The Man Who Has No Love (Soulless Book 3)

by Victoria Quinn

  “He’ll love it even more then,” I said with a chuckle.

  “I think I’ll put in the offer. Maybe we could break it in next weekend.”

  “Derek would love to spend the weekend in the sand.”

  He tugged me a little closer. “I was thinking just the two of us.”

  I turned to him, already excited. “Yeah?”

  He rested his forehead against mine. “Yeah.”

  I waited in Deacon’s residence while he dropped off Derek.

  Just to keep Valerie docile.

  He walked inside minutes later, while I was sitting on the couch.

  “How’d it go?” I asked.

  “Fine.” He took the seat beside me.

  “She didn’t mention me?”

  “No. But she was much more pleasant when she knew you weren’t there.”

  Geez. “She thinks I’m still dating Tucker, so I don’t get it.”

  “She’s not as stupid as we think. She’s got a woman’s intuition.”

  “Or she just knows you really well…and knows you aren’t being yourself.”

  “What?” he asked. “Happy?” He chuckled even though it wasn’t the least bit funny.

  “So…are you going to put the offer in?”

  He nodded. “We’ll do it on Monday.”

  “Great.”

  “Except, one problem…”

  “What?”

  “Tucker is gonna want to bring someone to fuck in it.”

  I chuckled. “Yeah, no surprise there.”

  “Maybe I’ll let him have that place, so he’ll forget about the cabin.”

  “He would love you forever.”

  “Like I don’t already do enough for that asshole,” he said, a playful tone in his voice.

  My hand slid down his arm, touching his muscles, happy we were finally alone together. I loved spending our time with Derek, but I also loved when there were short intervals when it was just the two of us…so we could do what he wanted. If Derek hadn’t been there, Deacon probably would have bent me over the couch and fucked me—since he intended to buy the place.

  His mood abruptly changed when he noticed my intentions. His eyes drifted down to my lips, watched them as he waited for me to kiss him, his breath gentle and slow. His hand moved to my thigh, gripping the denim that cupped my thighs. The energy between us was immediately different without saying a single word.

  “I wish you could move to the cabin…” That was the one place he would really be happy, the only place that was an upgrade after this condo. He could work on the back patio, listening to the sound of the lake and the trees, alone and away from the hustle of the city. It would be easy for him to pretend he was the only person in the world.

  His eyes stayed on my lips. “The cabin is our place. So I couldn’t move there without you.”

  Seven

  Deacon

  I was in my office when Tucker called.

  I ignored it.

  So, he texted me. Duuuuuude.

  I rolled my eyes.

  I’ve got news.

  I’m at work, Tucker.

  So am I. Who cares?

  Now, I was distracted, so I just joined the conversation. What’s the news?

  I met this woman at work…and we’re shagging.

  You seriously texted me at work to tell me that?

  There’s more to it. I was thinking the four of us could go out. You could check her out.

  You don’t need my approval, Tucker.

  You’re my little brother. I want you to like her.

  Well, I don’t like anybody, so that’s going to be difficult.

  Come on. I put up with Valerie. You can at least try with my lady.

  Calling Valerie a bitch is NOT trying.

  I said that AFTER you left her. Come on, it’ll be fun. What are you doing tonight?

  I wanted to finish up some work at the dining table before Cleo came up and had dinner with me. Then we’d go to bed and do all the fun stuff I liked. That was what I wanted to do tonight, but it looked like my plans had changed. Where do you want to go?

  Yaaaaaasssss. Let’s go to the bar.

  Fine.

  Fine? It’s gonna be a blast. Let’s meet at 7. Byyyyyeeeee.

  Bye.

  Oh, by the way, her name is Pria. And she’s hot AF.

  I rolled my eyes. Thanks for letting me know. I tossed my phone aside.

  Theresa messaged me on the computer. Dr. Hawthorne is here.

  I sighed and pushed my things aside, annoyed I couldn’t get anything done because shit kept popping up. Send her in. I got to my feet before the doors opened. I’d invited Dr. Hawthorne to continue her research in my lab. I’ve been following her career for half a decade. She was a brilliant physician with incredible ideas. We didn’t always agree on everything, but that was why I appreciated her work. I didn’t need someone to agree with me. I needed someone to see shit I didn’t see, to challenge my views and make me defend them. Those were always the moments when I realized I was right—or I needed to look at things from a different angle.

  The doors opened, and she stepped inside. In her black plumps, she was six feet tall. Her blond hair was slicked back into a neat ponytail, and she wore a black dress with a black jacket on top. There was a necklace around her throat and a watch on her wrist. Her heels tapped lightly against the hardwood as she approached me, a smile on her face. “It’s an honor to meet you in the flesh, Dr. Hamilton.” She extended her hand to me, confident, strong.

  I came around the desk and took it. “The honor is mine, Dr. Hawthorne. You’ll be a great addition to this team.”

  “That’s nice of you to say, especially since I don’t have a Nobel. Well, yet.” She smiled.

  “Give it time.” I dropped my hand and returned to my desk. I’d invited her to work with us based on everything I’d read about her, but I’d never had the opportunity to actually speak to her, other than through email, which was full of meaningless phrases and forced politeness.

  She sat in the armchair, crossing her legs, her hands together on her knee while she kept her back perfectly straight. She was lean, like her diet was similar to mine, and even though she was a few years older than me, she looked a few years younger. Her complexion was ageless. When she spoke, her British roots were strong, but I didn’t struggle to understand her. Almost all my colleagues had different accents since they were from different parts of the world. “I looked through everything you sent me. I’m up to speed on your research, but I had a few questions.”

  “Fire away.”

  She asked me about my process and some unpredictable data. Without needing the paperwork in front of her face, she could recall everything, as if she’d spent a great deal of time studying my work even though she’d be working on another project.

  I was impressed. “My goal is to force the healthy cells to turn into a militia for the body. Athletes take drugs to improve their performance. I’m sure there’s a way to do that with our immune system, without the pharmacological effects of typical prescription drugs.”

  “I noticed what you did with the phytochemicals from the cauliflower. Was that successful?”

  “Inconclusive at this point.”

  “I really like the idea of utilizing what we already have. People are turning to harsher drugs to fix their problems, but it’s creating more problems in the long run. It’s deceptive to our patients.”

  “I agree.” That was why I’d invited her here. We wanted to treat patients—not make them worse. I was sure other physicians had good intentions with their patients, but they were simply going about care in the wrong way.

  “I know this is a bit personal…but I wanted to share my condolences for your father. I know he passed years ago, but I know that must have been so hard, knowing you could have helped him if things were different.”

  I nodded. “I appreciate that, Dr. Hawthorne.”

  “Please call me Kathleen. I worked hard for the title, but it’s so time-consu
ming saying all of that every time we address each other.”

  “Kathleen, it is. And you can call me Deacon.”

  “Much easier.” She smiled. “So, can I see my lab? I’m a bit excited to see my canvas.”

  “Of course.” I left the desk and came around to her side. “I’ll give you a tour as well.”

  “That’s very kind of you, Deacon.” She stepped up next to me, keeping my pace even in her heels, just a few inches shorter than me. She was easy to talk to like the other physicians I worked with. It was just easier for me to get along with people similar to myself, because we were always interested in talking about work—which was the only thing I ever wanted to talk about.

  Dr. Hawthorne wanted to step into my lab, so I took her for an intimate tour, showing her exactly what I was working on so she could see it with her own eyes. On the way, I introduced her to everyone else, and the men were particularly timid around her, probably because she was attractive.

  It caused me to work late, and I wasn’t in the back seat of my car until six. I texted Cleo. Hey, baby.

  Hey, babe.

  I smiled as I looked at the exchange on my screen. Tucker wants us to meet him for a drink at 7. Can you make it?

  Uh…I think so. I’ll ask Matt to finish up for me.

  He’s introducing us to some woman he met.

  Really? Oh, that’s so great!

  I knew she was relieved because that meant their relationship was truly in the past. But I already knew Tucker had no hard feelings—because he’d pushed me toward her so hard. After Cleo dumped him, he’d gotten laid more times than I did. But I never told her because that seemed crass. Her name is Pria.

  Lovely name.

  Can we go together?

  I should probably go alone. I’ll meet you there, Deacon.

  I was really annoyed with all this secrecy. This was an important relationship to me, and I was tired of pretending to be single. I was tired of tiptoeing around Valerie when I didn’t give a fuck how she felt about Cleo. Alright. Cleo worked long hours, and there were times when I didn’t see her for days, and while I missed her, that never really bothered me. But this…this shit was getting old.

  I got to the bar before Cleo.

  Pria was a blonde. With long, curled hair and light-colored eyes, she was exactly Tucker’s type. She was turned toward him with her fingers wrapped around her beer, smiling as he spoke to her, her fingers slightly twirling her hair.

  I really didn’t like talking to people I didn’t know. I already struggled with people I actually did know. So, I had to sit there and get to know this woman, who might not even be a serious presence in Tucker’s life. He might have a new girl next week.

  I stopped at the bar and ordered two beers just to stall in case Cleo walked in. When she didn’t, I headed to the table and sat down.

  “Look who it is.” Tucker clinked his beer against mine. “Where’s Cleo?”

  “Running a little late.” I turned to Pria. “I’m Deacon. Nice to meet you.” I shook her hand.

  “Pria.” She smiled, shook my hand, and then returned to twirling her hair. “You both look so much alike…”

  “But I’m hotter, right?” Tucker asked.

  Pria chuckled then leaned into him. “Of course.”

  I had to sit there and watch them do this for the next hour?

  Tucker leaned into her and kissed her.

  I’d kissed Cleo in front of him once—and it was in my own home. I drank from my beer and looked at the TV. Fuck, this was going to be a long night.

  Cleo finally joined us. “Sorry I’m late.”

  Oh, thank god. I pulled out her chair so she could sit down.

  “What did I miss?” She set her purse on the counter.

  My arm moved around her, and I pulled her into me to kiss her, because I wanted to kiss her every time I saw her, especially after missing her all day. I was busy at work, my mind completely absorbed in my research, but she popped into my mind from time to time.

  She melted at my kiss—like always. “I got you a beer.”

  “Thanks.” She turned to Tucker and Pria. “I’m Cleo.” She shook her hand across the table. “It’s so lovely to meet you.”

  “You too,” Pria said. “And you two are adorable.”

  “Aww, thanks,” Cleo said.

  “How long have you been together?”

  “Only a couple of months,” Cleo said. “We’re in the honeymoon phase.”

  “That’s so sweet.”

  Tucker nodded to Pria then winked at me.

  I cocked an eyebrow.

  He subtly pointed at both of them then waggled his eyebrows.

  I continued to stare at him blankly.

  Then he mouthed, “They’re getting along.”

  Instead of mouthing back, I just said the words out loud. “Why didn’t you just say that?”

  Tucker rolled his eyes and drank his beer. “What’s new with you?”

  Cleo and Pria finished their conversation, and then we spoke as a group again.

  “Nothing,” I said. “Derek starts school next week.”

  “Wow, that’s crazy,” Tucker said. “I feel like he was just born yesterday.”

  I couldn’t believe it either. “Yeah, now time will go by even faster.”

  “Do you have a picture?” Pria asked.

  Before I could grab my phone, Cleo pulled out hers and showed a collage of pictures.

  “Oh my god, he’s peeeeeerfect.” Pria smiled as she looked at the pictures.

  I didn’t realize Cleo had so many, but I guess it didn’t surprise me.

  “He is perfect.” Cleo put her phone down. “He’s such a sweet little boy. I want him to stay that way forever.”

  She spoke about him the way I did—and I liked that.

  “What do you do?” Pria asked.

  “I’m a concierge at the Trinity Building,” Cleo answered. “It’s like being a personal assistant, almost like in a hotel, but the residents are permanent. That’s actually how Deacon and I met.”

  “Cool.” Pria turned to me. “Tucker told me you were super smart, but he didn’t really explain what that meant.”

  “Because he’s too stupid to know what I do,” I fired back.

  Pria laughed.

  Tucker laughed too, but his was sarcastic. “Asshole.”

  “I just bought a beach house in the Hamptons,” I said.

  “Okay, not so much of an asshole now,” Tucker said quickly. “Especially if you slip me the keys once in a while…”

  I drank from my beer then answered her question. “I’m a medical researcher. I find natural pathways to fight chronic diseases, like cancer, heart disease, viruses…things like that.”

  “Wow.” Pria’s eyes widened. “You are suuuuuper smart.”

  I didn’t know what to say to that, so I looked down into my beer.

  “Anything interesting happen at work today?” Tucker asked.

  I shook my head as I tried to think. “In terms of data, no. But a new physician just joined the team today. She’s very bright, very accomplished, and she has a lot of fresh ideas. She’s young, a few years older than me, which is another plus.”

  “Why does the age matter?” Tucker asked.

  “Younger people are more ambitious,” I explained. “They have more time to prove themselves, so they work harder. Once people are somewhat close to retirement, they slow down. And younger people aren’t set in their ways. Their brains function differently, so they’re more likely to look at problems from a different angle, and therefore, find a solution. Sometimes youth is synonymous with inexperience, but in most cases, it’s actually beneficial.”

  Tucker nodded slightly. “I guess that makes sense.”

  “Is she working on your project or something else?” Cleo asked.

  “She’s working on something else, but we’ll converse with each other about our projects all the time, so she’ll join me here and there…and I’ll join her work too. Sometimes th
ere’re too many cooks in the kitchen, but I think cooperative involvement yields better results. We’re respectful of each other’s ideas and understand that disagreement isn’t synonymous with dislike. We don’t have egos.”

  “Ha.” Tucker took a drink. “You don’t have an ego. Right.”

  “He doesn’t,” Cleo said in my defense. “Really, he doesn’t. I work with the top one-percent on a regular basis. I know what a fat ego looks like.”

  “Back to a topic that actually matters…” Tucker brushed off what she’d said.

  My arm was over the back of her chair, so my fingers rubbed her shoulder gently, my eyes on hers, silently thanking her for what she’d said. Tucker told me she always defended me, whether I was there or not, and it was nice to have someone so loyal in my life.

  Tucker continued. “I want to know everything about this beach house. Is it on the water?”

  I knew I wouldn’t be able to keep him away. But as long as he didn’t taint the cabin, I was okay with it. “Yes.”

  He rubbed his hands together greedily. “Ooh…keep talking.”

  “It’s got a pool,” Cleo said.

  “Awesome,” Tucker said. “Keep going.”

  “An outdoor fireplace,” I added.

  He raised his hands in the air and closed his eyes. “I can see it…beautiful. Keep going.”

  Cleo chuckled. “It’s got a built-in grill, a small gate that leads directly to the sand, three bedrooms, and a full kitchen, privacy from the road…”

  “Yes. Yes. And yes.” Tucker opened his eyes. “When are we going? How about this weekend?”

  “Cleo and I already using it,” I said.

  “And we can’t come up for a barbecue or something?” Tucker asked.

  “How about I just give you the keys, and you use it next weekend?” I asked.

  His eyes opened wide, and he stilled, shocked by the offer.

  Cleo chuckled at his reaction.

  “Oh my god, I fucking love you.” He got out of his chair and came to me, wrapping his arms around me and giving me a bear hug. “You are the man, Deacon.” He grabbed both of my cheeks and kissed me right on the lips.