Chapter Thirteen

Rogue

I was waiting in the kitchen while Bri changed clothes. The white shirt and jeans she had been wearing earlier could not withstand the urgency with which I had to have her naked again and in my bed. But while I wanted nothing more than to spend the entire day with her long legs wrapped around my waist, some things needed to be done. Things that couldn’t wait.

I poured myself a cup of coffee hoping it would help staunch the raging lust I had for my wife while I conducted business. Whiskey had not helped, and I was beginning to think there wasn’t anything that would free me from her spell. Even after just fucking her, I found myself wanting her still.

The buzzing vibration of my phone drew my attention away from the fantasies my mind was eagerly creating. I saw the name on the screen and grinned. I had been wondering how long it would be before Alessio tried to insert himself into my troubles.

Bri had yet to make an appearance, so I decided it was best to go ahead and answer. No doubt he would keep calling until I did anyway.

“I was expecting a call from you sooner or later.”

“And I thought you were smart enough not to antagonize a mafia hitman.”

I frowned, not really in the mood for a lecture. “You have talked to Blaze?”

Men like us had very few friends or people in our inner circles. Alessio Messina was one of those that I trusted and considered a friend. He ruled New York with the same fierceness that I ruled Chicago.

“Blaze called me this morning. It seems that not only are you determined to piss off one of the world’s most dangerous hitmen, but you seem to have gotten the attention of a young Armenian thug as well.”

“I have no problem with Frankie Ballentine, but I have every intention of killing his stepson. You can communicate that information to him if you like. As far as the young Armenian, Petros Sargsyan, he is a threat that can easily be handled. From the information I have gathered, he only has a small number of men who still support him. His family and others in his late father’s organization think he is unhinged.”

I heard Alessio let out a deep breath. “Yes, I had figured that much out myself. And while you may not be concerned with him, I have a few interests in Chicago, and I don’t like hearing that some young punk thinks he is powerful enough to take anything from me. I will be there by the end of the week to assist you in any way that you need.”

“I don’t need you to come here, Alessio. Like I said, Petros is nothing I can’t handle on my own.”

“Yes, I know, but it will give me an excuse to meet your new bride. I have to say, I was more than shocked when Tomas told me the news. I never saw you as the marriage type. You give off more of a playboy vibe than that of a doting husband.”

I knew this was coming. “How the hell did Tomas find out about my marriage?”

“I have my sources too, just like you.”

“It is not what you think. Marriage was necessary to keep her safe. It was not expected to be the love match you have with your Cara Mia.” I didn’t know why the lie fell so easily from my lips. Perhaps I didn’t want to admit my deepest feelings even to myself . “I am assuming Tomas will be arriving with you.”

“Yes, Eden will be traveling with me as well, and I don’t travel with her unless I have added security. I know you aren’t suggesting I leave her with Blaze again, not after last time. Besides, she is anxious to meet the woman you were so interested in protecting that you forced her to marry you. I suppose they have something in common.”

I took another sip of my coffee. “I will make preparations for you.”

“No need. I will see you in a few days. If something changes and you need assistance earlier. Call.”

I didn’t bother to respond. Alessio may be as cold and as dangerous as any of us, but his friendship was true. And since friends were rare in our circle, I valued it.

When I walked out of the kitchen, I found Bri looking exceptionally sexy in a black dress and matching heels, but her face was solemn, and I wondered if she was still worried about Tony Galante or if it was something else.

The conversation I had with Alessio came to mind. I had told Bri that she was mine, that I would protect her, keep her, and that no other man would touch her, but I had never mentioned …love. To be honest I wasn’t certain if I was capable of love. It had not crossed my mind. I knew Alessio was deeply in love with his Cara Mia, but I had always thought that was a rarity for men like us.

“You look stunning, Angel.” I took a step forward, but she retreated a step, brushed her hair back, and looked down.

“I am sorry it took me longer to get ready than I expected.”

I tilted my head to the side wondering about the softness in her voice and the way she seemed suddenly uneasy with me. We had just spent the past two hours in bed where she had been far from reserved.

“What is bothering you, sweetheart?”

“Nothing, I’m fine.”

She looked away, and I knew at that moment she was lying. I could see in her eyes that she was hiding something from me. But if we didn’t leave soon, we would be late meeting Michael for dinner. I took her hand and raised it to my lips. “I had planned on taking you around Chicago and showing you the city today. I’m sorry we didn’t make it out of the bedroom. Let me make it up to you. Is there something you have always wanted to do while in Chicago but haven’t had the opportunity?”

I watched as her eyes met mine and for a minute, I thought she wouldn’t answer.

“I have never been to the Field Museum. When I was a little girl, I read about it at school and when I got here, I thought about going but never had the time or the money.”

I moved quickly before she had a chance to back away from me again and took both of her hands in mine. She tried to look away again.

“Look at me, Angel!” When her eyes turned back to mine, I leaned forward and pressed a soft kiss to her cheek. “Tell me what is bothering you and I will fix it.”

She looked down and pulled her hands from mine. “Shouldn’t we be going?”

I nodded and wondered what the hell had happened to make her look so melancholy. She stepped into the elevator and while she didn’t move away from my touch, she didn’t exactly melt against it either. When the doors opened, Blaze was waiting for us, and I saw a smile play on her lips when she saw him.

“Will you be joining us, Blaze?”

What the fuck?! Since when did the two of them get so chummy?

“No, little one. I avoid these dinners.”

“Why? Do you not like Father Michael?”

“I don’t like what he represents.”

I took hold of Bri’s arm and began leading her to the car. “Blaze is afraid of bursting into flames should he get too close to anything religious.”

She smiled again, but it wasn’t directed at me, and it was beginning to piss me off that her demeanor had changed so suddenly.

“Well, we will miss you. Have a good evening, Blaze.”

I saw the slight tilt of his head and the smirk on his face and realized he was enjoying the fact that her sudden friendliness toward him was pissing me off.

“It seems as if you and Blaze are getting along better.”

Her lips quirked up slightly. “He is gruff and surly, but he grows on you after a while.”

I escorted her to the car and while I wanted to pull her to me, I kept my distance. If I touched her now, it would lead to me canceling dinner and going back to the penthouse where I would make her tell me what was bothering her, and I had already canceled on Michael enough. After what happened outside the church, I owed it to him to show up tonight. There would be time later to coax another smile out of my little angel.

Bri

I don’t know why overhearing Rogue on the phone saying that he married me just for protection, that love had nothing to do with it had upset me the way that it did. I shouldn’t be surprised. I had told myself that he would tire of me. I had told myself it was lust and desire I was feeling and at first it had been, but the fact that he held me after my terrible nightmare, and the gentle way he had kissed me made me hope for more.

This was ridiculous; how could I fall in love with a man like Rogue Delaney? I leaned my head against the window of the car as we drove through the city. My thoughts continued to drift. It was irrational and immature for me to think that this could be anything more. But if love was off the table, could I be content with just desire and lust? Would it ever be enough? I suppose it would have to be.

The car came to a stop outside of the church. “We are having dinner here?”

“Yes, Michael likes to cook almost as much as he likes to lecture me on frivolous spending at expensive restaurants.” He took my hand. “Don’t get excited. Most nights it is as simple as homemade pizza or pasta. He also makes a chicken and rice casserole from time to time.”

“In addition to the spaghetti suppers once a month?”

“Yes, the spaghetti suppers are for the congregation and the unfortunate in the community. Tonight will be just us. He invites me at least once a week, but I typically don’t have time for it. I’m sure he is more concerned about your welfare than seeing me. I am bound to receive another scolding about my behavior.” He opened the door and got out of the car, then held out his hand to assist me.

“I’m sure as your friend he is just concerned.”

Rogue rolled his eyes but before anything else could be said, Father Michael appeared.

“Well, I am glad to see that she hasn’t killed you yet.”

Rogue grinned. “The night is still young.”

Father Michael stepped forward and took my hand before leaning over and pressing a kiss to my cheek. “It is good to see you again, Mrs. Delaney.”

My eyes shot up at the unfamiliarity of the name.

“Still not used to being married, I see. You will get more accustomed to it.”

I smiled brightly, feeling a bit more myself again. “I’m not sure there will be enough time for that.” I glanced back at Rogue whose frown had become more pronounced then wrapped my arm through Michael’s. “I am told that you are an excellent chef.”

“Lies, all of them. I do enjoy cooking from time to time, but it is nothing to brag about. Tonight, since you are my special guest, I tried something different, chicken marsala. I hope you like it.”

“I’m sure I will love it.”

He escorted me inside the church. “Do you live here?”

“I have a small apartment in the basement. I find it is convenient.”

I felt Rogue’s presence behind me even before he spoke. “And sparse. I have offered him other options, but he refuses and continues to martyr himself by living in poverty.”

“I prefer a simpler life.”

My arm was still linked through his as we walked down the narrow passageway to the church basement. It was a typical basement, with stone walls, cold floors, and a tad bit damp and musty smell, but the living quarters that Father Michael had there, while plain and simple, also gave off a sense of peace, a sense of home.

I breathed in the scents coming from his small kitchen. “Hmm, smells delicious.”

He escorted me over to a small round table and held a chair out for me. Rogue sat opposite me, and Michael began serving us.

“I know our meeting yesterday was brief, Brielle. But I would like to get to know you better. Tell me a little about yourself.”

I immediately picked up the glass of red wine before me and took a drink. I wasn’t comfortable talking about myself or sharing my past, and I could feel Rogue watching me. He had never asked a lot of questions about my life before Chicago other than my relationship with Tony. “I hope you weren’t counting on me for lively stories. I haven’t lived the exciting type of life that the two of you have. I don’t have a lot of family and spent most of my time since I was fifteen working a full-time job and going to school.”

“Rogue had mentioned that you were from Colorado. What made you want to start a new life here in Chicago? I would think it must have been difficult to leave behind the beauty of the Rocky Mountains.”

I picked up my fork. “It wasn’t that difficult. I mean life is all about change and who of us knows how long we will be in one place.”

I looked up at Rogue, his expression had not changed.

I took a bite of the chicken, it was good, really good. “This is delicious, Father Michael. I think you could open a restaurant.”

“He would go out of business in a month,” Rogue said, his voice indifferent and distant.

Michael laughed. “Rogue is right. I don’t have the head for business that he does. Do you have plans to go back to the club tonight?”

Rogue swallowed the food he was chewing. “As soon as we leave here, but I will not be there for long. I have other plans for the evening.”

His eyes were intently fixed upon me, and I took another drink hoping the wine would help soothe the tickle in my throat.

Father Michael cleared his throat. “I was hoping Blaze would come tonight.”

Rogue wiped his mouth and swallowed the remaining contents of his glass. “He is occupied with other things.”

I watched as Father Michael’s face fell. “After dinner, I would like to speak with you, if you have time. One of my parishioners brought some information to me and asked me to tell you. It concerns a man named Petros.”

I immediately scooted my chair back. “I can leave the two of you alone.”

Rogue’s hand grabbed mine. “No, finish your dinner. Michael and I can step out.”

I watched as Father Michael and Rogue left the kitchen. I wasn’t sure where they would go and while a part of me wanted to follow and hear what was said, another part of me said to mind my own business. It wasn’t about Tony, so it didn’t concern me. I continued eating, licking, the final remnants of sauce from my fork before pouring myself another glass of wine. But my curiosity finally got the better of me, and I couldn’t resist moving closer to the kitchen door, hoping to catch a little bit of the conversation.

Rogue

“What do you know of Petros?”

“I know that he is dangerous,” Michael said as he leaned back against the wall. “One of the young men who attends church said that he heard a man of that name asking questions about you. He is trying to discover your habits, the places you frequently attend, and your shipment schedules for your merchandise or whatever it is you deal in. I don’t want to know so don’t tell me. He has men watching the building where the penthouse is downtown as well as the club. I know he is working on a much smaller scale than you, but remember, a snake is a snake, and can easily take down a giant with one strike. Don’t underestimate your enemy, Rogue.”

“I’m not underestimating him. I already knew he had me under surveillance. What he doesn’t know is that Blaze is watching him as closely as he is watching me. Nik is also aware of him, as is Alessio. The fool has no idea the trouble he has started. His arrogance and pride will lead to his downfall.”

Michael looked back toward the kitchen door. “What of the men from yesterday? The ones looking for Brielle.”

I sighed heavily and motioned for him to walk farther away from the door with me. “The man that sent them is Tony Galante.”

I watched his eyes narrow as the name ran through his head. “It is not familiar.”

“I didn’t think it would be, but his stepfather is Frankie Ballentine. I’m sure that name will ring a few bells.”

“The mafia hitman? That Frankie Ballentine?”

“The same.”

I watched as he started pacing the room. “That is an entirely different problem. What does his stepson want with your wife?”

“Before she came to Chicago, he attacked her. He beat her and nearly raped her before someone heard her screams and came to help. That fact alone would have been enough for me to end him, but now that he has followed her to Chicago, I not only will kill him, but I plan to make him suffer.”

Michael’s face turned ashen. “You can’t kill Frankie’s son, it will be signing your death warrant, as well as your wife’s.”

“So, I am to let it go? Allow him to continue to torment her, or perhaps I should call a meeting and return her to him.” I thrust my hands in my pockets, trying to control the anger threatening to explode from me. I seldom lost my temper with Michael but tonight I felt it beginning to flare.

“I’m not suggesting anything of the sort, and you know it. My God, Rogue, you know me better than that. I am just trying to get you to think rationally. There must be another way.”

I shook my head in disgust. “Even if there were a way to buy him off, I still wouldn’t do it. He hurt her and for that, he is going to die by my hand. It’s as simple as that.”

Michael blew out a slow ragged breath. “Well, if you are determined to do something so foolish, you will need help. Tell me what I can do.”

I stepped forward and placed my hand on his shoulder. “You are a good friend, Michael, but you left this world a few years back and started a new one. I will not be the one responsible for pulling you back into the depths of my sin and immorality.”

“I wasn’t asking permission, Rogue. You are faced with two equally dangerous threats and as your friend, I will not allow you to face them alone.”

I nodded knowing how stubborn he could be once his mind was set on something. “Thank you for supper tonight, Michael. But I must get back to Sinners . I have been neglecting it the past few days for obvious reasons.”

I walked back into the kitchen and saw Bri sitting in the same place where I had left her, but her face was pale and her eyes wide. “Haven’t I already cautioned you about listening at doorways?”

“You should have told me.”

“Told you what, love?”

She stood up and threw her napkin on the table. “You should have told me that Tony’s father was a mafia hitman!”

I moved quickly, wrapping my arms around her. “It never came up in conversation and how would you knowing have benefitted the situation?”

She struggled against me. “You are crazy.”

“Maybe so, but you really should have more trust in me. I didn’t get to where I am in life by being careless. Now, would you like to spend the rest of the night arguing about something I will not change my mind about or hurry to the club so I can finish my business there before I give you the surprise I have planned?”

Her lips thinned into a straight line and her eyes narrowed just a fraction. “You could have just sent me away once you found out who Tony was and the people he is connected to.”

“I could have, but where would be the fun in that?” I leaned forward and kissed her quickly before she could utter another word. “Come let’s go before Michael tries to feed us dessert. Blaze will be at the club waiting for us.”

I took her hand and led her from the kitchen. Michael was waiting for us by the stairs that led out of the basement back up the sanctuary of the church. “Thank you for supper, Michael.”

He nodded toward me before taking Bri’s hand. I had a brief moment of jealousy course through me as they locked eyes. It was as if some sort of silent communication passed between them, and I found myself envious of the bond she seemed to be forming with Michael and Blaze. I wanted her to have faith in me, to trust me, as she was beginning to them.

“Brielle, thank you for coming with Rogue tonight. I hope you have a pleasurable evening and if you ever need anything, I will be here.”

She smiled sweetly. “Thank you. But perhaps you will still be able to talk some sense into him.”

Michael laughed as he shook his head. “I have never been successful in making Rogue see reason. Once he has set his path, he doesn’t deviate.”

“We have to go. The two of you can talk about saving my life or my soul another time. I have work to do.”

I took Bri’s hand and together we began walking up the stairs. When we stepped out onto the street outside the church, I took my coat off and draped it across her shoulders as it began to rain. I hurried her to the car and climbed in beside her. She was quiet but I could tell that hearing the news of Tony’s stepfather had her worried. If I wanted to see more of her smiles, I would have to settle this matter quickly, because my angel would have no peace until her fears were laid to rest.

Bri

Knowing that Tony’s stepfather was a hitman should have been more of a shock to me, but instead, it felt like just another piece of the puzzle coming together. His cruelty, the things he had said in passing when we were together, his having the connections to find me, and being mixed up with the type of people he claimed to know all started to make sense. What I couldn’t understand was why he wouldn’t give up, why he continued to search for me. Was it his pride because I had refused him, or was he just that sadistic? Either way, now the man sitting beside me had vowed to kill him if he tried to hurt me again, which puts his life in danger.

I watched as the rain droplets slid down the window of the car as it moved through the streets, taking us back to where it all began, his nightclub, Sinners . I turned away from the window to find him watching me.

“Come here, Angel?”

The driver raised the partition between the seats giving us complete privacy.

I wanted to turn away, ignore the command in his voice, but there was something about him that compelled me to submit. As I moved closer to him, his hands spanned my waist to lift me so that I sat straddled across him, my hands instantly going to his shoulders.

“What do I have to do to erase those pesky worry lines from your beautiful face?”

His hands had already moved under my skirt and I knew what I wanted from him, what I craved.

“Tell me that you want this, that you want me. I want to hear it from your lips, Bri. I want to know that you have finally accepted your fate.” His hands continued to move up my thighs before moving around to cup my ass. I had to bite back a grin as his expression changed.

“You aren’t wearing panties, sweetheart.”

The expression on his face was a mixture of anger and sheer unadulterated lust.

“I thought it would save time.”

The growl emanating from deep in his chest was proof enough of his approval. The sharp smack to my bare ass caused me to suck in a deep breath.

“You were going to walk into the club like this?”

I nodded slightly, eagerly waiting to see his reaction.

“My naughty little angel. There will be consequences for this behavior.” I felt his fingers moving across my hips and dipping between my thighs. “Does the thought of being so exposed turn you on, little minx? I am curious to see.”

My head rolled back as his fingers slid over my clit and through my damp folds. I could hear my breathing increase in the quietness of the car. When he slipped two fingers inside me, I couldn’t hold back the sounds that broke free from my lips. He knew just where to touch me.

“That’s it, baby. Spread your legs wider for me. I want to watch you while you come.”

My eyes flew open, unsure how I felt about him watching me.

He lifted the skirt of my dress higher, over my hips. I looked down and watched his fingers move over me. I could see moisture glistening on them. It was…exhilarating. I had not expected to be so entranced, and as his fingers moved, I began to match his rhythm.

“Oh, baby.” His voice was deep and throaty. “You ride my hand almost as good as you ride my cock.”

I knew my cheeks had turned scarlet by now, but his words, his touch, and the way his eyes seemed to flame as he watched me made me bolder, more daring. I gripped his shoulders tighter and leaned forward, wanting to bury my face in the side of his neck.

“No!”

He pushed me so that I was leaning back against the seat in front of us. With his other hand, he pushed my dress higher. “Wider baby.”

I complied with his request and at that moment it washed over me. I was having trouble catching my breath, my knees were weak, and I was glad I didn’t have to stand right away.

When he removed his fingers from inside me, I swallowed the pouty whimper that moved past my throat. He was still watching me. I closed my eyes as his hand moved to the back of my neck and roughly pulled me up to him.

“Now I know exactly what to do to ease your anxiety, sweetheart. Every time I see your brow furrowed with worry, anytime I see that the light in your eyes has dimmed because something has upset you, I will make you come so you can forget it all.”

His lips came down onto mine and I was fully aware that I was still straddling him. His tongue played with mine and I found myself waiting, certain he would free his dick from where it strained against his pants and thrust inside me. I wanted it, I needed it. Hell, if I had to unzip him myself I would do so. But when he broke the kiss, he lifted me from his lap and put me back on the opposite seat. The sense of disappointment I felt was borderline overwhelming.

I quickly adjusted my dress, looked at my reflection in the window, and sighed heavily. There was no hiding it.

The car came to a stop.

“Stay here, Bri. The business I have inside will not take long and there is no way in hell you are going to walk into my club not wearing panties. I’d have to kill too many men tonight.” He winked at me.

He must have seen the concern on my face and pressed a quick kiss to my lips.

“I am not leaving you unprotected. Steven will stay in the car. He is armed and quite proficient. I will also have four more men sent out to watch the car. Blaze will be with me, but my men will not let anyone get within twenty feet of this car. Stay here. When I am done, I have something for you that hopefully will make you smile.”

I saw his eyes drift to my lips.

“I love to see your smiles, Angel.”

He kissed me once again and then quickly left the car. I heard him barking orders but soon he disappeared into the club. I drummed my fingers against the seat, wondering just how long he would be, and if the surprise he had planned for after included me being naked. A thrill washed over me at the thought. Maybe I could survive a relationship built entirely on lust. My heart seemed to skip a beat at the thought.