Chapter Seventeen

Quinn stared at her dress for what seemed like an eternity in the full-length mirror. She wasn’t sure if this was what Rogue had in mind when he’d initially told her to buy some decent clothes, but she’d seen the dress and thought it was cute.

Her fashion sense had always been restricted due to her funds, but the dress had been a thrift store find. She had no idea where she’d wear it until Rogue ordered her to wear a dress. She naturally assumed it was a date. He hadn’t formally asked, but how could it have been anything else?

It turned out it wasn’t what she’d drawn up in her mind. Rogue hadn’t even picked her up at the house. When she walked downstairs, it was Aaron waiting for her at the front door. To his credit, he did compliment her on her dress, but it didn’t hit the same coming from him.

The ride into town was only about ten minutes. The SUV stopped in the back lot, and when the door opened, she saw Rogue standing with Jared and a few guys from security. She got out, running her hands down her dress to smooth any wrinkles. The butterflies in her belly were more from excitement than nerves. She hadn’t been on a date in forever. In fact, she couldn’t remember the last time anyone had taken her to a restaurant.

Rogue glanced over, then turned, but immediately looked back. She smiled, lifting her hand in a small wave. His gaze perused her body slowly. This was the response she wanted. He never took his eyes off her as she approached him. The only thing that would’ve made it better would’ve been him telling her how nice she looked. Rogue didn’t. Instead, he opted to be typical Rogue.

He glanced up at Aaron with a sharp glare. “You’re fucking late.”

Quinn knitted her brows, glancing down at her phone in her hand. She probably should’ve kept her mouth shut, but…

“It’s only five past ten.”

Wrong answer, Quinn.

Rogue’s glare turned on her.

Shit.

Quinn flattened her lips and sighed. Thankfully, he let it go. Rogue rested his hand on her back, walking her to the back entrance. When she reached for the handle, he swatted her hand and opened the door for her. Chivalry. Quinn fought against a smile.

Rogue stayed close as they walked down the hall. When they made it to the main dining room, Quinn glanced around. This was probably the nicest place she’d ever been to. Between the lighting and décor and those seated at the linen-clothed tables, she was in absolute awe.

Then the sledgehammer dropped, dashing all her hopes for the night.

“Sit her at the bar.” Rogue said.

What? Quinn jerked her head just in time to watch Rogue walk across the room and take a seat at a table with two other men. Meanwhile, she was escorted to the bar.

“I’m not having dinner with Rogue?”

Jared stared down at her, and for a brief second she noticed his eyes soften. Sympathy.

“No,” he said and walked her to the opposite side of the room. This was not at all how she’d envisioned the night going. She looked over at Rogue. He seemed to be deep in conversation. He didn’t even spare her a glance. Jerk.

“Can I get you a drink?”

Quinn spun around to the bartender.

She offered a shaky smile and hopped up on the stool, straightened her dress, and crossed her legs.

“Can I have a beer, please? Whatever you have on tap. And can I get a dinner menu?”

“You can have whatever you want, beautiful.” He winked and bent down, grabbing her a menu. It was probably the same line he used on every woman, but it still worked on her. At least someone seemed to appreciate the effort she took to get ready.

Not Rogue, though.

Quinn spent the majority of the next thirty minutes talking with the bartender, who was incredibly attentive. He even excused himself when other patrons needed to place an order. Quinn wasn’t the best at noticing a man’s advances, but between the smiles and incessant attention, she assumed his flirting had more to do with a good tip rather than any genuine interest. But… She glanced down at her dress, the sliver of cleavage, and her legs that were on full display. Maybe it did have a little to do with her appearance.

He smiled, carrying over her plate. The smell hit her in all the right places, and she moaned.

His eyes brightened. “Is that for me or the food?”

Her face immediately heated, but she ignored the comment and grabbed her utensils. She drew in a breath and scooped a forkful of the lasagna. She was just about to take her first bite when Jared appeared out of nowhere at her side.

“Get up, Quinn. Time to go,” Jared said.

Time to go? But she just got her meal. She hadn’t even tasted it yet.

“Can I finish my dinner?” Quinn snorted. “I mean, I’d settle for just starting.”

Her small tease earned her a deep scowl from Jared. “No.”

As if this night couldn’t get any more disappointing. Really, Jared?

“Fine.” Her shoulders sagged, and she looked over at the bartender. “Can I get a to-go box, please?”

“Yeah, I’ll grab you one,” he said, but Jared quickly shut it down.

“Not necessary. Get up, Quinn.”

What the hell was happening? Why the sense of urgency? Jared was acting as if a major threat was happening this second. From where she was sitting, everything was calm, and everyone was enjoying their meals —except me.

“Jared, I’m starving. Can I please just take it with me? It’ll take…”

Jared hovered over her, grasping the bar's edge and lowered his voice.

“We’ve got about five seconds before Rogue gets up, comes over here, and deals with this.” Jared cocked his brow. “And deals with the bartender. Is that what you want? Because I’m telling you now, Quinn, the longer you stall, the more the bartender will suffer.”

Oh shit. She knocked into Jared in her rush to stand. He gripped her elbow and guided her through the room. Quinn glanced over at Rogue’s table. His menacing stare followed her as she disappeared down the hallway. Was he jealous? Of what? She was merely holding a conversation with someone who wanted to talk to her. It wasn’t as if she was choosing the bartender over Rogue.

This was not only ridiculous and absurd, it was immature. And it’s pissing me off. Quinn rarely lost her temper, but she was at her boiling point.

Before she got to the door, a member of security had opened it, and she walked outside. Jared passed her, and opened the back door to the SUV. “Get in the car, Quinn.”

“Why is he so angry? I didn’t do anything wrong.”

Jared sighed, gesturing to the backseat. “Just get in.”

No! She shot out her arm, pointing to the restaurant.

“He’s the one who ordered me to sit at the bar and eat dinner.” Quinn widened her eyes. “By myself. Why bring me if all he was going to do was make me sit in the corner? And the only person willing to talk to me is now in trouble? I didn’t even get to eat. That makes no sense, Jared.” Quinn folded her arms and let out a heavy sigh. “And it’s not fair.”

Jared steeled his features. If he had an opinion on the matter, he wouldn’t be sharing it with her.

Quinn groaned, shaking her head. “This is ridiculous. Rogue is acting like a jealous boyfriend. An immature, jealous boyfriend.”

Jared shifted his gaze over her shoulders and muttered under his breath, “Fuck.”

Quinn blinked. “What?”

Jared remained silent, glaring at her. Why was Jared upset with her? It wasn’t as if she lied or said it directly to Rogue. Right? Unless…

Oh, this isn’t happening.

Quinn mouthed. “Is he behind me?”

Jared flattened his lips and gave a subtle nod.

Oh God, why me?

As if this night couldn’t get any worse. Quinn dropped her arms to her sides, shook her head, and slowly turned. Couldn’t she have one night without feeling the wrath of Rogue? I guess not.

“What the fuck was that?” Rogue growled. His jaw squared, and his temple pulsed. She’d seen him mad plenty of times, but this was on another level. However, he wasn’t the only one who was upset.

“What was what , Rogue?” Quinn snapped.

The corner of his eyes crinkled, clearly unhappy with her tone.

“I didn’t bring you here to fucking flirt with some asshole at the bar!”

Was he serious?

She raised her brows and folded her arms, lifting her chin. “Technically, you didn’t bring me anywhere.”

Quinn snorted, shaking her head. This was pointless. She wasn’t going to win this argument. At the very least, she would’ve settled for him seeing this from her point of view. But that wasn’t going to happen either. It was best to just let it go. But not without the final word.

“I wasn’t flirting.” She turned to the open door, but Rogue stepped in front of her, blocking her path. Rogue glared, and she widened her eyes, challenging him. “I wasn’t. I was holding a conversation with someone who wanted to talk to me. And I laughed a few times because he said something funny. That’s what people do.” Quinn rolled her eyes and shrugged. “And he was the one who winked at me, not the other way around.”

Rogue’s jaw squared, his nostrils flared, and the veins in his forehead became pronounced.

I probably should’ve left that part out.

“Yeah, and you just fucking ate that shit up.”

Was he serious? That put her over the edge.

“I’m not allowed to appreciate a compliment? God knows you’re not gonna give me one. You didn’t even say that I looked nice. And you drag me out here for what I thought was a date. Then you make me sit alone at the bar. And you’re mad at me? I didn’t do anything, and you’re here acting like a…” Quinn caught herself, not making the same mistake twice.

“Like what?” he growled.

Don’t say it! Saying anything more would only further enrage him. If she’d learned anything about Rogue, it was he didn’t appreciate being called out.

“Fucking say it!”

Don’t do it.

Quinn pressed her lips together. She was struggling to hold back. Rogue stepped forward, inches away, hovering over her.

“Fucking! Say! It!” he shouted, and her last bit of control snapped.

“Like an immature, jealous boyfriend.” She raised her brows. She’d been pushed to this moment, and he’d have to deal with the consequences he brought on. “There, I said it. And I’m going to say something else.” She straightened her shoulders and pointed directly at him, stabbing her finger into his chest. “You are a horrible date!”

Quinn was so caught up in her own anger it was hard to gauge his reaction. Surprisingly, she didn’t care. He’d pushed her past her limit. Quinn held his stare, refusing to look away and back down. However, as the seconds passed, she noticed something was definitely off. He hadn’t said anything in regard to her shouting. Instead of exploding, Rogue straightened to full height, yanked at his cuffs, and stepped to the side, allowing her to get in the car. Did I just win the argument?

Quinn was suspicious but took advantage of making a getaway. The sooner this night ended, the happier she’d be.

Once seated in the car, Jared closed the door. Quinn peered out the window and watched Rogue speak to Jared and two other members of security along with the driver. She wasn’t sure what was happening. She assumed Rogue would go back into the restaurant and finish his meeting. It was what she’d hoped for. After a few minutes, the men broke away, and she watched the driver walk toward the front of the car. But instead of walking around, he moved across the street.

Quinn grabbed the back of the seat in front of her, angling her neck for a better look out the front window, but the driver seemed to have disappeared. She jerked around to her side window. None of the security was there. Neither was Rogue.

Where did everyone go?

She grabbed the handle just as the other backseat door opened. Rogue unbuttoned his jacket and sat down, immediately locking the doors.

I guess I didn’t win the argument.

****

Rogue rolled his neck, cracking it in two places. His job was stressful enough without adding her little display to the mix. It was a mistake putting her anywhere other than next to him. He’d recognized that the second he’d tagged the bartender taking too much interest in Quinn.

Rogue had watched her and the bartender while still maintaining his attention on the seller of the property. They were close to sealing the deal. He wasn’t leaving without it. But he couldn’t solely focus with Quinn’s legs on display as she spun on her stool.

Rogue didn’t have to stake his claim or make it known. Most people had seen them arrive together. Her mere presence with him meant she was connected to the Underground. He noticed a few intrigued looks, but for the most part, everyone kept their distance. They knew better. Except the motherfucker at the bar. All it took was one look at Jared, and his head of security knew exactly what Rogue wanted. Get her the fuck outta here.

Jared was fully equipped to handle Quinn, and even with some apparent pushback, he’d gotten her to leave. Not fucking good enough. Rogue’s blood was racing through his veins from watching her with another man. He got up from the table, putting the deal on pause without any further explanation, and walked to the back door, throwing it open.

Then, all hell broke loose.

Rogue drew in a breath, glancing over at the SUV. He’d never seen her fired up. It was a different side to Quinn, one he hadn’t realized existed. I fucking like it. However, that outburst on full display directed toward him wasn’t something he’d let slide.

If Quinn wanted to play? Then let’s fucking play, Princess.

He waited another minute, surrounded by security. He looked over at Jared and gestured to the restaurant. “Tell Rutledge I’m gonna need fifteen minutes.” Jared nodded, walked inside, and Rogue turned to the others.

“I want you all at least fifty feet from the SUV. Not an inch fucking closer, we clear?”

All his men were in agreement. They went their separate ways, and Rogue rounded the back of the SUV, opened the door, got in, and immediately locked the doors. He could feel her eyes on him. He slowly angled his head. She looked a bit confused but suspicious and definitely on edge.

You should be.

“Say it again.”

Her back straightened. She knew what he was referring to and clamped her lips. Oh, come on, Princess, you started this, and I’m going to fucking finish it. And she wouldn’t like the ending.

She drew in a breath. Her temper had settled, but his hadn’t. “Rogue, I…”

“Fucking say it.”

She bit her bottom lip, avoiding his stare, and whispered quickly, “You’re acting like a jealous boyfriend.”

The corner of his mouth curled. “Aren’t you leaving something out?”

“Immature,” she blurted in a whisper.

His chest rumbled, and he reached out, grabbed the hem of her dress, and ripped it up to her thigh, exposing her skin. She gasped and grabbed his wrist, but his growl and direct command halted her.

“You put your hand on me. Means I get to put my hands on you.”

“I lightly tapped you.”

Rogue arched his brow. “Put your hand down.”

Quinn dropped her hand, and Rogue turned toward her, forcing Quinn back into her seat. His fingers caressed over her inner thigh, sliding his pinky dangerously close to her panties. She bit her lip but refused to look at him.

“Jealous boyfriend? What would I have to be fucking jealous of?”

He swept his finger higher up her thigh, grazing the pads of his fingers over her panties. He heard her soft gasp as if she was trying to resist. But he could feel the moisture seeping through the silk. Her breath labored when he slipped his hand inside her panties, dragging his finger over her clit in a gentle tease.

She sucked in a breath as the pad of his finger rolled over her tight bead.

“Answer me.” He growled, watching her head fall to the side. She immediately arched up as he added a finger inside her while rubbing her clit.

“Ummm…” She moaned. Getting any answer out of her would be nearly impossible, but Rogue had his ways. He stilled his hand, and her eyes widened.

“I’m. Waiting.” His voice rumbled.

“Nothing. Jealous of nothing.”

It was a good answer. Rogue dipped another finger inside of her, and she swiveled her hips, rocking over his hand.

“Rogue.” She moaned. It was the only reason he let it go on as long as he had. He could’ve had her come instantly, but he was going to torture her until the very end.

“You think that motherfucker can make you come like I do?” He grunted, fucking her harder with his fingers. He curled the tip, knowing it would put her over the edge, and he strummed her clit in sync.

“I’m close.”

Yeah, you are. So fucking close.

“Ahhh, there…” She whimpered, her mouth opened, and her head fell back against the rest. “Right there, I…” She gasped. Rogue knew she was only a few seconds away.

Now comes the punishment, Princess.

Rogue withdrew his fingers, sliding his hand across her thighs. Her hips still moved, but only for a second before her eyes sprung open, her chest rising and falling at a rapid speed. Her gaze was still hazy, and she was clearly confused. He pulled out a tissue and wiped his hands, which caught her attention.

The corner of his mouth curled, and he grabbed the door handle.

“You wanna play games, Princess? Gotta be prepared to lose every fucking time.” He didn’t even look back at her. He got out and slammed the door, rounding the back of the SUV with a triumphant smile playing on his lips. Security started toward him, but he kept walking to the back door. He’d close out the deal, have a drink, and be home in a few hours.

And she’d better be in my bed.

*

Rogue had wrapped up the meeting and was heading home when he received word that Trey needed him to meet with Oz at the club. Rogue initially refused, but Trey insisted. When he arrived, it was after two in the morning, and the parking lot was mostly cleared out, with only security left behind.

This was the last place he wanted to be. After the night he’d had and that scene with Quinn, all he wanted to do was get home—to her. He hadn’t decided yet how long her punishment would last. Rogue was notorious for holding a grudge.

When the car pulled up to the rear lot of the X-Lounge and he got out, Trey was waiting by the back entrance.

“This couldn’t fucking wait ’til tomorrow?” Rogue spread out his arms.

Trey seemed just as displeased as Rogue with the meeting. “According to Nash, no.”

Rogue scoffed, heading to the door. “We got this asshole making demands on us?”

“When they come from Oz, yes. Can we just get this over with? I’d like to go home.”

Rogue could’ve argued, but he shared the same sentiments as Trey. They walked inside and took the elevator to the balcony. Rogue expected to meet in Oz’s office, but he was stationed at one of the tables.

Rogue passed Trey, walked to the table, grabbed the seat roughly and sat. He folded his arms.

“This couldn’t fucking wait?”

Oz’s gaze hardened as he took a strong pull from his cigar. “I guess that all depends on where you stand with the runner . This is me giving you the courtesy you asked for the other night.”

What the fuck?

“I take it you’ve heard from Kahill?” Trey asked.

“I did. Had a long conversation about Quinn ,” Oz said with his eyes trained on Rogue.

“So he knows where we stand?”

“He does.”

Rogue spread his arms. “So, what’s the fucking problem that has you dragging us out here?”

Oz arched his brow. “He knows where we stand, and he made it clear where he stands. He wants her back. He’s still willing to pay off her debt.”

Why the hell was he pushing so hard for her? Rogue should’ve confronted her by now, getting all the information. Not that it mattered. Whatever happened with Kahill was in the past, and she was never going to work for him again. It was an unnecessary detail—until now.

“No fucking deal,” Rogue snapped.

Oz nodded. “Under the circumstances, she may go willingly.”

Rogue slammed his hand on the table. “The fuck she will.” He had plenty more to say, but Trey interrupted.

“What circumstances?”

Oz cocked his brow. “Kahill has something on her.”

Rogue knitted his brows. “What?”

“He wouldn’t say. But he had an overabundance of confidence and insistence that if Quinn’s debt to you is paid, then in good faith, it’s only fair to return her to him. He suggested I ask Quinn, an option you refused to let her answer, apparently.”

“She wouldn’t have fucking chosen to go back to him.”

“You mean chose Kahill over you? Why is that, Rogue?” Oz asked.

Because she’s mine. That was a piece of information he didn’t want to divulge just yet. But he knew Oz already had his suspicions.

Trey cleared his throat, gaining Oz’s attention. It was a purposeful move on Trey’s end.

“She was given an option, and she chose to pay off her debt working through us.”

Oz cupped his mouth, eyeing both him and Trey. “Was that before or after she met up with Kahill at Dillon’s place the morning of his meeting with you?”

Trey jerked his head to Rogue. He seemed just as bewildered by the accusation as Rogue.

“What the fuck are you talking about? That didn’t happen.”

“It did. That was a small slip on Kahill’s part. Not sure he realized he’d said it. But he did, which leads me to believe a threat was made and a valid one if he has something on her.” Oz cocked his head. “And since you seem to be blindsided by the information, I would assume that Quinn doesn’t trust either of you enough to share it.”

Fuck!

“I suggest you do a better job at vetting women you invite into your bed going forward, Rogue.”

He stilled, with his blood racing through his veins. What the fuck did he just say? Rogue jumped up from the table and felt Trey grab his arm.

“Who I have in my bed is none of your fucking concern.”

Oz leaned forward, resting his elbows on the table, hardening his glare. “It is when it affects our business, our connections, and our fucking livelihood. And because you love to point it out but seem to forget it” —Oz pointed at himself— “I make the final call on everything .”

It was a well-known fact how the hierarchy was run in the Underground, but Oz never flexed his muscles with him or Trey—until now.

“You wanted a courtesy, Rogue. I’ll give you one day. Either you clean up this mess, or I will.” Oz’s jaw squared. “And if I have to do it, you’re not going to enjoy my method. Neither will Quinn.”

It wasn’t a threat. It was a direct warning. Rogue clenched his jaw and ripped his arm from Trey’s hold. He circled around the table and walked to the elevator. His heated blood raced through his veins. It was the result of betrayal. When the doors opened, he stepped inside, followed by Trey. As soon as they closed, Rogue shouted.

“Fuck!” He slammed his hand against the wall and whipped around, facing Trey. “Why the fuck would she meet up with Kahill?”

Trey held up his hands. “We’re going to ask her that.”

Rogue scoffed, dragging his hand over his mouth. He was beyond livid.

“But before we do, we’re going to confirm everything Oz said. We’re going to pay Dillon a visit. If it happened at his house, he had to know about it.”

The doors opened, and they walked down the hall and out the door, knowing they were being watched.