Chapter Fourteen

Security brings you in and takes you back.

It was a rule Rogue had made clear, and she’d agreed. Jared had mentioned the night before that a member of security would drive her in at ten. However, Quinn knew Sloane arrived at eight, and since she was already up, showered, and dressed, why wouldn’t she head to work a little early? Again, she heard his voice play over in her head.

Security brings you in and takes you back.

Quinn weighed her options. Technically, it was over three hours of being in her apartment when she could be productively working at the club. It would only benefit Rogue. Surely, he’d understand if she just bent this one rule. Quinn wasn’t convinced of her own logic, but fifteen minutes later, she found herself getting off the bus and walking the two blocks from the stop.

There weren’t any cars in the lot as she walked up the driveway. It was just after seven-thirty, and she didn’t have the code for the back door. She thought about calling Sloane, but it was a nice day, and she could wait. Just as she was rounding the building to the back door, a chill ran down her spine.

“Quinn.”

She turned, eyeing the empty lot. It took a second to make out the figure near the far corner of the parking lot.

What was Dillon doing here? The last time she’d seen him was at his house. Her memory was vague, as with most of the events from that night, especially at his house. She slowly walked over.

“What are you doing here?”

“Need you to come with me. Got some things I need to go over with you.”

What? She glanced back at the club. While she wasn’t sure of his relationship with Rogue, it didn’t seem like a great place for Dillon to show up after their last interaction.

“Come on, Q.”

“Wait. Go where?”

Dillon kept walking toward the road. “My place.”

Something felt off.

“I’m working.” She hooked her thumb over her shoulder, pointing at the building. “I can’t just…”

Dillon turned around. His face was pale with bags under his eyes, and his hair and clothes were disheveled. He looked as though he hadn’t slept in days.

“You owe me, Quinn.”

She widened her eyes and parted her lips.

“I had two guys executed in my basement, got Kahill on my ass, and I’m still nursing a sore fucking neck and a fractured nose. All for trying to fucking help you when no one else would. You owe me.”

Quinn could’ve argued, but it wouldn’t have been valid or fair. Everything Dillon had said was the truth. In the end, Dillon was the only person willing to help her. She was sure he had his own motives at play, but it didn’t change him being willing to take a risk and help her out. That alone was the deciding factor in her decision.

“Okay,” she whispered.

Quinn could probably step away and go unnoticed for an hour or two. After all, she wasn’t expected until ten, and Rogue rarely showed up before the evening.

“Give me your phone.”

She knitted her brows. “Why?”

“Because Rogue is probably tracking it.”

Was he?

“Quinn.” Dillon snapped.

She clutched her bag to her chest. It didn’t feel right. “Ummm…”

Dillon moved closer and held up his hands. “When have I ever fucked you over, Quinn?”

He hadn’t.

“You can trust me. Give me your phone.”

Why do I feel like I’m going to regret this? Against her better judgment and gut feeling, she dug into her bag and gave Dillon her phone. He bent down, placing it near a bush, keeping it concealed.

“Come on,” he said, and she followed him down the driveway.

The ride was short and silent. Dillon didn’t offer anything, even when she pushed. He kept stalling, saying they’d talk when they got to his house. There was an imminent dread as they pulled into his driveway. It was set pretty far off the street, and only those living in Grove Mill used the road. As they got closer to his house, her heart dropped to her stomach, and she could feel the blood draining from her face. There were two familiar cars parked in the driveway.

“Dillon,” she whispered, and her voice shook.

“He just wants to talk.”

Oh shit.

Quinn stared at the black SUVs and mumbled, “You set me up.”

The car jerked, and she fell against her seatbelt, quickly turning to Dillon as he slammed the gear into park. His dark stare turned on her. “I didn’t fucking set you up. I’m following an order so I don’t end up like those two assholes in the basement, Quinn. This was the life we chose, and sometimes there are consequences. You fucking know this.”

She did. And she didn’t. After years of running with Clay and doing jobs for Dillon and Kahill, she was still a bit na?ve about the inner workings of illegal enterprises.

“Listen to me. Just do what he tells you, and for Christ’s sake, don’t give him any pushback.” Dillon grabbed the door handle. “You got an upper hand here, Q. You got something he wants. Use that.”

But I’m not going to give him what he wants.

Dillon opened the door, and she thrust herself over the console, grabbing his arm.

“I can’t go against Rogue.”

Dillon glanced through the windshield, and she followed his stare. She didn’t see Kahill, assuming he was inside, but he had his men surrounding the porch. They were all watching them.

“You gotta pick a side, Q.”

Oh hell. This was probably the worst predicament she could find herself in. Quinn opened the door and got out. Thankfully, it wasn’t dark out, though it didn’t really lessen her anxiety. She stuck close to Dillon. At this point, he was the only person on her side. Kind of. She wasn’t fully convinced of that.

The house was small, and as she walked past the security, she kept her head down. It was always best not to make eye contact. She’d learned that early on from Clay. She stepped into the living room and immediately froze.

“Hello, Quinn.”

Her muscles tightened, and her heart skipped. She had the same reaction anytime she was in his presence. Kahill. He had an aura, a vibe about him. Powerful and deadly.

“Hi.” Her voice was shaky.

“How are you?” Kahill asked, smiling. He was older, maybe in his late fifties. The first time she met him, he reminded her of someone’s grandfather. Unlike a lot of men she’d met in the business, he didn’t come off as overly aggressive. He didn’t curse or make outward threats, at least not to her. If anything, he’d been decent. But she’d always had a feeling his whole outward persona was a mask for something more devious. A devil in disguise. And he’d proven it a few months ago.

“O-okay.” She cleared her throat and repeated, “I’m okay.”

The corner of his mouth curled into a welcoming smile, though she knew better than to fall for the facade. There was a reason she’d been secretly brought to Dillon’s.

“I see you’re fitting in with the Underground. You’re making quite the impression.”

“I don’t know about that.” Her nervous laugh did nothing to cover her jittery tone. She swallowed the knot in her throat, peering around the room and taking in her surroundings.

“I’ve made several calls to Rogue on your behalf. All of which have gone ignored. I’m beginning to think he’s grown a fondness for you.” Kahill moved closer, and she had to force herself to stay in her spot and not cower.

Quinn clamped her lips, glancing over at Dillon. He stood a few feet away, watching Kahill. Her heart raced, and she felt the beads of sweat form on her forehead and upper lip. She was the worst at concealing her nervousness.

“Luckily, Trey, being the more rational of the two, has agreed to set up a meeting. I’ll be coming this afternoon, and you’ll be coming back with me.”

What?

Without any conscious thought, she blurted. “I don’t know if Rogue’s going to just let me leave and go to work for you. I owe him.”

There was more, but she wouldn’t elaborate.

“I’ll pay off your debt. Rogue is all about the show in power. But when it comes down to it, nothing matters more than money. And I’m offering a lot for you. Far more than you’re actually worth, and considering they don’t know all your talents and capabilities, I don’t see why they’d put up a fight.”

He wouldn’t? Quinn had no definitive answer. Maybe Rogue would easily hand her over. Sex didn’t define any type of relationship, though she thought this was something more. And while she wasn’t the best judge of character when it came to men, she sensed it was something more for him, too.

“Rogue knows what I do.”

His face hardened.

“How much did you tell him?” There was an underlining warning in his tone that sent a shiver down her spine.

“Just that I’ve done computer work and bookkeeping,” she whispered and twisted her fingers.

He cupped his mouth, cursing under his breath, clearly angered with this piece of information.

“Most likely, he’ll give you a choice as to how you want your debt paid off. You just have to choose me.”

I don’t want to. Even if this thing with Rogue went south, she still wanted to pay off her debt directly. The last place she wanted to go was anywhere with Kahill.

“And if I don’t?” Quinn wasn’t sure where the brazen question had stemmed from, but it got a reaction and not the one she wanted. Dillon scowled, shaking his head. She could read his thoughts. No, Dillon, I don’t know what the hell I’m doing.

Kahill arched his brow and narrowed his gaze. “You’re playing a dangerous game, Quinn.”

Quinn may have been na?ve in most aspects of her life, but she could read between the lines. After all, she knew what Kahill wanted from her and why he was willing to pay top dollar. However, he forgot a major detail in his insinuation.

Quinn had no idea where her newfound confidence had come from, but she was going to use it.

She cleared her throat and straightened. “So are you.”

It wasn’t meant as a threat. Or maybe it was. Never in her life did Quinn have the upper hand in any situation, nor did she call the shots. This was new territory for her, and it could have been a mistake. I’m willing to risk it .

“Not sure Rogue would still be willing to make a deal with you if he knew everything ,” she said.

Kahill smiled and then chuckled. “Well, well, this is unexpected.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat. Challenging a man like Kahill, who held not only power but the ability to make people disappear, wasn’t the smartest decision. However, she had something on her side, and she was going to play that card.

“He’ll look for me.” Quinn was grasping at straws, willing to throw out anything that stuck to ensure her safety.

Kahill stared, and his lips formed a wide grin. It was menacing.

“Yes, he will. Because to Rogue, you’re a mere possession, and he doesn’t give up anything he considers his, nor does he like to share. So you can breathe easy, Quinn. You’ll be walking out of this house the same way you came in.”

Nothing he said put her at ease. She shared a look with Dillon that confirmed her suspicions. None of them were safe.

“Let me ask you something, Quinn.” Kahill rounded the couch and stopped a few feet away from her. “Do you think Rogue would believe you?”

Would he? They’d gotten closer. Kind of. But they were still worlds apart.

“Maybe,” she muttered. It was an honest answer, riddled with uncertainty.

“Maybe,” he repeated and nodded. He clasped his hands behind his back and paced around her. The silence and calm in the room only added to her anxiety. “I’ve been working with Rogue, Oz, and Trey for years. Do you want to know what his Achilles heel is? Betrayal. How do you think Rogue would take the news that the woman who’s been sharing his bed has kept this secret? Not only that, but she was a key player.”

What? Kahill didn’t have all the details. There was never a bed. But there was a desk, and his reference was enough to put her on edge. Had he heard something? As far as she knew, no one else knew about her intimate relations with Rogue, and she doubted he would share it with anyone.

Quinn shook her head and parted her lips, but Kahill held up his hand. “As I mentioned, Rogue is motivated by power and money. Offering to pay off your debt should’ve been an easy solution to the problem. Yet he’s been hesitant, which is unlike him. So I’ll go back to my original assumption that Rogue has taken a liking to you.” Kahill smiled as his gaze traveled down her body.

Shit!

“But if you’re so inclined to tell the truth.” He smirked. “Then you have to be prepared to accept it full circle. And, of course, the consequences that go along with it.”

About six months ago, Clay had set up a job for her on behalf of Kahill. It paid out a lot, though it was never fully completed. It was a purposeful move on Quinn’s part, but no one knew that. Not even Clay. However, if it ever got back to Rogue or anyone in the Underground, there would be no saving her. She knew that, and so did Kahill.

“I was hired by you to do that job. It’s business. He’ll understand my part in it.”

Quinn was lying. She didn’t believe a word she said, but she couldn’t let Kahill know that. It was safer for her to keep bluffing.

He slowly smiled with a sly glint in his eyes. “Will Killcreek?”

Quinn drew in a sharp breath and felt the blood drain from her face.

Oh shit. Killcreek. It was a nightmare she couldn’t escape. Putting it out of her mind had been a feat in itself. Guilt had a certain way of weighing one down and sucking life from the soul. It had just been a job. She’d had that thought on repeat and played it over and over in her mind. Though, it never made her feel anything other than pure regret and guilt.

But she wouldn’t play into Kahill’s hand.

Quinn shrugged. “I don’t know what…”

He lifted his hand, waving his finger inches from her face. “Shh, sweetheart, let’s not do that. This is a very small community. Nothing stays a secret forever. You’ve been lucky that it’s only gone as far as me. You just need to decide if you want to keep it that way.”

Call his bluff!

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He raised his brows and smirked. “Why do you think I hired you, Quinn? I’d heard about your talents. Millshack sang your praises.” He paused. “Well, until he was silenced along with the rest of his crew. Shame, isn’t it?”

It’s a trap. Quinn shook her head. Then Kahill doubled down.

“I understand. Can’t believe everything you hear in the rumor mill. Unfortunately for you, Clay confirmed it to me.”

Son of a bitch.

“I didn’t know that would happen,” she blurted.

“Do you really think that will matter to Killcreek?” He paused. “Do you think before they raided Millshack’s house, brutally beat him and his men mercilessly, and then set their house on fire, any member of the club stopped and interrogated them?”

No.

“You know Killcreek are unrelenting, ruthless, brutal Neanderthals with little value for human life.” He glanced around at his men. “We all saw that with Millshack’s crew. Didn’t we, Quinn?”

She remained silent, trying to steel her reaction. There wasn’t proof she was connected, but his suspicions weren’t baseless. Quinn had just as much blood on her hands.

“What kind of people burn down someone’s house? But then again, revenge from Killcreek has no boundaries. Do you ever think about that?”

All the time.

“No, I don’t.”

“So you would say they’re entitled to their revenge? I agree, considering they lost a brother because of it. Taking out an entire crew. But they didn’t get everyone , did they?” He smirked. “We both know who shut down their security that night. And if Millshack’s crew was still alive, they’d have outed you and Clay. Fortunately for you, they’re all mere ashes.”

Quinn clamped her lips and shook her head, which made his smile widen. He knew he had her.

“I wonder what Killcreek would think of this new information.”

“I d-didn’t…”

The corner of his mouth curved. “As I mentioned, this community is very small, Quinn. So much so that we help each other. That raid not only took the life of a member of Killcreek, it also included over one hundred thousand dollars in firearms.”

Admit to nothing.

“I don’t know anything about that.” She was lying. Quinn knew everything. However, she wasn’t privy to the details until after the job. Beforehand, she was told a bare minimum. Killcreek had stolen a shipment from Millshack, and they needed to get it back.

“Are you sure?” His condescending tone had her rocking on her feet. “What if I told you there was proof that you did know?”

Quinn immediately shook her head. Impossible . How could there be proof when she didn’t know?

“I didn’t know.”

“Is that what you’d tell them? Do you think they’d believe you? You, a nobody in the organization, but one who has a lot to gain.”

What was he talking about?

“A few hundred dollars to shut down the security. That’s it,” she blurted.

“Is that what Clay told you?”

Yes.

Kahill arched his brow. “No paper trail on that, Quinn. But there is for the storage unit, taken out in your name, paid with a credit card. In your name. Do you want to take a guess at what’s in there?”

Oh God.

“I admire your initiative and this sudden” —he waved his hands in her direction— “confidence you’ve gained. I assume we have Rogue to thank for it. It’s very impressive, but you’re a bit late to the game, Quinn. You underestimated yourself, darling. I, on the other hand, did not.”

It was clear as day. Everything pointed back to and was linked to her as the mastermind.

Kahill walked closer, towering over her. “As for that other matter. Remind yourself, Quinn. If Rogue or any member of the Underground found out, it wouldn’t be just me they come for. They’d come for all of us. I have an army backing me, Quinn.” He leaned closer, lowering his voice. “Who do you have?”

No one.

****

Rogue glanced down at his phone, taking in the time. Only a few more minutes. He had no doubt Kahill would show up on time. He was fully prepared to hear him out with no chance of taking the deal for Quinn. But Rogue was hoping for more insight into why Quinn was so valuable. He hadn’t pushed her any further, but he would with Kahill. None of it mattered. Rogue had made up his mind and claimed Quinn. She’s fucking mine.

Rogue took a strong pull from his cigarette, eyeing Quinn, who was standing near the bar. She’d been there for the last thirty minutes since Jared brought her up from the office. He wanted eyes on her when Kahill showed up and wasn’t taking any risks. He’d been fielding calls with Dante over the poker houses, but he’d been intently watching her. Something was off. He felt it to his core. She seemed nervous and had yet to make eye contact with him.

What the fuck?

“Kahill’s here,” Trey said.

Rogue immediately straightened in his seat and looked over at Quinn. Her entire body tensed, and her lips tightened, but still, she refused to look anywhere other than at the floor. He slammed his hand down on the table and immediately got a reaction from her. Quinn flinched and darted her eyes around the room until they landed on him. She was on edge, more so than at any other time.

He curled his finger, and she rushed forward, grasping the edge of the chair opposite of him.

“Should I go help Sloane and Dahlia in the office?”

This marked the third time in a half hour that she’d asked. Though it had been directed at Trey, not him, earlier.

“Sit. Down.”

“Are you sure? Because I should” –she hooked her thumb over her shoulder, and he noticed her hand shaking— “help them. I mean, that’s my job now.”

“Yeah, I’m fucking sure.” He gestured to the chair next to him. “Now, sit your ass down.”

She drew in a breath, seemingly defeated. She moved closer to the chair, but as a few others gathered on the balcony, her gaze shifted across the room.

“Doc,” she blurted as relief washed over her features and she smiled. “You have to remove my staples.” She turned to Rogue and pointed to Doc. “He said ten days. It’s been ten days.”

Rogue squinted. “It’s been nine.”

She waved her hand. “What’s a day? Can he remove them now?”

Quinn was doing anything and everything to get out of this meeting with Kahill. That was evident. Rogue just didn’t know why.

“Sit down.”

“But…”

Rogue narrowed his gaze. “Now.”

Quinn hesitated and stared at the chair before relenting and taking a seat. They were separated by about two feet. Too far. Rogue leaned over, cupped her inner thigh in his palm, and pulled her closer until she was six inches away, practically rubbing shoulders.

He leaned closer, inches from her ear, and lowered his voice. “You’re not gonna say a word, you hear me?”

Her gaze was locked on the stairs. Kahill hadn’t been brought up, but he sensed her anticipation. And fear. He tightened his grip on her thigh, and she jerked her head.

“You hear what I said?”

“Uh-huh.” She gulped. “Yeah, I’m fine.”

What the fuck? His brows dipped into a tight scowl. She was lying.

“Look at me.” He growled.

She turned her head and stared up at him. He could see the fear in her eyes, which only intensified his possession. No one was touching her. Along from Dahlia, Quinn was the safest person in the whole club.

“You afraid of Kahill?”

She immediately shook her head. Liar!

“Lying to me?”

She stilled, staring directly at Rogue. There was his answer, and he didn’t fucking like it. She wouldn’t and shouldn’t be fearing anyone.

“I-it’s just” —she gulped, glancing over at the stairs then quickly back at him— “you said that I could work off my debt, so I d-don’t know why...”

He grabbed her jaw, sliding his thumb over her cheek. He leaned closer and lowered his voice. “Relax, Princess.”

She flattened her lips and nodded, but the fear was still evident in her eyes.

“Rogue?” Trey said, darting his gaze between him and Quinn. When Trey looked at Quinn, he scowled. Concern. “What do you want to do?”

Without saying it, Trey was reconsidering having a sit down with Kahill, and it all stemmed from Quinn’s reaction. Not Rogue, though. This was fucking ending right now.

“Bring him up.”

Trey looked over at Rogue and nodded. Then disappeared down the stairs. All the while, Quinn remained silent. He wasn’t sure where the fear stemmed from. Little did she know, her layer of protection against anyone was impenetrable.

Kahill followed Trey up the stairs armed with three men from his security. Rogue’s tripled that in the balcony alone. Kahill stopped across from Rogue, placed his drink on the table, and reached out to shake his hand. Rogue glanced down, making no effort to take it. Handshaking was a bullshit tactic for showing respect. If Kahill wanted his, he’d have to earn it, and it wouldn’t come from a fucking handshake.

Rogue tapped the ashes of his cigarette and lifted his chin to the chair across from him.

“Sit.”

Kahill tried to steel his features, but Rogue read his irritation. Good, ’cause fuck you. Rogue didn’t trust him, and going off Quinn’s reaction to him, Rogue was already pissed off.

“What do you want?”

“I know you’re busy and…”

“Yeah, and my fucking time is more valuable than yours.” Rogue settled back in his seat, stretching his arms out and grasping the back of Quinn’s chair. It was an obvious sign of possession. “So what the fuck do you want?”

“I believe Dillon mentioned I’m willing to cover the twenty-five grand for Quinn.”

Rogue took a deep drag, eyeing Kahill. “Why?”

Kahill scowled. “She works for me.”

Rogue scoffed. “No, she doesn’t. Staking claim over individual runners doesn’t make em’ yours. She runs with Dillon, and as far as I know, aside from a little supply, you don’t work with him. Doesn’t add up.”

Kahill folded his arms. “Independently, she’s done some bookkeeping for me.”

“You pay her for that?” Rogue raised his brows.

“Of course.”

Trey cleared his throat. “Directly paid her or through Clay?”

Kahill shifted his gaze between her and Rogue, then landed on Trey. “She was paid, and Clay collected. That was their setup between the two of them.”

“I don’t like that fucking answer.” Rogue took a drag from his cigarette. “Ever try to pay her directly?”

Kahill seemed confused by his line of questioning. “Rogue, I don’t see what this has to do with…”

Rogue slammed his hand on the table, spilling Kahill’s drink. Quinn reached for the napkin in an effort to clean it up, but Rogue grasped her wrist in a restraining hold.

“Drop it.”

Quinn immediately opened her fist, and the napkins fell to the table.

“You don’t work for him, you work for me.” Rogue looked over at Kahill. “His drink. He can fucking clean it up.”

Rogue dropped her hand to his leg, caressing the back of her hand. He kept his gaze on Kahill, but from the corner of his eye, he saw her look down at his lap. Their hands. He was making a statement—to her. Quinn flattened her hand on his leg, and he felt her fingers dig into his thigh.

I got you, Princess.

Rogue hardened his stare, looking down at the napkins and then back to Kahill. Clean it up, motherfucker. It was another few seconds until Kahill grabbed the napkins and wiped up the remnants from the spilled drink.

“What do you want?” Rogue snapped. “Her, right?”

Kahill furrowed his brows, quickly glancing at Quinn. Before Kahill could say anything, Rogue released her hand and rested his elbows on the table, smirking.

“Can’t have her.”

“Rogue.” Kahill sighed. “She’s not worth much and—”

“Then why are you willing to pay twenty-five grand for her?” Trey asked.

Kahill stilled and darted his gaze between both men.

“We could leave it up to her,” Kahill offered.

Why the fuck would we do that? It was a strange move on Kahill’s part unless he knew she’d choose him to pay off her debt. What the fuck kind of game was he trying to play? Rogue looked over at Quinn. Her head was bowed, and her hand was limp on his thigh. Something had changed in her. He just didn’t know what. He was missing something, so he looked up at Trey, who was focused on Quinn.

Alright, I’ll play your fucking game.

“Choose,” Rogue said.

Quinn jerked her head up and widened her eyes. Her lips parted then clamped shut as she darted her eyes between him and Kahill. Why the fuck are you hesitating? Rogue straightened his back, sending a glare at Kahill. He was missing something. Why was she so scared of Kahill?

“I-I don’t…”

Rogue’s lips twisted hearing her shaky stutter, and he angled his head toward Quinn.

This meeting was fucking over. Rogue finished his drink, slammed the empty glass on the table, and looked directly at Kahill. “No deal. Get the fuck out.”

“Rogue.”

“You want me to tell you again?” Rogue asked, then eyed security. He lifted his chin, and they all stepped forward surrounding Kahill and his men. You’re in my fucking house, asshole.

Kahill got up, glancing over at Quinn briefly. Rogue was seconds away from removing Kahill personally. Thankfully for Kahill, it didn’t come to that. Rogue watched as he and his security walked down the stairs. He gestured for Jared and a few men to follow them.

Once he was gone, Rogue settled back into his chair still watching the stairs. He had a distinct feeling, this wasn’t over. If he had to guess, Kahill was already plotting his next move.

“Think he’ll go to Oz?” Rogue asked.

Without looking over, Trey answered, “Yes.”

Motherfucker. This just got extremely complicated.

Rogue stood knocking into the table. “Call Oz. Tell him we’re coming in. We’re moving her. I don’t trust Kahill.”

Trey glanced over at Rogue and then down at Quinn.

“Where?”

There was only one place he wanted her, where she’d be safe. Rogue would make sure of it.

“My place.”