Killer settled down once he realized all the excitement had passed. We drove straight through, only stopping occasionally to get gas and use the bathroom. The guys took turns driving and sleeping. I only managed to close my eyes for a few hours, my thoughts spinning in my head, preventing me from getting much rest.
Gunner watched me in the rearview mirror, his presence a comfort. It was his turn to drive, Jude’s snores ringing through the car. My brother was slumped against the window, his mouth hanging open. I fought hard not to look for a Sharpie.
I sat in the middle seat, the perfect position to lean forward and put my head on Gunner’s seat. My hand went to his bicep, and he caught it in his, bringing it up to his mouth for a kiss. “You okay back there?”
“Better now. Thanks for saving my life.”
He settled our entwined hands on his chest. “You don’t have to thank me.”
"What’s the plan now?”
He took a moment before answering, and I wondered if he debated how much he should tell me. The thought didn’t sit well. One of the reasons I’d had enough and left my family was that they always kept me in the dark. They were never forthcoming with any information, forever treating me like I had to be wrapped in cotton wool and couldn't do anything by myself.
When Gunner’s honeyed voice filled the air, I sighed in relief. “The Irish will never stop. The only way to put an end to this ridiculous vendetta is to set up a meeting. Otherwise, you’ll forever be looking over your shoulder.”
“Would that mean that you’ll also forever be by my side? Because then I don’t mind running so much.”
Oh no, did that really just happen? And I used the word forever.
“I’ll be by your side no matter what. But I’d prefer it to be without dodging bullets and knives at the same time.”
My heart stopped, and I squeaked out a nonsensical reply. That was as much of a commitment as I could have ever hoped for. Did I hit my head when we got attacked at the cabin? Because that sounded very much like Gunner was making plans for us to be together.
He squeezed my hand before releasing it. “Get some sleep while you can. We’ll be in Ferguson in two hours.”
I sat back, nodding. “I’ll order pizzas.”
Great response there, Freya. You really know how to express your feelings.
We pulled into the busy parking lot of Deliziosa exactly two hours later. Gunner really did have some freaky skills, because we hadn’t used a GPS, and his estimation was his best guess.
He opened my door and stayed close. His hand brushed against mine a few times, but he made no move to link our fingers like he had before.
Quinn spotted me as soon as I came inside. “What in the world happened to you? Did you fall asleep under a bridge?”
Guess I should have done a better job of cleaning up.I’d dragged myself across a dirty floor, after all. All the debris from the bullets and flying bits of wood made me look like I got tarred and feathered with building materials. I was also scraped and bruised and had a cut on my eyebrow.
Quinn came to a stop in front of me, lifting her arms as if to embrace me but thinking better of it. Her face was drawn tight, concern etching her features. “I’ve been calling you for days. Are you okay?”
“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to worry you. I’ve had a rough few days.” I shrugged, not able to even put half a smile on my face. I was tired, cranky, and hungry.
She didn’t buy my piss-poor excuse, as evidenced by her raised eyebrows. I held up my hands before she started her cross-examination. “I’ll tell you later. Promise. But for now, I just need pizza or I might murder one of my brothers.”
Quinn seemed to remember that I had ordered more pizzas than I could eat in a week, and her gaze snapped to my brothers standing at my back. Her mouth dropped open, and her eyes widened. I almost chuckled at her startled expression, but I was too tired to do much more than put my hand under her chin and close her mouth.
“Guys, this is my friend Quinn,” I said, pointing behind me, my eyes on Quinn. “Quinn, meet my brothers.”
“Since when do you have brothers?” she squeaked. “I’m seriously questioning our friendship right now.”
“I promise I’ll explain later.”
She narrowed her eyes at me but grabbed eight pizzas off the counter. I moved to open my wallet, and four voices protested. In the end I watched four grown men fight over the bill with rock, paper, scissors. Guess it was better than if they pulled out their guns.
Quinn’s stare followed us all the way out the door. I noticed Liam’s eyes didn’t leave her for even a second. He was the oldest of my brothers and had been groomed to take over the family business. He was also the most damaged, and I’d never seen him so much as look at a girl. At least not in my presence.
Him showing interest like that was unusual. But if his stare was anything to judge by, he was very interested. I prayed it wouldn’t go past heated looks, because Quinn’s eyes were glued to him just as much if not more. She wasn’t part of our world, and I hoped she never would be. She was too innocent. Too good.
And my family had a talent for bringing out the worst in people.
