Chapter Ten

Finally!

Much to her surprise and excitement, Aaron had picked her up at the apartment to take her to the Bowery. He’d given her enough notice that she was able to get ready and was set to go when he arrived this time. She’d obviously had some type of breakthrough with Rogue yesterday. Quinn was hoping this would be a steady job to repay her debt. Wasn’t that what they all wanted?

Quinn followed Aaron through the club, prepared to go straight to Sloane’s office, but he stopped in the hallway and held up his hand.

“Wait here.”

Quinn furrowed her brows but did what he told her. She glanced around the empty room. It was still a few hours before they were scheduled to open. Quinn knew where the to-do list was, but she’d been given instructions. Her gaze traveled through the room and to the balcony. Security was lined up along the railing, which meant either Trey or Rogue was upstairs.

Rogue. She battened down her smile, trying to cast her thoughts to the back of her mind. Quinn had already spent way too much time thinking about last night and him. It was an odd and unexpected turn of events. She must have replayed their conversation a hundred times in her head. He didn’t have to take the time for her. He owed her nothing. She didn’t realize he was capable of it, but Rogue was actually…nice. Well, nice for Rogue.

Quinn was standing at the edge of the doorway when Trey rounded the bend with a woman she hadn’t seen before. She was older than Quinn by at least a decade. Quinn quickly stepped to the side, expecting the duo to pass. Instead, they stopped in front of her.

“Quinn,” Trey said.

“Hi.”

Trey nodded and gestured to the woman next to him. “This is Lil.”

Her smile was welcoming, and she offered her hand. It was a kind gesture, one Quinn, in her position, hadn’t seen often. Without thinking, she rubbed her hand on her thigh as if cleaning it off and shook Lil’s hand.

“Nice to meet you, Quinn.”

“You too.”

“Follow us.” Trey started toward the stairs with Lil, but Quinn remained frozen in her spot.

Is he talking to me?

“Y-you want me to come with you two?”

Trey glanced over his shoulder, scowling. Lil waved for her to follow, and Quinn had to double-step to catch up to them. They walked up the stairs to the balcony. Unsure of exactly what was happening, she stopped at the landing, waiting on Trey for further instructions. Lil didn’t wait. She made her way across the floor, pulled out a chair across from Rogue, and sat. There was a comfortableness in how she moved around him.

Were they friends? Or maybe something more. Was this his girlfriend? They definitely made a beautiful couple. Suited for one another in the looks department. She had a bubble in her chest and a heat in her veins at that thought. She peered over at Lil. She was gorgeous, and her confidence was obvious in the way she carried herself. The perfect match for him.

Why am I jealous? Rogue wasn’t her boyfriend. Quinn brushed her hair behind her ear, sneaking a peek at her new used outfit. It was nothing compared to what Lil was wearing.

When Rogue glanced up at Lil, his jaw squared and his gaze narrowed, which had Quinn rethinking her initial assumption.

“I didn’t send for you.”

Quinn clamped her lips, watching the exchange. It was a bit harsh. It seemed Rogue didn’t soften for anyone. Well, he did for me a little. She battened down the thought, pushed it to the back of her mind, and focused on the scene unfolding in front of her.

Lil smiled. “Trey did.”

Rogue turned his head, but his gaze flickered back to Quinn. His brows dipped. “What the hell are you doing here?”

Quinn gasped, and her brows spiked to her hairline. It seemed his kindness wouldn’t be extended today for her. Without hesitation, she looked to Trey. He was the reason she was there in the first place. Quinn didn’t even know why.

“I had Aaron bring Quinn in and asked her to join us.” Trey waved his finger, calling her over to the table. Her steps were slow. She was acutely aware of Rogue’s gaze on her. She could feel it to her bones. Something had shifted last night. Quinn saw a different side of Rogue. Less cold and distant. He gave her a small glimpse of something she liked. But in true Rogue fashion, he ripped it away.

She stopped a few feet away and drew in a breath, meeting his stare.

“Why?” Rogue was asking Trey, but his eyes were locked on her.

“Considering Quinn’s background in IT, I thought she’d be better suited in corporate than doing odd jobs around the club.”

Rogue jerked his head to Trey. “And you didn’t think that maybe you should clear it with me?”

“I figured we could talk it over with Lil present,” Trey said.

“No.” Rogue slammed his hand down on the table.

Lil sighed. “Rogue, I came all this way in midday traffic.”

“Yeah,” he snapped, resting his elbows on the table and glaring at Lil. “And last time I fucking checked, we pay you a fuck ton of money. Probably more than you’re worth.”

Quinn winced, feeling the harsh blow of the insult. However, she seemed to be the only one affected by it. Trey rolled his eyes and subtly shook his head while Lil simply smiled.

“I love our talks, Rogue.”

Rogue sat back in his chair and lifted his chin to the chair beside him. “Sit down.”

Quinn would’ve preferred the seat next to Lil, but she wasn’t given the option. Being this close to him again was having a strange effect on her. Her heart raced, though not from fear. His whole presence was a dark aura surrounding him. Quinn shouldn’t have been drawn to him. But…

She rounded the table, sitting next to Rogue. The two chairs were closer in proximity than the others around the table. A little too close. She grabbed the base of the chair, prepared to shift over, giving him more space. Before she could, he turned, looking down at her hands. Without saying a word, he’d given a direct order. Stay where you are.

Quinn clasped her hands in her lap.

He looked over at Lil. “Let’s fucking go. I don’t have all day.”

Lil snickered and shared a look with Trey. While most people cowered in Rogue’s presence, Lil didn’t seem the least bit fazed. It was an interesting dynamic between the two. Quinn was so busy watching what seemed like a showdown between Rogue and Lil that she hadn’t noticed the waitress walk over to the table. Quinn glanced up, eyeing the woman. She’d seen her working in the club a few times, but most notably, she’d been one of the women who’d had a laugh at Quinn’s expense the first night she was brought in.

But I got the last laugh. Rogue’s comment replayed over in her mind. ‘Neither of you would make it into my bed before her.’

“Would you like a drink?”

Lil glanced up at the waitress. “Just water, please.”

Before she could ask Rogue, he snapped, “Whiskey.”

The woman smiled with a nod and turned to Trey. He shook his head, and she started walking toward the bar.

No thanks, I don’t want anything. Quinn didn’t expect to be treated with as much respect as anyone else at the table, but would it have been that much trouble to at least ask her if she wanted a drink? It shouldn’t have been a big deal, and it really wasn’t. Not until Rogue made it one.

The waitress only made it a few feet away when Rogue slammed his hand against the table. Again. Quinn jumped, leaning away from Rogue as his eyes hardened.

“Get over here!”

The woman rushed back.

“How many drink orders did you take?”

“Um…” She swallowed and offered a smile. “A water and your whiskey. Trey didn’t want anything.”

Rogue’s lips twisted. “How many fucking people are at the table?”

Oh shit. It hit her like a ton of bricks. Rogue’s outburst was on her behalf. The woman shifted on her feet, peering over at Quinn. This could’ve been divine karma had Quinn been anyone else. But Quinn didn’t find joy in watching others berated and humiliated.

Quinn waved her hand. “I don’t need anything to drink.”

“That’s not the fucking point,” Rogue said, and he slowly angled his head. “Get her a whiskey.”

Oh damn. While she appreciated his gesture of inclusion, this wouldn’t end well for her. She’d had one experience with whiskey. It was memorable, but not in a good way. Her stomach churned, giving her flashbacks. She twisted her lips and scrunched her nose, giving a small shake.

“What?” Rogue snapped.

“I don’t like whiskey.”

“Everyone likes whiskey,” Rogue countered, and Quinn shook her head, giving into her amusement.

“I can confirm not everyone does.”

Lil’s laugh was muffled, but when Quinn glanced over, Lil seemed to be struggling with her control. Quinn looked back at Rogue.

He squinted, “Then tell her what you do like. This isn’t that difficult.”

“Can I have a beer?”

Rogue scoffed. “No, pick something else. Beer tastes like shit.”

Quinn shrugged. “Same could be said for whiskey. Just depends on who you ask.”

“She’s got a point.” Lil chuckled, gaining Rogue’s attention.

“I don’t need your fucking commentary, Lil.”

Lil raised her hand. “Fair enough.”

Rogue settled in his seat, eyeing Quinn with a heavy sigh. “Get her a beer.”

Without thinking, she grabbed his arm. “How much is a beer?”

Rogue stilled and looked down at her hand resting on his forearm. She pulled back her hand the second she realized her mistake. His gaze lifted, and his brows furrowed.

“What the fuck are you talking about?”

Quinn glanced up at Trey, whose gaze darted between her and Rogue, unlike Lil, who was laser-focused on her with a small smile playing on her lips.

“I just wanted to know how much it was before I ordered it. I have money left over, so I’d rather pay cash than have you tack it onto my debt.” Quinn laughed nervously and pointed to the floor. “Trying to get the number down, not up.”

Rogue stared back at her as if she’d grown another head.

“I would love to buy you that beer,” Lil said.

That was kind but unnecessary. Quinn had cash. She just needed to know the price. Quinn shook her head.

“Thank you, but you don’t have to do that.”

Lil grinned and held up her hand. “Oh no, I want to. I really want to.”

Rogue turned to the waitress, who seemed just as bewildered as Quinn felt.

“Get her a beer.” He glared across the table at Lil. “And everyone else, shut the fuck up about paying.”

Why was he getting so upset?

Trey cleared his throat, gaining Quinn’s attention. “Lil runs our corporate.”

“Yeah, and Trey mentioned your experience, and we have an opening. It’s entry-level, but…”

Oh my God. This was perfect! She’d regretted leaving the position she’d had five years ago at Clay’s insistence. It was probably the dumbest move she’d made.

Quinn straightened in her seat. “I worked three years at an IT firm. I started out entry level and got five promotions in that time. I could probably get some references from my old boss. And I never called out sick or used any of my vacation. I don’t need it. Or medical benefits. Just the pay would be great.”

“Why the fuck are you giving her your resume?” Rogue asked.

Isn’t that what happened at interviews?

Quinn widened her eyes. “I just thought if she’s going to be my boss, then she should know…”

Rogue’s lip curled, and a rumbling growl echoed through the room. “I’m your boss, not her.”

Why was he getting so upset? This was a good thing. If she got a job in the office, then she’d pay off her debt sooner.

“Oh.” She licked her lips, darting her gaze between Rogue, Trey, and Lil.

The tension in the room was thick, and she drew her gaze to the table.

“I think Quinn would be an asset,” Lil said. “I can have HR send over the papers.”

Yes!

“No,” Rogue snapped and stood, walking away without another word.

What just happened?

Quinn shifted to the edge of her seat, blurting out the first thing that came to mind. “Why not?”

It was as if everything in the room was instantly muted. She noticed Rogue’s back become rigid, and he stopped mid-step, slowly turning. That was obviously a wrong move on her part. Even the members of security seemed to tense. Jared openly glared at her as if sending a warning. Aaron gave her a similar look, then rolled his eyes and subtly shook his head.

Rogue stalked back to the table and grabbed the edges as he bent over it. Quinn inched back in her seat, staring up at him.

“You don’t fucking question me. You understand?”

She clamped her lips and nodded, noticing his gaze darkening. She could almost hear him shouting, Speak !

“Yes, I understand,” she blurted. It was a lie. Quinn didn’t understand at all. It didn’t make sense. Unless…

“Are you concerned about my skills? Because I know I don’t have a degree, but…”

Rogue’s jaw squared, and he narrowed his gaze. “You’re fucking doing it again.”

“Am I?”

Rogue growled, and his scowl deepened. “Yes.”

Oh shit, I am.

The muffled chuckle from her left had Quinn peeking over at Lil. She was failing miserably at keeping her amusement at bay. She half expected Rogue to turn on Lil, but instead, he straightened and walked out of the room.

As soon as Rogue was out of sight, Lil burst out laughing. It earned her a sharp glare from Trey, but it didn’t deter her.

“I don’t know what I just witnessed.” Lil paused, smiling at Trey. “But I do hope I get to see it again. Can I request Quinn be at all my future meetings with Rogue?”

“Lil.” Trey’s warning was clear. He turned, looking over at Quinn briefly before walking away.

What just happened?

****

Rogue stalked down the hallway and ripped open the door to his office. That fucking woman was grating on his last nerve. Or was she just getting under his skin? Rogue couldn’t tell the difference at this point. He marched to the bar in the corner and made himself a drink.

Trey walked in, closing the door behind him.

“Since when do you fucking blindside me with shit?”

Trey glanced over at Rogue and sighed. “I don’t believe I did. You were the one who suggested she work for us using her assets. Computers are Quinn’s asset. The sooner she works, the sooner her debt is paid. From my understanding from you, that was the plan. Now, if that plan has changed, then I’d appreciate a heads up.”

Rogue sipped his drink and ignored Trey as he walked to his desk.

“Or is that a problem rather than a solution?”

“Jesus fucking Christ, Trey. Is what the problem?”

“Without her debt, there’s no reason for Quinn to be here.” Trey paused. “Or is there?”

Rogue balled his fists and glared at the man he’d known most of his life. Oz may have been Rogue’s blood brother, and they were tight, but not compared to his brotherhood with Trey. They’d always been in tune with one another. Nobody knew Rogue like Trey.

“Would you like to hear my thoughts?” Trey asked.

Rogue’s response was immediate. “No.”

Trey laughed and took a seat across from Rogue. He clasped his hands and remained silent with a small smile playing on his lips.

“What?”

“You like having her in debt because it’s a plausible excuse for keeping her close. If I had to guess, you have no intentions of letting Quinn go.”

I don’t. But it wasn’t something he’d admit. Not even to Trey.

“Would it kill you to admit there’s something there?” Trey asked.

Rogue cupped his jaw. He wasn’t admitting to anything deep. But he’d give Trey an honest truth to end this conversation.

“Fine, I wanna fuck her. Happy?”

Trey snorted, shaking his head. “If that was the only reason, she would be gone already. There’s no missing her attraction to you, Rogue. But there’s something more on both your ends.”

Rogue scoffed, but Trey immediately cut him off.

“You can downplay it, Rogue. I’d expect nothing less.” Trey folded his arms. “But Quinn seems comfortable with you. Connected in a way. Most people might see it one-sided on her end, but I know you. You’re different with her. That’s all I’m saying.”

Rogue glared, and his nostrils flared. Of course, he saw it.

“It’s a fair assessment, Rogue. She was comfortable enough to touch you, and you were comfortable enough to allow it. And that is the first time I’ve seen any employee challenge or question you without severe repercussions.”

“I fucking put her ass in check, didn’t I?”

Trey smiled. “You did. Gently . Had that been anyone else, you’d still be out there berating them or beating the hell out of them.”

“What the fuck are you getting at, Trey?”

“I’m merely observing.”

It was a test. And not one Rogue had any intention of failing. He knew this game Trey was playing. Hell, he’d invented it and used it on Trey when he was denying his feelings for Dahlia.

“Jared!” Rogue shouted, never taking his eyes off Trey. If he needed proof, Rogue would give it to him.

“Yes, sir,” Jared said from the doorway.

“Take Quinn back to the Tower, and she doesn’t leave her apartment until I say. Clear?”

“Yes, sir.” Jared stepped out of the office and closed the door.

Rogue smirked at Trey. “Still fucking gentle?”

Trey sighed, shook his head, and stood up. He adjusted his jacket, eyeing Rogue. “Do what you want, Rogue. You always do.” Trey walked to the door and turned. “Getting the girl isn’t always a downfall. And it’s not a sign of weakness. Keep that in mind. And I want to remind you of something you said to me a few months ago about Dahlia,” Trey paused and opened the door. “You said, ‘You ain’t letting her go. She’s yours. You fucking earned her. You gave up your fucking life for this life . You get something. You get her.’”

Trey walked out the door without another word.

You get something. You get her.