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“Primo!” Gabriel called.
“What are you doing out in the lounge, Gabri?” Raul asked with a frown. “You’re supposed to be in bed.”
Gabriel rolled his eyes. “It is a small flesh wound. Your father needed to speak with Quinn privately.”
“About what?”
Gabriel started to shrug but remembered his injury. “I have no idea, but I hope it was to express his gratitude.” He opened the door to the room. “Come in.”
Quinn sat slouched in a chair, staring into space. A spurt of anger heated Gabriel’s blood. What had his uncle said to her?
Then she looked around, and a smile of joy lit her face, slamming him in the gut. He wanted to scoop her up in his arms and tell her he wouldn’t let her go ever again. But she would not accept that from him.
“Quinn. Gabri.” Raul spoke their names in a way that commanded their attention. Gabriel turned to see his cousin was bowing low to Quinn. “You saved my life last night. I owe you a debt—another debt”—he looked straight at Gabriel—“I can never repay.”
Quinn was not having any of it. “Your father already thanked me. In fact, it’s part of my job to protect you since I work for Mikel. So you really don’t have to say any more to me.” She gestured toward Gabriel. “He’s the one who tackled an armed woman and got shot.”
Raul looked taken aback, and Gabriel had to stifle a grin. His cousin wasn’t used to having his princely speeches interrupted.
Gabriel would have dismissed his cousin’s gratitude as well, except now he understood the burden of knowing someone you loved was hurt because of you. “Hermano, no thanks are necessary. You would have done the same for me.”
“I hope to have the opportunity someday,” Raul said.
“No!” Gabriel said with a sharp slice of his hand in denial. “Do not wish for that! We have had enough misfortune to last a lifetime.”
Raul nodded, but his eyes still held shadows.
“You can repay me by funding my new performing arts center,” Gabriel said to lighten his cousin’s mood.
“Ay, primo, you are relentless about your festival,” Raul said, his smile strained, but at least he was smiling.
“Hey, he’s got Kyran Redda, so it has to be amazing!” Quinn added.
The door opened, and Dr. Alvarez walked in. When she saw Raul, she dipped a curtsy. “Su Alteza Real. I will return later.”
“No,” Gabriel said. “I need to go home.”
Gabriel refused the wheelchair and the medical escort, assuring the doctor that Quinn and Raul were all the company he needed.
Now they stood at the VIP wing’s entrance. Three dark green limos and a cavalcade of black SUVs waited in the curved driveway.
“A little bit of overkill now that Odette is in custody,” Raul commented. “Are you coming back to the palace, Gabri?”
Gabriel looked at Quinn, who was studying the array of vehicles. “May I go with you to your house?”
“My house?” She pivoted toward him, a mixture of surprise and longing on her face. “Yes. Absolutely.”
“Then I will return to the palace alone,” Raul said. “I know you don’t want to hear it, but I am honored to know both of you.” He spun on his heel and headed for the first of the limos.
Gabriel put his hand on the small of Quinn’s back to guide her to the second limousine, savoring the warmth of her body through the silk of her blouse. The driver jumped out of the limo to open the door.
Once they were settled inside, Gabriel laid his hand on the leather seat between them, palm up, in an invitation. “Thank you for allowing me to come to your place.”
A shudder of hope ran through him when Quinn put her hand in his without hesitation. “I’m happy you wanted to, but your uncle and Mikel may not be so happy about it.”
“Odette is in custody, as Raul pointed out.” He closed his fingers around hers and felt the pleasure of her skin. Even better, she’d said she was happy he wanted to be in her home.
She patted her purse. “And Mikel didn’t give me back my Glock, so he must believe there’s no imminent danger.”
