl’s gasped and jumped into action. Arabella was snatched from my hold and with Tania on one side, Natalie on the other, and Barry following, they led her into my home. As she moved away, she glanced over her shoulder.

“The ladies will take good care of you, Bella, and I’ll be back soon.”

Jake stepped up to where Connor and I stood. “Office, or my place?”

“Your place might be better for this, less chance of being overheard or someone walking in unannounced.”

We headed towards the house next door and were met by Logan and Daly. I explained, “We’re going to speak at Jake’s, more private.”

The men nodded their understanding and fell into step with me and my brothers. Once inside Jake’s home, we headed to the dining room which had a table we could all gather around. Beers were produced from the fridge and we each took a seat.

***

“You’re up, Quinn. What’s the girl’s story and how did you become involved?”

“What did Mala tell you when he called?”

“Just that you had an injured girl who was in danger and she needed our help to get to safety.”