Chapter Twenty-Eight

The dust had settled, so to speak. It’d been a few weeks since poker night , as it was now referred to. Rogue didn’t give her any details, and Quinn didn’t ask. There were some things she was better off not knowing. This was one of them. Kahill was no longer a threat to any of them. That was good enough for her.

Quinn had gone back to work at the Bowery with Dahlia and Sloane in the office. It may have been at Rogue’s insistence, but over the last week, he seemed to change his mind. She wasn’t sure if it was Lil’s or Trey’s influence, but he’d agreed to allow her to work at corporate.

This decision was the reason for the impromptu meeting at Oz’s.

“We’ll have her work at corporate alongside Lil,” Rogue said. “Keeping her out of anything else.”

Quinn read between the lines. Her days of running illegal endeavors were past her. Fine by me.

“She needs security,” Oz said.

Rogue scoffed. “Not taking any of yours.”

“Who do you have in mind?” Trey asked.

It was strange to be sitting at the table with them talking as if she wasn’t there. She straightened in her seat.

“Can I pick?”

That got the attention of all three men at the table. Even Nash, who’d been standing a few feet away, turned.

Trey sighed. “Well, this should be interesting. Who would you like?”

She glanced over her shoulder. “Can I have Jared?”

Jared’s eyes lifted, and his lips twitched.

“No.” Rogue’s answer was firm and immediate.

It was worth a shot.

“Aaron?”

Rogue shared a look with Trey and nodded. “You need another two, but I’ll choose.”

“Okay.”

Rogue went to stand, but she grabbed his hand. “I have just one more thing.”

Quinn hadn’t brought it up recently but with all three men in attendance, there was no better time. It was a calculated move on Quinn’s end. She was hoping to get Trey and Oz on her side knowing Rogue would object.

He slowly sat down, eyeing her suspiciously. “What?”

“Can I make a deal of my own?”

“Make a…” Rogue’s jaw squared. “What the hell are you talking about?”

“Well, I’m gonna be working for you, so…”

“And you’ll get paid, Quinn,” Trey said.

“Right, but I’d like to bargain with my salary. Like a trade.”

“What the fuck are you talking about?” Rogue shouted, and she merely stared back at him. Anyone else would back down but for Quinn? She knew he was all bark—at least with her.

“What do you want to trade?” Oz asked.

“My salary for the stock in the storage unit. It was in my name, and I’m the only survivor from that deal, so in a way it rightfully belongs to me.” It was a major stretch and one she’d tried to bring up to Rogue, but he’d shut down talking about anything with illegal ties.

“What the fuck?” Obviously, Rogue wasn’t on board with the idea.

Trey bowed his head, and she heard a soft chuckle, which only infuriated Rogue more. He jerked his head, scowling.

“When you fucking laugh at the shit that comes outta her mouth, you’re fucking encouraging it.”

Trey lifted his head and smiled, looking over at Oz. Quinn peeked over to find his stare on her. He didn’t seem as amused as Trey, though he wasn’t nearly as bothered as Rogue.

“That shipment isn’t fucking yours,” Rogue snapped.

“True, but…if it’s not mine then” —Quinn shrugged— “technically, it was stolen from Killcreek. It makes it theirs, right?”

Rogue narrowed his gaze. He knew where she was going with this, so she quickly turned to Oz.

“Right?”

“ Technically, it’s in our possession, which makes it property of the Underground.”

Shit. Quinn sighed, feeling defeated yet not ready to give up.

“Then I’d like to buy it from all of you with my salary and give it back to Killcreek. I think it’s only fair it’s returned to its rightful owner.”

She expected another rant from Rogue, but surprisingly, he remained silent. But clearly unhappy.

Oz smirked. “They won’t accept it from you.”

Quinn was well aware they wouldn’t, which was why she’d come up with plan B. An alternative that she was confident would work.

“I know.” She glanced at Rogue, who was openly glaring. She knew he wouldn’t approve of her decision or plan, but sometimes, she had to do what sat right within herself. “But I’d still like to make the trade.”

Oz glanced at Rogue. “Any objections?”

“Yeah, a fuck ton.”

Quinn grabbed his hand, weaving her fingers with his. “Please. I really want to do this.” Her emotions were getting the best of her. “I need to do this, Rogue.”

He stared back at her, obvious indecision plaguing his mind. Rogue wanted to say no. But…

“Fuck me.” He tightened his grip and gave Oz a sharp nod.

“Oh, and one more thing.” Quinn said.

That put Rogue over the edge.

“Jesus fucking Christ,” Rogue shouted while Trey laughed.

Quinn ignored both of them and addressed Oz.

“Can you set up a meeting at their clubhouse? Arrange for the shipment to be moved?”

”I can.”

“And can you make sure Cleo is there?”

The corner of Oz’s mouth curled.

He knows.

****

Rogue would’ve died a happy fucking bastard if he never had to set foot in the Killcreek clubhouse for the remainder of his life. Unfortunately, his woman had other plans.

It was a planned meeting that Killcreek begrudgingly took at the urging of Oz. They would forever respect the deal made in place to keep Quinn off-limits, but the animosity would always remain. Oz had made the arrangements, and they discreetly set up a meeting with the lowest risk of raising any red flags, in the event, they were being watched.

Rogue would’ve preferred to have handled it himself, or even better allowed Oz to take care of it all. But Quinn insisted, saying she wanted to see it to the end. There were some things he adamantly opposed, and others, though he disagreed, he’d give in. This was one of them.

They pulled up to the front of the Killcreek clubhouse, and he got out, twisting his lips. Even the air of Killcreek pissed him off. He glanced at Trey, who’d taken a second car and waited by the bumper.

“How the fuck did I get talked into this shit?”

Trey smirked and gestured to Quinn when she got out of the SUV. He started up the dirt path to the front door. Ace had given strict instructions that security was not welcome in their clubhouse. It was usually a deal breaker for him, especially with Quinn along.

The door opened, and Gent, with his shit-eating grin, stared back at them. “Welcome, gentlemen. And our little natural-born killer.”

Rogue clenched his jaw and lunged forward, but Trey grasped his arm. “Watch yourself, Gent.”

He laughed, eyeing Quinn. “All in jest, brothers. Come on in. We’ve been waiting on you. Just ask that you leave your weapons at the door.”

Not on your fucking life, asshole.

Rogue scoffed. “You can ask for whatever the fuck you want. Doesn’t mean you get it.”

Rogue walked down the short hall, aware of Quinn close to his back and Trey close to hers. He had no doubt any sign of trouble would have his security lined up outside, breaking through the doors. As for inside, Rogue and Trey would lay down their lives to protect Quinn’s.

The scene was much like the one they’d had the last time he came to the Killcreek Drifters clubhouse. Members lined the walls, some sitting at a few tables and the core eight front and center.

“Ace,” Trey said and dipped his chin.

The president nodded, glanced at Rogue, then set his gaze on Quinn.

“You’re wasting everyone’s time, Quinn. Told you before, we don’t want anything from you.”

“I understand.” She said.

“Then why the fuck is this meeting happening?”

Rogue eyed Wraith, who stood a few feet away.

“I’m not giving it to you.” Quinn cleared her throat.

Ace furrowed his brows.

“I’d like to see Cleo, please?”

Rogue couldn’t help but smile, watching the realization wash over Ace’s face. She got you, motherfuckers.

“She’s not here,” Wraith snapped.

There was a small stretch of silence.

“Um, here I am.”

It was perfect fucking timing, and Rogue enjoyed watching all the brothers grow half-cocked. This was the best retribution and karma for his past deal with Killcreek.

When Quinn started toward the girl, chairs immediately shifted, scratching the floors, and Rogue and Trey grasped their weapons on their hips.

It was Quinn who halted and turned to Ace. “You made a deal with Oz to allow this to happen. I know he specifically told you Cleo was to be here. I know because it was at my request. If you want to break that arrangement, then you’ll be taking it up with Oz. If you want” —she dug into her pocketbook and pulled out her phone— “we can call him.”

Rogue couldn’t help himself, he grinned eyeing the members at the table. That’s right, Princess, you flex your fucking muscles.

Ace straightened and held up his hand, reining the men in.

Quinn walked to Cleo, who met her at the end of the table.

“Hi.”

Cleo smiled. “Hi.”

“Um,” Quinn dug into her bag again, pulling out a sweater and offering it to Cleo. “I washed it. Thank you again for loaning it to me.”

Cleo took the sweater and smiled. “You’re welcome.”

Rogue eyed the woman. He didn’t have much intel on Cleo other than she was Knox’s sister and the only woman residing at the clubhouse. And she was heavily protected by Killcreek. The tension in the room made that abundantly clear.

He watched Quinn draw in a breath, staring down at the floor. “I know this doesn’t make up for anything. I’m n-not…” Her voice shook. “I’m not trying to buy your forgiveness. But I am trying to do the right thing as best as this situation allows. The shipment that was stolen from the club was transferred to me. They refused to take it back, so I’m giving it to you.”

Cleo widened her eyes.

“What the fuck is she going to do with it?” Cross shouted.

Quinn shrugged. “Whatever she wants. And if she can’t find a use for the stuff, she could always pass it along to you.”

The room was drowned in silence as the brothers of Killcreek pieced it all together. Rogue had to give Quinn credit, it was a strategic plan.

Gent snorted. “That’s a brilliant fucking loophole, darlin’.”

It was. Killcreek wouldn’t take it from Quinn, but they could get their product back without owing her or Rogue.

“Yes, but it’s not Cleo’s only option,” Trey said and turned to Cleo. “The shipment is worth about one hundred and fifty thousand. We’re offering to buy it from you.”

“What the fuck?” Cross shouted.

“Rogue,” Ace growled.

Gotcha, motherfucker.

Rogue smirked and addressed the president. “Is it worth more? I thought that price was generous, but if Cleo wants to negotiate, I’d be willing.”

‘Cause fuck you, Killcreek.

Ace narrowed his gaze.

“Wait, so you’re going to give me a hundred and fifty thousand dollars?” Cleo gasped. “For real?”

“Cleo,” Wraith snapped, and she immediately looked over at him.

Ace held up his hand. “The choice is Cleo’s.”

Rogue stared at the girl. She’d lost her excitement and glanced around at the members in the room. She’d make the right decision to benefit Killcreek, but he wasn’t opposed to a little taunting.

“It’s a lot of fucking money,” Rogue said, and her eyes darted to him, along with Quinn’s, who glared at him.

“Rogue.” Trey’s voice was low, but the warning was clear.

Cleo turned to Quinn and gave a shaky smile. “I’m going to take it and give it back to Killcreek if that’s okay?”

Quinn nodded. “It’s yours, whatever you want to do with it, Cleo.”

“Thank you.”

“Why the fuck are you thanking her?” Cross shouted, pointing to Quinn. “It’s our fucking shit.”

Cleo jerked her head. “She didn’t have to give it back. She could’ve kept it. A hundred and fifty thousand dollars worth, and she could’ve kept that all for herself. But she didn’t. And if I want to thank her, I can thank her.” Cleo blinked as if realizing she’d just raised her voice. She bowed her head and leaned closer to Quinn. “So, thank you.”

Quinn smiled, and she stepped back, walking to Rogue’s side.

“We’re fucking done here,” Ace said and raised his brows. “Now, if you wouldn’t mind? Get the fuck out.”

“With fucking pleasure, assholes.” Rogue said.

He wrapped his hand over Quinn’s back and walked her out.

He’d never understand her mindset. Had he been in that position, he would’ve kept the stock and not thought twice about it.

But she wasn’t him.

Thank fucking God for that.