Chapter Twenty-Seven

Quinn was a zombie walking out of the room. She entered the small hallway in a daze and reached for the knob. Nash grasped her wrist, halting her.

“It had to play out that way.”

She nodded her head, but there was no thought behind it.

“Killcreek, Dante, everyone was in on it. Except for Kahill and his men.”

“And me.” She pressed her hand against her chest.

“Yes. We had to do it this way. If you’d known, you would’ve been playing a part. One you’d have to fake and maintain. There’s a lot of room for error with that, and Rogue wasn’t willing to take that risk. It would’ve put you in danger.” Nash paused, taking a breath. “If anything had gone off script, someone would’ve stepped in to ensure your safety. Trust me, Rogue had every scenario in place to protect you.”

“Killcreek?”

“They would’ve protected you.”

She shook her head, knowing the truth. “They hate me.”

“They hate Kahill more. You were always safe, Quinn.”

It was an impossible idea to wrap her head around. The fear still resonated within her, as did what was going on behind that door. She stared at it, almost envisioning what was happening. Nash must’ve recognized where her mind had gone. He grabbed her arm, forcing her to turn around. He leaned forward, opened the door to the main room, and escorted her into it.

It was crazy to see the hustle and bustle of the room. People were playing, laughing, drinking, and completely oblivious to what was happening two walls away. Quinn wasn’t privy to all the details, but she had a good idea and imagination. Retribution for breaching the Underground’s security. Revenge for taking Killcreek’s firearms stock.

“Where would you like to start? Newbie table? Or you could play one hand and bet it all.”

She snorted, glancing down at the chips. It was meant to be a distraction. It wasn’t working. She glanced over her shoulder at the door in the back.

“Quinn?”

She jerked her gaze to Nash, who was staring across the room, seemingly looking at all the tables without thinking about what was happening only one hundred feet away.

“You’d be suffering the same fate as them had this not been a strategic setup. And ask yourself this…” Nash paused, waiting for two men to pass them. “Would you be receiving the same sympathy had those roles been reversed?”

No. There wasn’t a doubt in her mind that after Kahill and his men had gotten through with her, they wouldn’t have thought of her again in any capacity—especially with regret or remorse. That thought alone should’ve eased any and all guilt.

“But,” she said a little too loud, and Nash narrowed his gaze, giving her a clear warning to lower her voice. “But why not just make this a warning? I’m sure one threat from the Underground would ensure he doesn’t try to breach your system or steal again.”

Nash steeled his features, followed by a long stretch of silence.

“You think what’s happening is a result of the breach or Killcreek’s product?”

She knitted her brows. “Isn’t it?”

“It might have been had Kahill not been a threat you. Rogue would never allow him to take another shot at you. Nor would Trey and Oz, for that matter. A member of their family was put in danger. No leniency and no mercy is given.” Nash drew in a breath. “There’s only one way to protect our own. That’s how we do things. There are no second chances with the Underground.”

“I got one,” she muttered.

Nash smirked. “And in rare instances, we make exceptions.”

For me.

Nash raised his hand to call over Dante.

“You ready for the tables?” Dante asked.

Was she? Probably not. Her mind was going in a million different directions. But everything Nash had said was slowly settling in. This was what it meant to be truly loved, valued, and protected. How could she argue with it?

Quinn drew in a breath, stating the obvious. “I’m probably going to lose all his money.”

Nash laughed, resting his hand on her back and urging her forward. “And I’m going to enjoy watching that.”

Quinn was still in a daze trying to reconcile with everything that’d gone down. The phrase “kill or be killed” had never resonated more than at this moment. It was like being in the jungle where only the strong survived.

And surprisingly to herself …I survived.

****

Rogue rolled his neck, cracking his back in the process. It had been awhile since he’d participated in a brutal attack. I fucking missed it. He grabbed a towel, cleaning off his hands. He was almost rid of all of Kahill’s blood. It had been a well-deserved massacre. Kahill would never be a threat to Quinn ever again.

He glanced around the room. They were in the cleanup process. Rogue never helped with this part. Why would he? For years, it’d been part of his job, but he’d done his time and worked up the ranks.

He tossed the towel on the floor among the pile of bloody rags and walked out the back door. It was a secured and secluded section of the parking lot reserved for VIPs. Or in this case two vans and dozens of motorcycles.

The Killcreek Drifters were tasked with removing any and all evidence, including the bodies. Rogue would have no knowledge, nor did he want any. This was Killcreek’s position, and while he loathed the MC, he could appreciate their attributes and ability to make sure bodies were never found.

Rogue stepped up next to Oz.

“How the fuck did you get Killcreek to show up?”

Oz arched his brow. “I asked.”

Rogue scoffed, glancing down the line of men. Enemies. Oz hadn’t asked for anything. Killcreek had been ordered and followed through. They had their own stake in the game. It was their own retribution.

Kahill had sent Clay to set up Quinn to be hired by Millshack and the firearms to be taken, and thus Knox to be killed. And while Kahill may have inherited the firearms by default, they were still Killcreek property. And now in the hands of the Underground.

“She did well,” Oz said, veering his gaze over his shoulder. Rogue turned to see Quinn sticking close to Nash’s side. She was looking across the lot at Killcreek.

“Princess.”

She blinked and jerked her head. The second she locked eyes on him, she rushed past Nash, falling into his side. Mine. Rogue wrapped his arm around her.

“You good?”

She nodded, glancing up. “I lost all your money.”

If that was the worst, he’d take it.

“We’re done,” Rogue said to Oz, but didn’t wait for a response. He started down the lot, noticing Nash standing with Trey. Rogue could’ve passed by without a word. It was expected. And he probably would’ve had Quinn not stopped and leaned past him.

“Thanks, Nash.”

Nash nodded, easing his features—for Quinn. Rogue drew in a breath, staring at the man he’d considered his nemesis. Nash may not have been a full-blooded member of the Underground, but he’d proven himself time and time again. Especially tonight. For my woman.

“I’ll fucking retire” —Rogue paused— “bitch boy.”

“Jesus Christ, Rogue,” Trey snapped, shaking his head.

Nash narrowed his gaze, and his lips twitched. It was common ground. A level of respect. Maybe somewhere down the road, there’d be more, but for now this was all Rogue had to give. He arched his brow, his way of calling a truce. Nash smirked with a curt nod.

Rogue wrapped his arm around Quinn’s shoulders, leading her to the car.

“That was not an apology, Rogue.”

Rogue scoffed, battening down his smile.

I don’t fucking do apologies, Princess.