I helped Quinn back into the Range Rover, glad I’d chosen comfort over speed for this trip. After storing her shopping bags in the back seat, we continued our drive.
We had another forty-five minutes to go, and I couldn’t wait for her to see the house. It was nestled between trees with views of the ocean, allowing maximum privacy.
I hadn’t brought any of my men with me, but the security systems in place would be sufficient. Nobody would set foot on the property without me knowing. There were motion sensors and cameras spread along the house, allowing for a complete view of the outside.
Pulling up to the wrought iron gate, I typed in the code and scanned my fingerprint. There were more sophisticated systems out there, but we hadn’t a need for one. Except for staff, Quinn was the first person outside our family who would set foot on the property.
The significance of it wasn’t lost on me, but I refused to think about what it meant.
Quinn stared straight ahead, taking in the tree-lined road leading up to the house. I loved this place. Preferred it over my apartment. But conducting business from the middle of nowhere was impossible. And I was sure I’d eventually get lonely out here.
A niggling voice in the back of my head kept insisting I wouldn’t ever be lonely if Quinn stayed with me. But disappearing wasn’t an option. I had responsibilities.
She gasped when the house came into view. “This is your vacation house?”
“It’s been in my family for generations. We added a few rooms and renovated, but other than that, it’s been kept mostly how it was first built.”
Stopping the car in front of the house, I got out, stretching my arms above my head. Quinn’s eyes followed me around the car and to her side.
I didn’t step back when she slid out, enjoying the closeness. Leaning down, I kissed her nose. “Welcome to the place where I spent half my childhood.”
She grinned at me. “Let’s have a look at this quaint little beach house of yours.”
“Follow me.” I led her to the front door, typing in a code on the keypad and again scanning my fingerprint. We thought about adding a retina scan but hadn’t gotten around to installing it. The house sat mostly forgotten, so I wouldn’t be surprised if my brothers hadn’t wasted a single thought about the place since their last visit.
We made our way through the entrance hall and to the left wing first. It was where all the bedrooms were. She could have a look at the other rooms later. I’d spent almost four hours in the car with her without touching more than her hand or leg. There was no way I’d survive following her around the house, watching her ass sway back and forth and her hair bounce with each step. Everything she did turned me on.
I’d been a fool to think spending more time with her would work her out of my system. If anything, it meant she’d embedded herself so deep there was no way to get her out. She wasn’t ever going to be a one-night stand or quick fuck.
She was someone I wanted to spend the rest of my life with. Have kids with. Marry.
Maybe in another life. Because in this one, she’s better off without me.
I led her to a room at the end of the hall, but she stopped at the wall of photos. My mom had added some each year we were here, showing us boys and Freya in most of them.
“Who took the photos? They’re gorgeous.”
Stepping behind her, I pulled her back to my front, my arms holding her tight. “Mom. She studied photography. Loves taking photos, much to our annoyance when we were younger.”
She pointed to a photo of Jude and me. Jude was about three in the photo, and I was ten. He was sitting on my lap, face covered in sand, big smiles on both our faces.
“Who’s sitting on your lap? None of you have white-blond hair.”
“That’s Jude. His hair got darker and darker until it was almost black by the time he was ten. He used to follow me around everywhere. Gabriel used to spend most of his time with Freya, playing dress-up.” I scanned the photos and pointed to one of him in a princess dress, drinking pretend tea with Freya. “There he is.”
“Was he closest with Freya when she was still living at home?”
“They used to be. Until he turned into a hormonal teenager.” Adjusting my hold on her, I leaned my cheek against her head. “They were close again once he calmed down, but Freya left shortly after. I don’t think he’s forgiven her yet for leaving without telling him.”
Turning in my arms, Quinn moved her hands to my pecs. “Have you forgiven her yet? Because I know even though she acts like nothing can get to her, she missed you.”
“We did what we thought was best to protect her. We never meant to take away her independence. We all love her.”
“I know. It’s obvious in the way you all take care of her. But maybe you should tell her every once in a while.”
I knew she was right. I held my feelings close to the vest, didn’t talk about them. And certainly not with someone who wasn’t family.
But Quinn seemed to change all the rules I’d set for myself.
