Page 27 of Quinn

“We thought it was a waste of new wood and there was so much older stuff lying around.”

Jake frowned, shook his head, and turned back to the injured man. “What happened, Jasiter?”

“We were guiding the wood through when the saw caught on a nail, ripped it out, and it flew through the air. The head of the nail hit my forehead and it burnt like hell. I slammed my hand against it which pushed the point through and kind of nailed my hand to my head.” He grinned at Toriomo. “He looked up, took one look at my head with the nail sticking out through my hand and fainted.”

“I thought the nail had gone straight through his head!” Toriomo said in his defense.

“How the fuck would that have happened? He would have had to have his back to the saw. At least when we thought that had happened we didn’t know the full story...Idiot!” I shook my head while my brothers laughed.

“I’ve been told I’m needed here?”

Barry stood in the doorway, bag in hand.

Connor, Jake, and I stood off to the side as Barry approached. Bending over, he studied the injury. “How the fuck has this happened?”

“We’ll leave Jasiter and Toriomo to explain. Come up to my office when you’re done,” Connor instructed.

Leaving the man in capable hands, we each headed to where we were needed. I made my way up to the house to tell Arabella what had been decided about Sangumala.

CHAPTER SEVEN

ARABELLA

Tania and Natalie arrived a short time after Quinn had left with Mahiro, but when we explained Asagowi and I had both known one another when we’d been hostages of the Sangumala a few years earlier, they understood we wanted to be alone and excused themselves.

A few hours had passed since Asagowi had returned to work and Quinn had gone to meet with his brothers. I hoped the ladies would return shortly as they’d promised. It felt strange being alone, even though Lynetta was around and insisted I call for her if she was needed.

I’d chosen a paperback from Quinn’s bookshelf and settled back to read but my mind was a long way from absorbing the words on the pages.

I was concerned about what the future held, knowing the Masterton brothers were unlikely to trust me enough to set me free anytime soon. Had I gone from being a prisoner under one man to a condemned person under another if I demanded my freedom?

I laid the book down on my lap and closed my eyes. A tear squeezed through to run over my cheek. I was so tired of fighting to live. Had the time come for me to concede defeat and leave such a harsh world? No one would miss me; no one would even know I was gone.

Quinn would.

No, he wouldn’t, he’s like everyone else…no one cares and why should they?

“Why the tears?”

I jumped at the sound of Tania’s voice and my eyes flew open as she entered the room with Natalie by her side. She crouched in front of where I sat and thumbed away the rogue tear.

“Just attending a pity party.”

The ladies seated themselves on both sides of me and each gathered a hand.

“Is there anything we can do to help? Are you in pain?” Natalie spoke softly; her concern causing more tears to fall.

I shook my head and brushed at the wetness. “No, I’m just feeling down and a little overwhelmed at how kind everyone has been. It’s a pity it couldn’t last forever.”

I didn’t miss the glance exchanged between the two ladies before Tania asked, “What do you mean—it can’t last forever?”

“I know if I want to leave when I recover it won’t be permitted, but I’m not sure I’ll be able to stay.”

“Why can’t you stay, I’m sure Quinn wouldn’t mind.” I appreciated Natalie’s words even if they weren’t true.

“Quinn won’t care, he’s committed to being a bachelor.”

“Was committed, and honey, the way he looked at you…let’s say, his commitment to bachelorhood has shattered into pieces.”