Page 169 of Savage Suit

“Ryan has made it her life’s mission to set good examples for Logan and me. Do right for us. See that we have as much as possible. The line’s so fucking blurred. She wouldn’t even talk about her sex life with me. It pisses me off so much that she acts like my mother instead of my sister. Her martyrdom annoys the fuck out of me. But there I was, Saturday night, so fucking happy she’d arrived to…” In the brief time I’d known her, I’d never seen her look so sad. “Protect me. She was there and I could be as much of a bitch as Timothe required, and Ryan would protect me. Even at her own expense,” she added, the shame in her voice clear. “Armani, Timothe, and Dakota…mean nothing. It’s Ryan who holds our family together. So, yeah, it feels gross to take your money because I sent in that letter toAsk Idafor my sister. Not you. I want you to swoop in and be her knight in shining armor. She’s our rock. Who’s hers? You care about her. It’s been even more obvious this past weekend. You wouldn’t treat Logan and me as you do if you didn’t have feelings for her. And, yet you do yourself a disservice.”

I frowned at her.

“Being part of a family doesn’t require payment to do the right thing.”

“In my family it does.”

“Reid’s said as much. You motherfuckers are as dysfunctional as we are. The only difference is you’re wealthy and we aren’t.” She walked back to the couch and sat. “Just look after my sister. Respect what she wants. Don’t force her to accept your decisions.”

“I assume you mean about her future as a career woman if she and I have a long-term relationship?”

“Yes.”

I refused to comment.

“You’re a decent guy. If you treat Ryan right and act like Logan and me are part of your family, then we’ll respond in kind. Your willingness to spend so much money on me is so very appreciated, but you’re fucking insane. You can’t buy loyalty or regard, Noah. Love and friendship aren’t for sale. Have a little more fucking self-respect. Goddamn. What the fuck is wrong with you? What you did for Logan and me just by including us means more to us than what you can buy. I’m having enough fucking trouble trying to steer Ryan to a life of her own. Yes, I have setbacks sometimes. Sue me. I’m human. I’ll lose my fucking mind if I have to teach you the meaning of valuing yourself.”

“Who do you think would give you the most trouble?” Reid asked, standing in the doorway of the private consultation room. “Noah or me?”

Gasping, Quinn turned in her seat. “What are you doing here?”

I stood. “I texted him. I need to get to the office. And based on your requirements to spend money, he’s better suited.”

She faced forward again, not speaking.

“Good luck,” I murmured, clapping Reid’s shoulder. “She’s all yours.”

“Noah?”

“Yes, Quinn?”

“What makes you think I want Reid’s money?”

My cousin scowled at the back of her head. “You agreed to answer my calls.”

“I hope you two can settle things,” I said sincerely.

“Don’t leave yet, Noah. Please?”

“I need to get to the office, Quinn.”

“In case Ryan hasn’t told you, I’m the pain-in-the-ass younger sister you never knew you needed,” she replied.

“You have five minutes, then I’m leaving you in Reid’s care.”

She waited a moment, then said, “I said I wouldn’t ignore your calls, Reid. Nothing more.”

“Would you at least look at me?”

“Nope. Why are you here?”

“This is a trick question,” Reid complained. “How do you want me to answer that?”

“Truthfulness would be nice,” Quinn said blandly. “The first thing that pops into your entitled fucking brain.”

“Noah told me to come while you shopped, then pay for whatever you chose and drive you home,” Reid said. “Something I’m more than happy to do.”

“Why?”