Restrained and Willing Read Online Free

wasn’t engaged any longer. She wasn’t in New York.
And if what she’d written was true…
    * * * * *
    Pierce strode into the office of QPJ Construction, neat,
decidedly masculine, but comfortably inviting for prospective clientele. He
straightened his shoulders and hoped to hell the choice he’d made last night
wasn’t going to destroy a lifelong friendship. But he’d thought long and hard
about his decision and knew it was the right one.
    Quinn and Justin looked up from the blueprint on the
drafting table set off in one corner.
    “Just in time, bud.” Quinn smiled. “We’re considering moving
a weight-bearing wall on the Wallace project and could use your opinion.”
    “Yeah, and grab yourself a cup of coffee.” Justin gave
Pierce a once-over. “You look like you’ve been rode hard and put away wet. Hook
up with Jessica at Freedom Club last night?”
    Both men chuckled.
    The heels of his work boots hitting the scarred oak floor at
a steady clop, Pierce shook his head. No sense beating around the bush.
    “I’m claiming Heather.”
    The tomblike silence in the spacious, triple-desk room was
tangible.
    “Is that so?” Quinn raised a brow and glanced at Justin who
remained silent, but watchful.
    “I’m not asking your permission.” Since no curses or fists
were flying, Pierce took that as a good sign. “I’m informing you as a courtesy.
Because of our friendship. And because it could affect our business
partnership.”
    “And if we object?”
    Unfazed by Quinn’s unyielding stare, Pierce shrugged. “To be
blunt, it’s not your objection that concerns me.”
    “What if our sister objects to being dominated?” Justin
folded his arms, revealing his large biceps to their best advantage.
    “Then I’ll immediately back off. But I’ve recently
discovered something that makes me fairly sure she won’t.”
    “What about your commitment issues? You’ve been pretty
adamant in that regard.” Justin leaned back in his chair.
    “I haven’t changed my mind. I intend to be upfront with
Heather. Make sure she realizes I’m not looking for anything permanent.”
    The brothers shared a dubious look.
    Quinn wiped a hand over his face.
    Justin blew a deep breath.
    “Okay,” they said in unison.
    “That’s it?” Pierce couldn’t keep the skepticism from his
voice.
    “Look, dude. Heather’s no longer a kid. She hasn’t needed
our permission to do anything in a very long time.” Justin looked resigned.
    “Yeah,” Quinn agreed. “And if she wants that kind of a
lifestyle, we’d rather it be with someone we trust. Someone who’d be totally
honest with her and who’d never hurt her.”
    “Not to say the whole concept of the two of you together in
that way won’t take some getting used to.” Justin winced. “So if you don’t
mind, I’d appreciate a heads-up if you’re going to take her to Freedom Club.”
    “Ditto.” Quinn scrunched his nose and then scraped a hand
over his shaved head. “We’re not hypocrites when it comes to individual sexual
choices, but she is our baby sister and we’d rather not see—”
    “Point taken.” Pierce was flooded with relief and endless
appreciation for the levelheadedness and understanding of the two men who were
more brothers to him than friends. “One more thing.”
    Justin groaned. “What? You’re going to forbid her to come to
Pop’s for Thanksgiving this year?”
    Pierce rolled his eyes. “And miss his famous brined turkey
and that awesome stuffing? Not on your life. I’m just giving you two bozos
notice that I’m taking the next two weeks off.”
    “Well, hell.” Quinn frowned. “Then grab yourself some coffee
and come look at these prints. If ten more hours is all we get you for, we’re
going to make sure we get our money’s worth out of your lazy ass.”
    “You’re such an asshole.” Happy to be back on familiar
ground, Pierce walked over to the coffee station, grabbed up his big red mug
and filled it to the brim.
    They might have