My Pulse

Chapter 28: Quinn Keane

I wake up to the sound of a conversation happening nearby. My eyes are groggy, and my body feels stiff from the long plane ride. As I come to, it seems like we've finally landed, and a spike of energy shoots through me—I have to see Rory. Slowly, I take in my surroundings, realizing that Cian is nowhere to be found. 

That's when I register the conversation taking place behind me. I can't see them, but I can hear every word. To my horror, they're talking about me. 

I hear Cian's deep voice first. 
"When we touch down, we'll all be moving to the new compound in Galway. They're still constructing the barracks, but I need you three close, so you'll be staying with Quinn and me in the main house for the time being." 

The men are silent for a moment, and then I stiffen as I hear Kieran ask, "Quinn has agreed to move in with you?" 
"I didn't hear any sounds of protest earlier," Rylee snorts, and Quill laughs under his breath. 

Cian must be glaring at them because Quill quickly backtracks. 
"Sorry, boss. None of my business." 

Cian doesn't respond to that; instead, he says confidently, "Yes, Quinn just agreed to move in with me. And soon, she'll agree to be my wife." 
"You're one lucky bastard," Rylee tells him. 

I can hear the satisfaction in Cian's voice as he responds, "I know." 

Kieran doesn't say anything else after that, and the conversation falls silent. That's my cue to fake sleep—Cian will come find me soon enough. 

Sure enough, I hear his strong footsteps approaching, and then I feel him brushing my hair back softly. 
"It's time to wake up, baby. We're home," he murmurs in my ear. 

I blink my eyes open, pretending to wake up. 
"Where are we?" I ask, looking up at him. 
"Near Shannon Airport—very close to home," he tells me. 

I'm on my feet immediately, and he looks at me with surprise. 
"Let's go. I need to see my parents, and then I'm going straight to the hospital," I say quickly, grabbing the few items I brought home with me. 

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All five of us pile into a waiting black sedan. To my surprise, Cian gets into the driver's seat and motions for me to sit across from him in the passenger's seat. We pull up in front of my apartment, and he turns to me. 
"I have to go take care of some business, baby, but I can't leave you alone. Rylee and Quill will stay close to you for the time being," he says. 

I look at him in surprise. "Why do I need bodyguards?" 
"Quinn, we have a lot of enemies now, and we have to watch our backs. I'm not going to take any chances with your safety," he assures me. 

"Don't worry, Quinn. We'll hang back, out of your way," Rylee says, grinning. 

I flash a weary smile at him and then turn back to meet Cian's gaze. 
"Will I see you later?" he asks hopefully. 
"I'm not sure. I'll let you know," I reply gently. 

"That reminds me." He hands me a phone. "Here's a new phone to contact us on. I've already programmed our numbers in." 
"Thanks," I manage to say as I catch Kieran's gaze out of the corner of my eye. "See you later, maybe," I add quickly before jumping out of the car.

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I race into my apartment, eager to take a quick shower and shake off the grogginess from the long trip. As I strip off my travel clothes, I almost forget about Rylee and Quill standing awkwardly by the entrance. 
"Sorry, guys. Just come in. I'm going to get ready—help yourselves to food and beer," I say over my shoulder.