Page 198 of Savage Suit

“Noah’s rich, big bro,” Logan said with a surprising lack of couth. “Anything Ryan wants, she’ll be able to have.”

“She wants her own bank account,” Quinn said, “filled with money she earned. She wants happiness and a family.”

“No, she doesn’t want to be alone,” Dakota said. “That’s why she’s always up your ass, Quinn.” He shrugged. “I’m surprised you aren’t pushing this marriage, so you can be free of her clinginess.”

His words made me regret inviting him. “If you don’t shut the fuck up, I’m throwing you out.”

“I’m part of the family—”

“Bro, you’re wrong for talking about Ryan like that,” Logan chided.

“I’m de facto head—”

“You’re de fatto head, jackass,” Quinn said.

“You sound so fucking stupid, Quinn,” Dakota barked. “What does that even mean?”

“Don’t talk about Ryan, dick face,” she replied. “That’s what it means. Ryan doesn’t have to fear ever being alone because I will always stand by her and be in her life. She can’t pay me to go away.”

Dakota shook his head. “Jesus, she’s brainwashed you.”

“Nope, she sure hasn’t,” Quinn said icily. “She’s my best friend. Do you need a fucking dictionary to look up the definition since you can’t relate, having no personal experience with friends, besties or otherwise.”

“I have friends. You have johns.”

Hurt flitted across Quinn’s face. Seeing her expression, Dakota smiled. In response, anger swept into her eyes.

“You have a fucking decision to make, Dakota,” I said coldly. I was on edge about too many fucking things to count. I didn’t need this asshole insulting Quinn. “Don’t insult Quinn and leave in good health. Or continue being an obtuse fuckhead and depart with a few teeth missing.”

Dakota scowled at me. “It’s Ryan’s fault Quinn turned out as she has. Now, Ryan clings to Quinn and doesn’t care what she does.”

I opened my mouth to blast him, but Quinn interrupted me. “Not only are you Timothe’s cocksucker, you’re a stupid motherfucker. If you ever repeat to Ryan the bullshit you just spouted, you’re going to miss more than a few fucking teeth. The only person Ryan holds back is Ryan, fuck face. Why? Because your father was as much of a miserable motherfucker as his oldest son and daughter. Get this through your fat fucking head, Dakota. I had no say so on whether Ryan and I were sisters, but Ichooseto be her friend. Do you fucking understand now?”

Dakota threw her a dark look.

“This is a bad look in front of Noah,” Logan said. “He called us here to ask permission to marry Ryan, not to hear our putdowns.”

“I thought you were against this?” Dakota asked, suddenly outraged.

“It’s silly he’s asking us for Ryan’s hand in marriage,” Logan admitted. “It isn’t our decision to make but I don’t care if he marries her. He’s a fine man and he puts up with us.”

“Ryan is high-maintenance,” Dakota said, glancing from me to Logan. “She likes clothes and watches. She has a champagne bucket list with vintages priced in the thousands.”

Logan rolled his eyes. “Like I said, he’s rich, so he can support her. Champagne and all. He also makes her happy. What more can I ask for in a spouse for our sisters?”

“Quinn? Married?” Dakota snorted. “The day that happens is the day I’ll eat a fucking barbequed crow, guts and all.”

“Fuck, but I should marry someone just to watch that happen,” Quinn chirped. She sounded as flippant as always, though sadness dulled her eyes. “Lucky for you, I’m not a masochist, so you’re safe, fuck face.”

“Noah,” Logan blurted before Dakota responded, “since you’re asking my opinion, I say go for it.”

Quinn gave me an unhappy smile. “I like you, Noah. I’m so happy you found each other. But I know my sister. She wouldn’t be happy just staying at home.”

“You’re right, she would not be,” I agreed, laying my final card on the table. Searching for a way to convince Ryan not to work was very important. Eventually, I’d get my way on the matter but considering everything else, my determination on that matter went to the back burner. “If she wants to work, I won’t stand in her way. I plan to move my company toward more gender inclusivity, and I want Ryan to head that division.”

“Ryan doesn’t have a degree in political science,” Dakota said. “What qualifications does she have to run a gender inclusivity department?”

“Besides having a pussy?” Quinn said dryly.