Page 47 of Dust to Dust

The corners of Caterina’s lips quirked up. “That fear really doesn’t work on me considering the family I grew up in and who I’m married to.”

My mouth gaped open. “You know, I’m not really a serial killer, right? I’m just a nerdy grad student who needed money for school and to take care of my family,” I protested.

“Of course, I do, Isla.”

“Phew, I’m glad to hear that.”

Taking my hand in hers, she said, “The reason I’m able to see you is because of two halves of my past. Being in the mafia world and being a novice means I can see through people. I might not know you well, but what I know of you so far is good. There’s also the fact that Quinn doesn’t open himself up to anyone, especially to those outside the family. If he’s reacting to you, that tells me a lot.”

With my mind swirling with out-of-control emotions, there was one question I feared to ask, but knew that I should. “My feelings aside: do I want to have him react to me?”

It had been the question that had plagued my mind since our first encounter. Quinn wasn’t the safe or easy choice. He wasn’t the lab partner whose greatest worry was what job he would land post grad school.

From what little I knew of him, he was a man with physical and emotional baggage.

From his own lips, Quinn had admitted he hurt men. He belonged to an underworld I knew little about, and what I did was completely frightening.

Despite my feelings, I had to be honest with myself if he was someone I should allow to pursue me. It wasn’t just me and my safety I had to consider. It was Brooke and Henry’s as well.

As I stared intently into Caterina’s dark eyes, I held my breath for her answer. “Are you worried because of the world Quinn belongs to?” At my nod, she replied, “Then I would say better the devil you know than the devil you don’t.”

I blinked at her. “That’s your answer?”

She laughed. “Well, I wanted you to at least think about it for a minute before I explained myself.”

“My head is spinning too much for any deep-seated words of wisdom. Just give it to me straight.”

Caterina nibbled on her lip. “Considering the way I grew up, it’s hard for me to answer in a way that relates to you, not to mention I wasn’t really given a choice with Callum.”

Groaning, I rubbed my temples. “Please, just give me a yes or no.”

“If I were in your shoes, I would see Quinn for what he truly is: a man who loves with his entire body and soul. A protector who would risk everything to keep you safe. A man who places you as his sun where his entire world revolves around you.”

“That was a lot better than just a simple yes.”

“You’re welcome.” With a wink, she added, “I also need to add if he’s anything like his brother, a very dedicated and giving lover.”

I laughed. “I can handle that for sure.”

Caterina tilted her head at me. “Besides the hot sex, do you feel better about the rest?”

“I do,” I replied.

And it was the truth. Like she said, Quinn was the devil I knew. With other men, the skeletons remained in the closet to be discovered. Deep down, I knew Quinn would never do anything to hurt me.

What remained was only the small fear of what his world might do to me.

Chapter Eleven: Quinn

As I watched Caterina and Isla walk to the elevator, an odd feeling fluttered in my chest. It was something akin to happiness or maybe even pride that the two of them seemed to be getting along so well. Besides my mam and sister, Caterina was the most important woman in my life. Her opinion mattered to me as much as my brothers did.

“Once again, Caterina got her way,” Dare mused behind me.

Laughing, I turned to face him. “Are you surprised?”

He shook his head. “Nope. We were doomed from the moment we snatched her from that convent.”

“I suppose that’s our punishment.”

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