Page 124 of Fix You

“How long have you been fucking her behind our backs?”

“Quinn!” Isla and I both gasped.

Rafe’s expression turned murderous. “Have some respect.”

With a mirthless laugh, Quinn replied, “You want to talk respect? You took advantage of a vulnerable girl for your own sick pleasure.”

“That’s not what happened,” Rafe protested as I argued, “I came on to him.”

Quinn’s blue eyes bulged comically wide. “Excuse me?”

“It’s the truth. I wanted Rafe, and I pursued him.”

“You pursued an engaged man?”

Scowling at him, I replied, “I didn't know he was at first. And once I knew, I tried not to.” Staring at Rafe, I smiled, “But then I fell in love with him, and I couldn’t stop.”

“Jaysus,” Quinn muttered as he began pacing in front of us.

Rafe reached out to take my hand in his. “I love Maeve. I think I’ve known it all along, but it was never so plain to metoday. As I raced down here not knowing if I would see her alive again, I realized that I couldn’t marry Drea.”

He tugged my hand, pulling me to him. “I can’t bear the thought of spending another minute without you, least of all a lifetime, which is why I plan to call Caruso today and end the alliance.”

Tears pooled in my eyes at his declaration. “Really?”

He nodded. “I also want us to go to Boston to ask Callum for your hand.”

Quinn cursed under his breath. “Have the two of you lost your feckin’ minds?”

Isla smacked Quinn’s arm. “Stop it. They’re in love.”

“I’m aware of what they’re saying. I just don’t think they’re aware of the consequences of what comes with breaking an alliance like the one with Caruso.”

“I will handle the consequences,” I replied firmly.

“I don’t think you have any fucking idea how bad they’ll be”, Quinn countered.

“I’m fully aware what type of man Caruso is and how this will probably bring on a war.”

With a ragged sigh, Quinn glanced between the two of us. “There’s no changing your minds?”

Sweeping my hands to my hips, I countered, “There was no changing your mind about Isla, was there?”

As Quinn’s loving gaze fell on Isla, he shook his head. “No. I would’ve walked through fire for her.”

“I feel the same way about Maeve,” Rafe replied.

Quinn nodded. “Take the jet home, and talk to Callum. He’s not going to be happy, but I know there’s no way in hell he can say no to you, Maeve.”

I stepped forward and threw my arms around Quinn. “I love you.”

“I love you, too.” As I pulled away, his expression darkened as he looked at Rafe. “You better keep making her happy because we won’t hesitate to say fuck it to our alliance by putting you six feet under.”

“Quinn!” I admonished.

Rafe stepped toe to toe with him. “Maeve’s future happiness is my only concern. I won’t hesitate to put anyone who dares to hurt her six feet under.”

Quinn and Rafe continued eyeballing each other while their chests rose and fell with harsh pants. Isla and I could only look on in frustration and fear.

---