Quinn’s expression darkened. “Does Strada know about this entrance?”
“Yeah. I mean he lived here too.”
“Does he have a key?”
Cade shook his head. Changing the locks had been one of the first things he did when he threw Eric out of his life. “Not now, and all the keys and codes were changed to the house. That kid’s a regular so he got the new code.”
“The codes need to be changed again. No one gets past the team.”
Cade sighed and scrubbed a hand through his hair. “I feel like I’m a prisoner.”
“It’s for two weeks. That’s all,” Quinn assured him.
“What if you don’t catch him?”
“I’ll catch him,” Quinn said.
“You promise?”
Quinn’s eyes softened a fraction. “Cade, I promise.”
Chapter 3
Quinn
Quinn didn’t give his promises lightly. He stepped into Cade’s space again and rested his hands on Cade’s shoulders, making each movement slow to give Cade a chance to back away if he wanted. Cade’s shoulders shook but he stayed where he was and Quinn gave a brief squeeze before taking a step back. “I’m here, and I’m not going to let anyone hurt you. I’m sticking by your side until it really pisses you off, but we’ll find Strada and then I will gut him.”
“Did you mean arrest him?” Cade asked, one winged eyebrow raised.
“No.”
Cade bit his lip, but he didn’t argue.
“Do you want to show me where I’m sleeping tonight?” Quinn asked, trying to give the boy something else to think about. He could talk to the security team in a few minutes.
Cade nodded, but the tension didn’t ease from his expression.
“Hey, Cade.”
Cade seemed to come back to life. “Okay. Let me show you upstairs and then perhaps we could see about getting your cat? And when are our bikes due to be delivered from CDR?”
“All good questions. One thing at a time.”
“You’re not stopping me riding my bike,” Cade warned.
Quinn didn’t argue. Cade was going to find out about the limits of his activities soon enough. Why provoke an argument now?
The master bedroom was a study in blues and browns. It was stylish and classy, and not what he expected from the young man.
Cade snorted when Quinn looked at him in surprise. “What did you expect? Guitars on the walls and bike posters? Or my art?”
“Either. Both.”
“At least you’re honest.” Cade seemed to fold in on himself, wrapping his arms around his body, comforting himself. “Eric never liked the guitars and posters. He banned them from the bedroom. He said they were too distracting. And he hated my paintings.”
“You could have put them back up,” Quinn suggested.
“Yeah, but maybe he was right. I like chilling out before I sleep, otherwise I’m thinking about art and music and bikes all night.” He looked a little sheepish. “I hate the fact he was right about something.”
“I understand.”
“You do?” Cade looked surprised.
“The man physically abused you. It doesn’t mean to say he got everything wrong. You’re the bigger man for accepting there were some things he got right.”
“I wish he would go away, just fuck off, you know?”
Quinn wanted to hold Cade and take away his pain, but he couldn’t. He had to stay professional. “That’s what we’re here for. To get you away from him.”
Cade ran his hand through his hair and emitted the longest, most painful sigh Quinn had ever heard. “I know. But it’s me who has to live under lockdown, not him.”
“It’s a short-term issue while we work out a long-term solution, Cade.”
Cade gave him a wry smile. “In other words, put up and shut up.”
“Yeah.” Quinn was pleased Cade could retain some degree of humor. “Cooperate with us, and we’ll get Strada out of your life.”
“Let me show you your room.”
Cade led the way out of the bedroom. Quinn didn’t miss the fact that he’d not given his assent. Any cooperation he got from Cade would be hard-won. He didn’t push it now. Later he would probably wish he’d been more forceful in extracting a promise from his client.
The guest bedroom was pleasant enough. Quinn paid little attention to his surroundings. It was just somewhere to bunk. He had more important things to worry about. He dumped his bag by the bed and looked at Cade who stood in the doorway.
“Okay. Next on the list I need to get Mogs.”
“Your cat?” Cade’s eyes lit up at Quinn’s nod. “Can I come with you?”
“Yeah.” After the delivery of the roses, Quinn wasn’t leaving him alone, and if taking him to pick up his cat secured long-term cooperation, that worked for him. “Is Gareth still available?”
“He drives me whenever I want.” Cade grimaced. “I prefer my bike, but they still insist Gareth follows me. Do you know what that does for my reputation?” His unimpressed expression spoke volumes.
Quinn could imagine. He held back a grin. “They just want to keep you safe.”
“I know,” Cade said dismissively. “Let’s get your cat.”
Quinn frowned as Cade stalked downstairs. He was the one who gave the orders. Cade was going to have to learn this fast.
By the time he reached the bottom of the stairs, Cade had his jacket slung over his shoulder and the front door open.
Quinn took a deep breath and counted to ten. He pushed the front door shut and stared down at Cade. “Did you check if Strada was outside before you opened the door?”
Cade pressed his lips together. “I’m not an idiot.”
Not an answer.
“From now on, you don’t answer the door first or go out without me checking it’s safe,” Quinn said. “I need to advise the team we’re leaving so they can arrange an escort.”
“Why don’t you just handcuff me while you’re at it?” Cade spat.
“If you don’t obey my rules, it might come to that.”
Two things happened. One, Cade’s breath hitched. Was it at the mention of handcuffs or rules? He didn’t manage to hide his excitement. Two, he narrowed his eyes at Quinn.
“I’m not your prisoner.”
“You said you’re not stupid. Then prove it.”
“How?” Cade demanded.
Quinn held back from rolling his eyes with an effort. “You’ve had a security detail before, and you know the routine. I’m here to protect you.”
“Then protect me by getting us out of here,” Cade growled.
If Quinn thought Cade was going to cooperate easily, he was mistaken. Cade was going to fight him all the way. Quinn sighed. He called the security team. “We’re leaving in five.”
“Ready,” Padraig said.
Quinn disconnected the call and peered through the window by the side of the front door.
“Okay, it’s clear. Gareth is outside waiting. You stay behind me, head straight for the car and get in.”