Chapter Twenty-Five

He’s gonna kill me.

Reaping the wrath of Rogue wasn’t particularly something she looked forward to, but this was a stand worth taking. I hope. Sometimes, the unpopular decision was the right one.

Guilt. It was nearly impossible to escape. It had a way of festering in the mind, heart, and soul. A stranglehold that never gave way. It couldn’t be ignored. Quinn had held onto hers for over a year. After seeing Killcreek at the hospital last week, she hadn’t thought much of anything else. Quinn knew what she had to do. Make amends. Or at least try. She knew Rogue wouldn’t be on board with her decision, so she didn’t mention it. Sometimes, it was better to ask for forgiveness than ask for permission.

Quinn wasn’t sure how she’d sneak away without anyone finding out. It was still in the planning phase. Then, an opportunity presented itself. She had driven with Dahlia and her security to visit Sal at the retirement home. He’d been released from the hospital, but his recovery kept him bound to his room most of the day. They’d been there an hour when Dahlia got called away. Naturally, she took her car and security.

When Quinn was leaving, Sal reminded her to call Jared or Aaron for a ride. And right there was her opportunity. Before she left, she excused herself to use the bathroom, called the car service, and purposely left her phone in the bathroom.

Quinn had been a lot more confident about this plan an hour ago.

“You sure this is the right address?” the driver asked.

She peered out the car window. From the road, it was hard to see the actual house. But as she looked down the long driveway, she saw a few motorcycles. This had to be it.

“Yes, this is the place. Thanks for the lift.” Quinn grabbed the door handle and got out of the car. She grasped the edge of the door. “You’ll wait for me, right?”

“As long as you pay, I’ll wait.”

Fear should’ve dominated all her emotions. It didn’t. She was safeguarded, and she knew it. It didn’t make walking into the lion’s den any easier.

Quinn closed the door and walked up the dirt path. The house was set pretty far back from the road. She eyed the motorcycles lined up. By her estimate, there had to be over fifty. Oz’s promise replayed over in her head.

She’s under the protection of the Underground.

Quinn carefully weaved through the line of bikes and walked up to the front porch. She was about to knock when the door flew open.

“There’s no fucking way you’re this fucking stupid to show up here.”

Quinn sucked in a breath. “It appears I am.”

Gent widened the door, and his cold, hard gaze sent a shiver down her spine. Quinn stepped inside and flinched when the door slammed behind her. She followed Gent down a small, tight hallway that opened into a large room. Even for its size, it was packed with all eyes on her.

Gent pointed to the center of the room, and she started toward the table where Ace, Cross, and two other members were sitting.

“What the fuck do you want?” Ace asked.

Quinn swallowed the lump in her throat, forcing herself to speak. “To talk?”

There was a long stretch of silence. She shifted on her feet, trying to combat her nerves. Impossible. The tension in the room was so thick, she was sure the president was seconds away from kicking her out. Nothing surprised her more with his next move. Ace gestured to the chair across from him.

Quinn eased slightly and pulled out the chair, taking a seat. “I’d like to—”

“No!” he snapped, taking a long drag from his cigarette and stamping it out in the ashtray. “What’s it like?”

She furrowed her brows, not understanding the question. Ace must have read her thoughts.

“Knowing you can go and do whatever the fuck you want without any consequence?”

“I don’t think that’s the case.”

“Oh no? If not for that shield you got, you wouldn’t have made it through the front fucking door without a bullet between your eyes.”

She flattened her lips.

“Do you have any idea the amount of control it takes to sit across the table from you and not act on my rage? It’s taking everything in my power not to reach across, grab your throat, and squeeze, watching you take your last fucking breath.”

Ace’s gaze shifted, and Quinn looked over her shoulder to the girl standing near the bar. She smiled at Quinn, which seemed so out of place at the clubhouse.

“What do you need?” Ace asked.

“Oh, I just wanted to see if she wanted something to drink.”

Quinn smiled at the offer, but the tension in the room heightened with all the bikers glaring in her direction. Gent cleared his throat and lifted his chin to her. “Where the fuck are my manners? You two need an introduction. Quinn, that’s Cleo.” His gaze darkened. “Knox’s sister.”

Her heart dropped to her stomach at the reference to his name. She’d heard it before but was able to put distance between him and her involvement without a vision of who he was. Now, seeing this small woman, it became all the more real. Knox was a person who had a family who mourned his loss.

Quinn immediately glanced down at the floor.

“Cleo, sweetheart, this is Quinn. She’s the one responsible for Knox’s death. Still wanna get her a drink?” Gent asked.

Quinn couldn’t bring herself to look over at Cleo. The guilt was weighing heavy. She waited until she heard the soft, padded steps get farther away. It was a cowardly move, but she turned her head in the direction. Cleo was halfway down the hall and looking back at Quinn. Pain carried a certain look. It was all in the eyes. Cleo had it tenfold.

Ace cleared his throat, gaining her attention. “What the fuck do you want?”

“Can I explain myself?”

“No,” Ace snapped.

She jutted her chin, staring back at him. So much hate, and she’d earned it from all of them. They didn’t owe her anything, but she owed them. It wouldn’t change how life looked, but sometimes vengeance was the only answer.

“How come you never asked Oz about your stolen shipment?”

Ace’s jaw squared as he clenched his teeth. She assumed answering her was the last thing he wanted.

“Get the fuck out and go home to Rogue.”

It was good advice, and she probably should’ve taken it. It was clear from her being at their clubhouse, in their territory, that they would honor Oz’s deal and orders. But it didn’t mean they had to listen to a word she said.

“Please.” She leaned forward. “Just tell me.”

Cross knocked on the table. “Oz doesn’t give up anything without getting something in return. If he’s got that information, he’s gonna hold onto it until he can use it to his advantage. And if he can’t, he won’t give it up. That’s how the powerful stay in power.”

Quinn nodded. “I know where it is.”

Ace stilled, and his brows furrowed.

“Where?” Cross asked, and without hesitation, she answered.

“A storage unit that Kahill rented out.”

Cross scoffed. “Bullshit.”

“It’s true.”

“Kahill had you shut down the security?”

“No,” she whispered. “But he had to have known about it. He was the one to secure a location for the product Millshack’s crew lifted. Kahill has possession of your shipment.” Quinn swallowed the lump in her throat. “I know you have no reason to trust anything I say, but I’m telling you the truth.”

Ace cupped his mouth, sharing a look with his VP.

“Oz isn’t going to like you giving that information up,” Ace said.

Probably not. Rogue wouldn’t be happy with it either.

Quinn shrugged. “This has nothing to do with Oz or Rogue. I did this, and I know you don’t believe me, but I wouldn’t have done it had I known your friend was going to be there.”

“Brother,” Wraith snapped, glaring harshly.

“Sorry,” she whispered. “Your brother. I didn’t have any details, and I didn’t ask because…”

“Not your job to ask questions, right?” There was a sharp bite in Cross’s tone.

She gave a small shrug and flattened her lips.

“You can go,” Ace said.

Quinn could’ve walked out, completely unscathed and some semblance of relief to her conscience. Or, she could take it one step further.

“I have a proposition.”

Ace scoffed. “What?”

“I can get into the unit. Kahill falsified documents and put it under my name. You can get your product back.”

Ace scowled. “You fucking think that absolves you of your fucking part in this?”

No.

Quinn stilled and slowly shook her head. “I know it doesn’t.”

Ace lifted his chin. “You think helping us with retribution is going to ease that guilt?”

Her eyes welled, and her voice cracked. “I’m going to live with my guilt forever. I accept that.”

Ace drew in a breath, sharing a look with Cross, then Wraith. He pointed across the room. “Go to the bar.”

Quinn got up and walked across the room. She looked back, noticing the men in a circle not paying any attention to her. She was about to hop up on the stool when she saw a shadowed silhouette at the edge of the hallway.

Cleo.

It would’ve been easier to ignore her. The cowardly route. Quinn looked back at the men. Only one man was watching her. Ghost. She started toward Cleo with her eyes on Ghost, waiting for him to bring attention to her. He didn’t.

She stopped a few feet away. Cleo was staring down at the floor with her hands clasped in front of her, silent.

“I don’t know if you heard what I said, but…”

“I heard,” Cleo muttered.

“I’m really sorry. I wouldn’t have done it if I’d known your brother was in there. I don’t expect you to believe me, but...”

“I believe you.” Cleo nodded. “I can hear remorse in your voice.”

“I know it doesn’t mean anything, but I’m so sorry for your loss.”

Cleo sniffled and glanced up through glassy eyes. “You’re one of only a few to say that to me. It means something.”

Cleo turned and walked down the hallway without saying another word.

She took her seat at the bar and waited. It was another twenty minutes before she was called back to the table.

“We’re gonna do this tonight.” Ace said.

“Okay.”

From here on out, Killcreek would give the orders and call the shots. However, getting them into the unit tonight wasn’t part of her plan.

“Um, I do have a car waiting…”

Ghost pushed off the wall and passed her. “I’ll get rid of him.”

There goes my ride.

“One more thing,” Ace said.

“Anything,” she blurted.

The corner of Ace’s mouth curled. “You’re gonna call Rogue and tell him where you are.”

Absolutely not. This had nothing to do with Rogue, and she wouldn’t involve him. Besides, he would lose his mind if he knew she was at their clubhouse. She parted her lips, prepared to plead, but Ace shook his head.

“Non-fucking-negotiable.”

He’s gonna kill me.

Quinn cleared her throat, stalling. “I left my phone at home.”

Ace cocked his brow. “He tracks you.”

Yes, he does.

Ace pulled out his phone and tapped the screen. Seconds later, it started ringing on the other end, and Ace slid it across the table. Shit.

It rang several times and by the fourth, she looked over at Ace.

“He’s not answering.”

Her momentary relief was shattered when Gent walked around the table, grabbed the phone, and tapped the screen. “No problem, darlin’, we’ll call Trey.”

Dammit! He placed it in front of her on speaker, and she drew a deep breath.

Please don’t answer, please don’t answer….

“Yeah?”

Shit!

She glanced up at Ace, and he lifted his chin.

“Hi Trey, this is Quinn. I’m, uhhh…”

“Why are you calling from Ace’s phone?”

“I left mine at Sal’s, and Ace lent me his.”

“Where are you?” His tone was eerily calm.

Quinn cleared her throat, eyeing the men at the table. “I can explain.”

She heard his heavy sigh, “Where. Are. You?”

“At Killcreek’s clubhouse.”

There was a long stretch of silence. This wasn’t good. She waited and waited until the phone clicked.

“Oh darlin’, it looks like you’ve pissed off the powers that be.” Gent laughed, shaking his head.

*

Quinn folded her arms, pacing around the front porch of the clubhouse. It hadn’t been this cold when she’d left Sal’s and didn’t think to bring her jacket. She could almost see her breath. Her teeth began chattering a few minutes ago.

She missed the warmth of the clubhouse, but they had made it clear she wasn’t welcome to wait inside. She was sent to the front porch to wait for Trey’s arrival. Quinn suspected this was an added layer to her punishment.

She rubbed her hands over her arms, trying to create some warmth. It was a fruitless effort. All she could hope for was that Trey would arrive soon. And without Rogue.

Quinn spun around when the door cracked open. She expected to see one of the members. Quinn took a step backward and awkwardly smiled. Cleo slipped outside and shivered.

“They won’t let you wait inside?”

Quinn shook her head. Cleo started to pull off her sweater, and Quinn immediately lunged forward, shaking her head.

“No, I’m fine.”

“But it’s freezing out here.”

“Really, Cleo. I’m fine.”

Cleo took off the sweater despite Quinn’s protest and offered it to her. “You probably feel like you owe me something for what happened to Knox, right?”

I do . Quinn swallowed the lump in her throat but remained silent.

“Take the sweater. That would make me feel better.”

Quinn hesitated but finally took the sweater and wrapped it around her upper body. She was warmer already, and she took a breath. “Thank you.”

“You’re welcome.” Cleo turned and walked back inside the house.

Quinn stared at the closed door. It was another twenty minutes before headlights illuminated the driveway. The dark, sleek car parked near the line of motorcycles, and she waited for Trey to get out. He didn’t. The car remained idling. She was about to walk over when another set of headlights came up the driveway. This time, belonging to an SUV. It pulled directly behind the car, and the engine shut down. The doors opened simultaneously, and she saw Trey emerge from the backseat.

Even through the dark, she could see shadows of his face. He does not look happy. She waited for the others to round the SUV and sighed in relief when she didn’t see Rogue. That was the only saving grace at the moment.

As Trey approached the porch, a man got out of the car. Nash. He caught up with Trey halfway to the porch. They were too far away for her to make out what either was saying.

I’m fucked.

Trey's steps were heavy on the stairs, with his deepened scowl and glare aimed at Quinn. She held up her hands.

“I can explain.”

Trey stopped a few feet away. “You’re an absolute fucking menace, do you know that?”

Yes.

“I was trying to possibly rectify a wrong. I just wanted to offer my help in getting their shipment back.”

Trey's gaze darkened. “Rogue is going to lose his shit when he learns about this. Do you have any idea what you’ve done?”

“I know he’ll be upset, but—"

“Upset?” Trey snapped. “Is that what you said? Upset? You have just made a deal with his sworn enemy.” Trey paused. “And you think he’ll be upset. Quinn, I’ve got to ask…”

She widened her eyes, waiting.

“Have you lost your goddamn mind?”

“I know he’ll be livid. Is that better?”

Trey scowled and narrowed his gaze.

“I didn’t make a deal with Killcreek. I gain nothing from this. Therefore, I didn’t betray Rogue. True, I went behind his back, but this has nothing to do with him.”

“Everything” —Trey clenched his jaw as if trying to maintain control— “that involves you, involves him.”

Trey dragged his hand through his hair, clearly frustrated. She wouldn’t be the only one having to deal with Rogue. Unfortunately, he was now in the thick of this mess she’d caused. Unless…

“We have options here, Trey. We don’t have to tell him.”

Trey blinked as if he’d been slapped. She sensed that wouldn’t be an option. When Nash chuckled, Trey jerked his head, sending him a seething glare.

“Trey, I…”

He turned toward her. “I do not want to hear you speak again. Do you understand?”

She nodded. Trey walked to the door, not bothering to knock, and walked in. She looked over at Nash, who gestured for her to go in front of him.

The room opened up, and all the members were still gathered close to the table but had spread out in the room. Quinn found it odd Trey and Nash hadn’t brought in any of their security.

“Gentlemen,” Nash said.

“We got everybody making an appearance,” Cross said, then shifted his gaze to Quinn. “Well, not everybody.”

Trey cleared his throat, making no move to sit. She stepped beside him and noticed Nash fall in on her other side.

Ace smirked and widened his arms. “No Rogue? Didn’t think he’d wanna miss this.”

The president of Killcreek was enjoying this a little too much.

Trey ignored the comment and straightened. His control was noteworthy, though he’d lost a little bit with her outside. Any signs of that were long gone.

“I’ve heard something about Quinn offering her assistance.”

“Yeah, she did. She’s got a lot to say, this one.” Ace pointed at her.

“What did she offer, Ace?” Nash asked.

“She offered to get us our shipment back.”

“And what is she asking for in return?”

“Relieve that guilt?” Cross smirked. It was taunting.

“And you agreed to those terms?” Trey raised his brows. “She gives you the shipment, and you’ll guarantee she’s rid of her guilt? That’s quite the gift you all have.”

Ace stilled. “She came to us, Trey.”

“She did. Well aware there was a strong possibility that she’d have to answer to not only Rogue but to Oz, she came to you offering something else no one would. And in the end, the only thing guaranteed to Quinn is Rogue’s wrath and Oz’s punishment. Something none of you would welcome.”

Trey sighed and folded his arms. “Quinn made this arrangement with you, and she’ll stand by it without interference from myself or Nash. But make no mistake. There is no deal on the table, Ace. She’s giving you a fucking gift.”

“A favor,” Nash added.

Ace’s features hardened, and his gaze shifted to Quinn. She immediately dropped her gaze to the table but continued to listen.

“What do you need from her?” Trey asked.

Ace didn’t immediately answer, and the room was drowned in silence.

“Nothing.”

What? She jerked her head, staring at the president. His glare deepened, but she couldn’t look away.

“Then we’re done here.” Trey turned and lifted his chin to the door. “Quinn.”

She could barely comprehend what was happening, but she followed behind Nash. As the cool breeze smacked her face, it did nothing to sober up her daze. She was in a trance of confusion. What happened? Ace and the club seemed to be on board but now they weren’t? It didn’t make sense. As they closed in on the vehicles, Quinn stopped.

“I don’t get it,” Quinn said, looking between Trey and Nash. She pointed to the house. “They were all for it until you two showed up.”

“There was no deal, Quinn, no equal parts. As Trey said, you doing this for Killcreek would be a gift since you had nothing to gain.”

“So?”

“They don’t want to owe you,” Trey said. “Being connected to Rogue would allow you to call in a favor on his behalf. Ace won’t make any deal in which he’s indebted to you or Rogue.”

“No, I was doing it with no strings attached.”

“That’s not how it works.” Trey paused. “Not in our world.”

Quinn glanced back at the clubhouse.

“Don’t worry about them, Quinn. Killcreek will get what they want.” Nash sighed. “They always do.”

This had all been for nothing.

****

Rogue’s whole life was based on suspicion. There were only a select few he trusted. It was how he’d safeguarded himself over the years. In turn, he had a keen sense of those close to him. He was so in tune he could almost read their thoughts and actions. Right now was no different.

When Quinn hadn’t shown up at the club, he figured she’d chosen to stay at the house, but all his calls had gone to voicemail. Her location was on and it showed her at Sal’s place, but when he called Sal, he said she’d left hours ago. That sent him on a spiral, calling for all his men to find her.

Then he got the call from Trey.

Rogue had spent the last twenty minutes pacing his office and waiting. Trey had been vague, refusing to give details, which only infuriated Rogue more. Minutes later, the door opened to Trey and Nash, with Quinn following close behind. He ignored the men. He’d deal with them after. Right now, she was his prime target.

“What the fuck’s going on?” Rogue snapped, turning to Quinn. “Where have you been?”

Quinn walked deeper into his office, sharing a look with Trey.

“Quinn had an adventurous evening,” Trey said, sitting in the chair while Nash stood to the side. Why the fuck was he there? He was just about to voice himself when Quinn passed him.

“I can explain.”

Motherfucker! That had become his new hated saying. It was right up there with Sloane’s “Can I just say one thing . ”

She sat down on the couch, cleared her throat, and grasped her knees. She was beyond tense, and he saw her hesitation. I’m not gonna fucking like this.

“I went to see Killcreek.”

Rogue heard her words, but it took a minute for them to settle in. And when they did? He couldn’t recall ever feeling the fire burn through his veins or the sheer rage ripping through his chest like it was now.

“What the fuck were you thinking?” His voice echoed off the wall.

“I wanted to extend a peace offering.” Quinn shrugged. “An olive branch.”

A peace…? What the fuck?

Rogue drove his hand through his hair and cupped his mouth. “If you don’t start making fucking sense, I’m gonna lose my fucking shit.” He spun around to Trey. “What the fuck is she talking about?”

Trey sighed. “Quinn went to see Ace and offered the shipment from the storage unit. The one Millshack stole.”

She scooted to the edge of the couch. “It’s all in my name. I can easily get it and return it to them.”

What the fuck? He shared a look with Trey, who held up his hands.

“What the fuck did you think you’d do? Just ride up and unload a hundred and fifty grand worth of guns and drive it over to Killcreek?” He spread out his arms. “Like nobody is gonna fucking notice that happening?”

The first thing he was going to do once this meeting was done was have the storage unit cleared out. He’d have it moved to a secure location on their property. It would eliminate any connection between the firearms stock and Quinn. He shot a look at Trey, who gave a subtle nod. They were on the same page.

She squinted. “I hadn’t worked out all the details just yet.”

“You haven’t worked out shit. And it’s not yours to work out. That shipment doesn’t belong to you!” Rogue shouted.

She raised her brows. “It is in my name. Possession is nine-tenths of the law. Technically, it is mine.”

Rogue stared back at her and cupped his mouth.

“They said no anyway.” Her shoulders sagged. “They don’t want to owe me or you.”

“You shouldn’t have been there in the first place. Why the fuck am I trying to save your ass while you’re repeatedly walking into the line of fucking fire?”

“I’m sorry,” she whispered, glancing at the ground. “I was trying to right a wrong.”

Rarely did Rogue feel sympathy for anyone, but Quinn had a way of digging into his heart. It was an emotion he didn’t enjoy dealing with, so he switched tactics and turned on his next victim. He jerked his head to Nash, who had remained silent since he’d walked in.

“And why the fuck are you here?” Rogue snapped.

Nash’s face hardened, and his glare sharpened. “Offering back up for Trey as a possible mediator if an issue arose.”

“We don’t need your fucking help.”

“Rogue,” Trey warned.

Nash narrowed his gaze. “Ace called Oz to let him know Quinn had showed up. Oz knew that Trey was going to get her but he wanted his security there also. A presence to remind Ace and the club of their deal in place and ensure Quinn’s safety.”

Rogue arched his brow. “And he sent you.”

“I volunteered.” Nash looked over at Quinn then back to Rogue. “I figured, I was a better choice than security in the event, there were any issues. Keeping Quinn safe is a universal goal in the Underground, Rogue.”

That was not what Rogue was expecting. In fact, it completely threw him off guard.

“I’ll see myself out.” Nash nodded and turned, walking to the door, then stopped and turned back as he reached it. “Oz wanted me to remind you about Monday night.”

When Rogue didn’t answer, Trey responded.

“We’ll be there.”

Oz had all the plans in motion for Kahill. The sooner they got it done, the safer Quinn would be. Rogue was only privy to the basics and Quinn's part in it, but not the details.

“Nash?” She straightened, looking over at the door. When Nash turned back again, she smiled. “Thanks for being there tonight. I really appreciate it.”

His brows furrowed, and he shared a look with Trey. His features softened slightly, he gave a short nod, and then he walked out.

Rogue drew in a breath. He wouldn’t verbalize it to anyone but he was seeing Nash in a new light. Less of a nemesis and more of an ally in protecting his woman.

Who would’ve fucking thought?