Chapter Seventeen

Bri

Rogue had been gone much longer this morning than I expected. Breakfast and lunch had been delivered to the penthouse. I had eaten very little, my stomach still in knots with the anxiety I was feeling about what was to come. Rogue’s penthouse was very luxurious, but when you were alone, the extreme quiet gave your mind time to think up the worst scenarios imaginable. I had always had an active imagination so not having anything to occupy my mind was never a good thing.

When the elevator doors opened, I was surprised but happy to see Father Michael walking toward me. He didn’t look like a priest now. He was dressed for the gym in navy workout pants and a gray tank top. He had a smile on his face that made him appear carefree, content, and quite handsome.

“Father Michael, I wasn’t expecting you this morning.”

He came farther into the room and held out a bag to me. “Rogue called me early this morning and said you were interested in learning some self-defense moves.”

I tried to hide my excitement as I reached for the bag he was holding. “I was afraid he would forget. Yes, he said you could help me.”

He tilted his head a bit. “I will try. It’s a good thing for you to know. I wasn’t sure if you had any workout gear, so I stopped by a Lulu store on my way here. I guessed at the sizes, but I figured you would need more than the designer dresses and clothing Rogue has bought for you. I’ll wait here while you change and then we can go to the gym on the top floor.”

My face couldn’t hide the excitement I was feeling. I had not expected to start training so soon. Last night Rogue still seemed a little put off at the thought of me having to protect myself, so I was surprised to know he had already contacted Michael about it. “Thank you. I won’t take long to change.”

I rushed into the bedroom so happy to be able to slip into the leggings and crop top that were in the bag. I pulled my hair into a ponytail and hurried back to find Michael sitting on the sofa waiting patiently while drinking a glass of what I presumed was bourbon.

He took another sip. “Rogue always has the best liquor in his bar. Even as a teenager, he never settled for subpar liquor.”

I smiled thinking that Micael was the most unusual priest I had ever met. “Thanks for thinking about the workout clothes. The leggings fit perfectly and feel great.”

“You are welcome. Well, I know Rogue is planning on going to the club tonight so we should get started.”

I eagerly followed Michael into the elevator excited for my first lesson, but that excitement quickly turned to apprehension when I realized how seriously Michael was taking the assignment. He had no plans of taking it easy on me. After a two-hour session teaching me a few basic ways to get out of submission holds, he decided I needed to learn how to hit a man properly. He showed me how to correctly make a fist to protect my thumb and let me hit the bag a few times.

My knuckles were a little bruised already when Michael suggested I try what I had learned on him.

“When a man threatens you, the first thing a woman thinks of is to kick him in the balls. It’s extremely effective but also expected. Most trained men will know how to counter and if they can manage to flip you onto your back, you are screwed. So, the best thing is to take them by surprise, punch the throat, shove the heel of your hand into their nose, anything to take them off guard before you bring them to their knees with a swift knee or kick to the ballocks.”

He demonstrated the techniques a few times, then nodded at me to try them. He straightened his shoulders and stepped closer. I took a deep breath, balled up my fist the way he had shown me earlier, and took a swing. He caught my fist in midair, spun me around, and wrapped his arm around my throat.

“You hesitated. It gives your opponent time to anticipate your moves. You have to think quick, be quick, get angry, and put all your weight into that punch.”

He walked away to grab a bottle of water from his gym bag and tossed it to me. “You aren’t confident enough but that will come with time. Are you tired or do you want to continue?”

The water felt refreshing, but I wasn’t about to admit defeat now. “Let’s keep trying.”

He grinned as he walked back over to me. “Don’t be discouraged. This is just your first day of training. It takes time to be proficient.”

He lunged for me, and I sidestepped, but when I tried to hit him, he swept my legs out from under me, and I landed hard on the mat. I covered my eyes with my arm and took a few breaths. “Maybe I should just learn how to shoot.”

“You should, but I don’t know how Rogue will feel about that. You might get mad and shoot him one day.”

He smiled to let me know he was teasing me and reached out his hand to help me back to my feet.

“Ok, let’s try again.”

He narrowed his eyes. “Focus all your anger on me. Imagine I am the man who hurt you. Think back to what he did to you and how it felt. Are you going to allow it again? Are you going to be a victim or a fighter?”

When he stepped closer, I didn’t hesitate. I reached up and punched him right in the nose. His hand came up to cover his face and I immediately felt remorse. I stepped closer. “I’m so sorry, I…”

His arms shot out before I could finish my sentence and I found myself on my back once again with him looming over me.

“Don’t ever feel remorse. And if you can disable or distract your attacker, even if it is only for a little while, run. Run and don’t stop running until you can get to safety.”

“Ok, but at least I connected this time.”

He took his fingers and wiggled his nose. “Not bad for the first time. Next time I will be more prepared.”

“Should we try again?”

“No.” We both turned our heads at the gruff voice on the opposite side of the gym.

Rogue was walking toward us now and from the frown on his face, he wasn’t very happy.

Michael helped me back to my feet and I took a second to wipe the sweat from my forehead. “Did you see? I finally got in a punch?”

Rogue’s eyes flicked over me and then back to Michael. “I saw.” He looked back at me, and I watched his lips turn up slightly. “I hope you are pleased with yourself, hitting a priest.” He snaked an arm around my waist and pulled me closer to him. “I hope you know that if I had seen any other man abusing you the way I have watched Michael throw you around for the past twenty minutes, they would have already been dead by now.”

My eyebrows arched as I looked between the two men. “You are being overly dramatic and don’t be mean to my teacher. Besides, you aren’t always around.”

He leaned over and kissed my cheek. “Well, you have had enough for one day. Blaze is waiting just outside the door to escort you back to the penthouse. I need to speak with Michael.”

I nodded, not at all disappointed to have my session cut short. I hated to admit it, but I was exhausted and a little sore.

“Thank you again, Michael. When will we have another session?”

“I will discuss my schedule with Rogue, and he can let you know. Soak your knuckles. I’m sure they are a little bruised.”

I glanced back at Rogue before walking toward the door where I could see Blaze waiting for me.

“Did you have a good time with the priest, little one?”

“It was a lot harder and more challenging than I thought it would be. I’m sure I will feel it tomorrow. Why does Rogue look so angry?”

A deep brief chuckle escaped his lips. “He doesn’t like the idea, and he wasn’t overly fond of seeing you manhandled, even if it was by Michael.”

“I know Rogue doesn’t like the idea of me having to protect myself, but if I do find myself in a situation where I am forced to defend myself, doesn’t it make sense for me to be prepared? I’m just tired of being afraid, always looking over my shoulder, expecting to see him come after me.”

He held up his hands. “I never said I thought it was a bad idea, little one. I think it’s smart and once Michael finishes training you on how to punch and get yourself out of submission holds, I will teach you how to handle a knife.”

“You will?” I asked excitedly

“Just don’t tell Rogue.”

I gave him a sly smile. “It will be our secret.”

The elevator doors opened, and while I hoped that I never needed the training Michael was giving me, I did feel more empowered, more sure of myself, and hopefully in time, that would translate into less fear and anxiety.

Rogue

“How is your nose?”

Michael’s smile widened. “I barely felt it.”

“That’s what I thought. You let her hit you, didn’t you?”

He looked away. “Yes, I felt she needed a win today.”

My eyes narrowed. “I don’t want her to be deceived into thinking she is more powerful than she is. It could very well get her hurt.”

“A confidence boost isn’t going to hurt her, Rogue. Besides, we are all hoping she never needs to use any of what I am teaching her. The security detail you assigned to her will quickly take care of any threats that may arise before she even has a chance to become aware of any danger.”

I knew my security was strong but with her, I wanted more. “I could use an extra man watching over her, a man I can trust. At least until I am free of Petros Sargsyan.”

His face darkened and his smile slipped into the frown I had seen so often in the past. “Are things really so serious?”

My shoulders shrugged. “As I have said before, it is nothing I can’t handle. But I would like to take extra precautions where Bri is concerned.”

His expression turned quizzical. “You love her, don’t you?”

I scoffed at the suggestion. “Don’t be ridiculous. If you are unable to step aside from your duties, I will assign one of my other men to the task.”

He stepped away and bent over to pick up his gym bag. “I will give it some thought.”

That’s all I could ask.

“Let Bri know I will stop by tomorrow for another lesson if she is free.”

I stayed behind while he walked to the elevator, wondering how my concern for Bri’s safety could be interpreted as love. Love was an emotion more dangerous than any of the threats I had faced. No, Michael was too much of a romantic. Lust, desire, and the urge to possess her and protect her, yes. But love?

Bri

After soaking for a good thirty minutes in the hot whirlpool, letting my sore muscles relax and recuperate, I closed my eyes and let the water attempt to wipe away the tension in my body. Unbidden images of Rogue and how he touched me floated through my head. My hand involuntarily slipped between my legs to find the place he always knew just how to touch that would make me come unglued. A short soft sigh passed through my lips as my fingers moved over me, but it was nothing like the feelings Rogue elicited when he touched me. Just the thought of him and how he made me feel was almost enough for me to reach a climax.

“While I would love to continue watching you, or better yet, become an active participant in your explorations, I’m afraid that I have a meeting at the club in about an hour, and I need you to come with me.”

My eyes flew open as embarrassment rushed over me at being caught doing something so intimate to see Rogue standing over me, a fresh towel in hand.

I instinctively crossed my arms over my breasts and scooted farther down into the water.

“No need to be shy or embarrassed now, sweetheart. Not after last night.”

I pushed myself up from the tub and reached for the towel. “I wasn’t embarrassed, just startled.”

His arm snaked around my waist as he lifted me from the tub with no concern for the water or soap bubbles dripping from my body. The material of his shirt was rough against my skin, and I had an intense desire to feel his skin against mine. But before I could put thought into action, he set me on my feet and stepped away.

“We need to leave for the club within the hour, will that be a problem for you?”

I wrapped the towel tighter around me. “No, I can be ready.”

He nodded and walked away back toward the bedroom, presumably to change his clothes since what he was wearing now was wet from where he had lifted me from the tub.

By the time I had dried off and styled my hair, he had already changed and was no longer in the bedroom. I selected a simple but elegant royal blue dress, grabbed a pair of Louboutin heels, and went in search of Rogue. I found him wearing a tailored gray suit, his back was to me as he was standing by the windows looking down at the city below. He looked to be deep in thought, and I contemplated going back into the bedroom and giving him time alone.

I turned, careful not to make a sound, but his deep voice stopped me.

“There is no way for me not to know when you enter a room, Angel. I can sense your presence long before my eyes lock on yours.”

I turned to find him looking toward me. “I was trying not to disturb you. You looked distracted.”

He nodded and held his hand out to me. “Nothing distracts me more than your presence. Come, there are things we must discuss.”

I felt my stomach flip at his words. His demeanor was different. Whatever he was about to tell me was not going to be something I liked. Could he have tired of me already as Blaze suggested he would? Or perhaps he was just tired of the drama that seemed to follow me. Either way, I took a short breath and stepped toward him, trying to prepare myself for whatever he was about to say.

When I was in arms reach, he took both of my hands in his and raised them to his lips, kissing my bruised knuckles.

“What is it that you wanted to talk to me about?”

He released my hands and stood a little straighter. “Things have occurred that will require more of my attention than I would have liked. I am not certain how long it will take, but you will be seeing a lot less of me. I may have to leave the city.”

I listened but resisted the urge to wrap an arm around my waist. A wave of nausea washed over me, and I felt as if I would be sick. My head bobbed in acknowledgment to let him know that I was listening.

“You will no longer be able to stay here at the penthouse.”

I felt my knees wobble, but I managed to keep it together. A part of me knew this was coming and while I thought I was prepared for it, I guess I wasn’t. My heart began to hurt, and a million thoughts ran through my mind. Had I fallen in love with Rogue? Had I been stupid enough to lose my heart to a man that I knew would hurt me eventually? Or was he simply my safety net, protecting me from Tony?

I squared my shoulders and said a silent prayer that my voice wouldn’t crack when I spoke. “I understand. I will be alright. There is no need for you to worry about me. I can be packed and out of here in a few minutes.”

I turned to walk away, glad that the moisture gathering in my eyes had not leaked down my cheeks. That would be the ultimate humiliation, to cry in front of the man who was breaking my heart. Damn, how could I be so stupid?

But before I could take more than two steps, he grabbed my hand and pulled me back so hard that I slammed into his chest. I tried to look away, not wanting him to see the pain on my face, but he would have none of that. He gripped my chin and turned my face up to his, refusing to let me look away.

“You misunderstand what I am telling you, Angel. I have no intention of sending you away unprotected and certainly not with the idea that I am casting you aside.” His thumb moved over my trembling bottom lip. “How could you have thought something so absurd?”

I didn’t know what to say, the shock had stolen any words I might have formed.

“I have made arrangements for you. A place for you to stay outside the city. It will be safer for you there until I can take care of the business at hand.”

“You will not be with me?”

He shook his head, his lips forming a firm straight line. “No, I will be staying here, as will Blaze.”

My eyes fluttered and I shook my head. “No, this is my fault. Tony is coming for me! This is because of me! I will not let you…” He placed a finger over my lips.

“Enough! I have already decided, and it is done. This isn’t just about Tony Galante. There are other things at play, things that are equally if not more dangerous. You are in my world now, and you will do as I say.”

He kissed me hard as if he were hoping to quell any more arguments I might have had.

“Now, the car is waiting downstairs. Once I have concluded business at the club, I will explain more about where you will be going and who will be responsible for keeping you safe. You must trust me, Bri. I told you if you married me, I would protect you and I will.”

He took my hand and pulled me along behind him as we made our way to the car waiting downstairs. When he told me that he was not simply casting me aside, the rush of relief was intense, but there was more going on than he was saying, and I had to bite my tongue to keep from pressing for more answers. But aside from that, I had a feeling of foreboding sweeping over me, like something was about to happen, something that could change everything.

The ride to the club was quiet and when the car came to a stop outside of Sinners, I wondered if Rogue would expect me to wait outside like last time. But when the door was opened for him, he took my hand and tugged me alongside him. His arm wrapped around my waist to hold me close to his side as we moved past the crowds waiting in line. I noticed the increased security, a few of the men I had not seen before, and something else I had never noticed, they were all wearing protective vests.

“You are expecting serious trouble, aren’t you?”

Rogue’s hand squeezed a little tighter where it rested on my waist. “I’m not sure why you would say that, but regardless, it is nothing you should be concerned with.”

I scoffed at his comment. “Not sure why I would say that? You have a lot more men tonight and all of them are wearing protective vests. I’m not so clueless that I don’t notice things. I bet they are all armed too.”

He laughed quietly. “Surprise, darling. The men who work for me are always armed. That is not exactly a startling revelation.”

I rolled my eyes at his sarcasm. “You don’t seem overly worried.”

He stopped and turned to face me. “I’m not. I don’t live in fear, Angel. I make decisions and take precautions. The only concern I have is making certain that you are not involved.”

“I’m already involved. You made sure of that when you refused to let me leave the day I walked into your office for my bogus interview.”

The loud music and flashing lights made it difficult to hold a serious conversation and since he never responded to my comment, I wasn’t sure if he even heard me. We walked to the back of the club to a large booth set back in a secluded corner. Blaze was already there, but as we approached, he stood and began walking toward us.

“You are looking good, little one. No obvious bruises from your session with Michael.”

“Thanks.” The mischievous smile on his face made him look less intimidating.

Rogue nodded toward some men standing off to the side and they came forward. “Stay here, Angel.” He led me to the booth, and I took a seat. “I am going into the office with Blaze, but I have men stationed throughout the club and these two will stay with you. I will not be gone long.”

My eyes flickered to the men who were stationed on either side of the booth. Both stoically staring in front of them. I watched as Blaze and Rogue walked away, and I settled back against the cushions in the booth and observed the crowd moving about the club.

One of the waitresses came forward. Both of my guards instantly became more alert, hands positioned over the weapons I was certain were hidden beneath their jackets.

“Can I get you a drink, Mrs. Delaney?”

“Just a water if you don’t mind.”

She smiled. “I’ll bring it right over.”

She walked back to the bar, and I continued my study of the people in the club tonight. Most were partying pretty hard. Barely clothed young women danced in the cages overhead and some on the stage. There were a few guys by the bar that were getting loud, looked to be a bachelor party. Another group on the dance floor started getting a little rowdy and I saw security step closer to them. As I continued to scan the crowd, my eyes locked on a man standing by the door. He didn’t look familiar, but he was staring at me as if he knew me. It was beginning to creep me out.

“Mrs. Delaney, I brought your water. Is there anything else you need?”

“No, thanks.” I watched as the waitress smiled flirtatiously at one of my bodyguards then turned back to where the man was still watching me, but it was what he was holding in his hand that caught my attention…a pistol.

I grabbed the arm of the man the waitress was flirting with. “There is a man over by the door. He has been staring at me and I think I saw that he had a pistol in his hand.”

Both guards immediately became alert.

I raised my hand to point toward the man. “He is over by the…door.” But he was no longer there. I scanned the room, hoping to catch a glimpse of him again. “He was just there!”

Something wasn’t right. The air around me seemed to thicken and I felt a powerful urge to run, to hide. What if the man was there to kill Rogue? He needed to be warned. That’s what I had to do. I needed to find Rogue! I was about to stand and tell the men beside me to take me to wherever Rogue was, but I never got the chance before chaos ensued.