Chapter Thirty-One

Quinn had spent the last two hours taking everything she owned, spreading it on the bed, and looking for the perfect outfit. This wasn’t her. Not even close. She usually just wore what was available and clean. Since Rogue had given her all the retrieved cash that Clay had hidden, she’d spent way too much money in Elle’s boutique, and it left more options. Too many?

She was initially excited when Dahlia called, inviting her for Sunday dinner two weeks ago. She’d shared with Sal that she was looking forward to it. But now, the day of? Quinn was nervous. This would mark her first official dinner with the whole family, and she wanted it to be perfect. She eyed the clothes on the bed. She was so lost in her indecision that she almost didn’t hear the footsteps approaching.

Quinn gasped. She probably had about ten seconds before he walked through the door. Rogue didn’t do anything quietly. The dogs’ ears perked up and turned to the door. He wasn’t supposed to be home for another hour.

Shit.

While he hadn’t forbidden the dogs from roaming the house, Rogue had made a strict rule of no bedrooms, especially not on the bed. It was a rule she broke daily, among others. She looked at the top of the bed, eyeing the repeat offender. Quinn quickly waved the dog off, lowering her voice with a stern command.

“Queen! Get down.”

In true boss lady and diva fashion, the one hundred fifty-pound dog didn’t budge. There was only one queen in this house, and it wasn’t Quinn. As the steps got louder, Quinn rushed to the bed.

“Queen! Down!” Quinn waved her hands and arms as if she was on a runway, conducting plane traffic. “Please.”

Again, Queen didn’t budge.

For their part, the other four dogs swiftly jumped up, gathering near the wall closest to Rogue’s side of the bed. She was always amused that’s where they chose to sit as if silently taunting Rogue’s rules.

Quinn glanced around the room, looking for a hiding place—not for her but for them. It was a ridiculous attempt to somehow cover her tracks and a fruitless effort. As he walked through the door, she shuffled to the opposite side of the room in hopes that with his attention on her, the dogs would sneak out. Well, except Queen.

That plan blew up seconds after he entered. And so did Rogue.

“What the fuck?” Rogue shouted and zoned in on Queen. “Get the fuck off the bed!”

Quinn jerked her head, watching the dog. Queen eyed him for a second before slowly standing up. She took her time walking to the edge of the bed. She looked at Rogue, and then waited another few seconds before jumping down to the floor and making her way to the other dogs standing near the wall.

Rogue furrowed his brows, sending a harsh glare at Queen. “Did that fucking dog just roll her eyes at me?”

Quinn muffled her laugh. Probably. She rushed across the room, ushered the dogs out the door, and closed it.

“One simple fucking rule, and you can’t follow it?”

Her lips twitched. “You have a lot more than one rule, Rogue.”

His gaze sharpened. “I wasn’t aware you knew any of my rules since you fucking break them all!”

She tried to control her smile, but she failed. “I’m sorry.”

“No, you’re not.” His gaze shifted to the bed.

It was the perfect time for a change of subject.

“I’m trying to figure out what to wear.”

“Wear anything, no dress code. It’s just dinner.”

Maybe to him, but for Quinn, this was formally spending time with his family. Sure, she’d been around all of them, but this was a strictly family-oriented setting. Kind of like meeting them for the first time.

“I want them to really like me.”

That concept was foreign to Rogue, and he dipped his brows. “Who the fuck cares what anyone thinks?”

“I do,” she whispered.

His face softened, and he walked toward the bed. His gaze scanned the clothes and pointed to an outfit on the far left. It was his way of helping, but…

She pointed to the one next to his choice.

“I was leaning toward that one.”

Rogue scoffed, shaking his head. “Why the fuck do I bother?”

“Probably ’cause you love me.”

“I do fucking love you,” he said and walked to the closet.

That was how Rogue verbalized his love for her. I fucking love you . Even in the most soft, sweet, and intimate moment, it was always I fucking love you . And Quinn loved it. It was an honest and raw admission on his end. Rogue was Rogue. He took off his jacket and started to undress. And Quinn watched.

He walked into the bathroom, and seconds later, she heard the shower. She bit her bottom lip. She’d already showered but hadn’t started to get ready, and her hair was still damp.

She shucked off her clothes and walked into the steamy bathroom. Without any warning, she opened the door. Rogue jerked his head, and she was gifted with a full smile and a heated gaze.

“I know you aren’t happy about the dogs. Let me make it up to you.” She stepped closer, watching him look over her body. Quinn never considered herself sexy until Rogue’s eyes were on her. “How do you want me?”

He growled. “On your knees.”

He reached outside the door, grabbed a towel, and dropped it on the shower floor. She dropped to her knees and grabbed hold of his cock. He was already hard as she began to stroke him. She teased the head and licked the shaft, eliciting a groan from deep in his chest. His hand spread over her head and he gripped a handful of her hair. He always had to be in control.

Secretly, she got off on it, especially when they were intimate. It was a rush to be dominated.

His chest rumbled, and she took him deeper down her throat. He was close. Quinn had learned all his ticks. She pushed back against his hand, taking over, and his grip loosened. She took him down her throat slowly, once, twice, and gently, grazed her teeth over his length.

“Fuck.” He groaned, tightening his grip.

He had to be close and eager to come.

Payback is a bitch, Rogue and a woman never forgets.

Quinn pulled away and scrambled to stand. Rogue looked down at her as if she’d lost her goddamn mind.

Eye for an eye, Rogue.

She wiped her mouth and started to the door.

“Where the fuck are you going?”

She licked her lips. “Did you really think I’d forget?”

He slammed his hand against the tile wall as the water beat down on his chest and his rock-hard cock.

“Looks like I won this time.” Quinn winked, grabbed a towel, and walked out victoriously.

She heard faint grumblings as she walked across the room and chuckled.

Now, we’re even.

****

“Are you still upset with me?”

Rogue balled his fist, staring out the side window as they pulled onto Main Street, a few blocks from Trey and Dahlia’s apartment. If they hadn’t been running late, he would’ve given her the proper punishment she deserved for that stunt she’d pulled in the shower.

Upset? He was beyond livid but respected the payback move. One thing was for sure, there would never be a dull moment with Quinn. However, she wasn’t knowledgeable in the games Rogue played. But she would be finding out.

“You wanna play games? We’ll play fucking games.” Rogue turned to her and smirked.

Quinn's teasing smile faltered, and she shifted closer, grabbing his inner thigh.

“No, Rogue. We’re even now.”

Oh fuck, no.

He snorted. “No, we’re not, Princess.”

“But—”

The car came to a stop in front of Trey’s building, giving her no other time to plead her case. Not that he would’ve entertained it. Rogue had a feeling this would be their thing for years to come.

Years, as in a lifetime. That was his plan, and he had the small square box in his pocket to prove it. As he rounded the back of the SUV, he caught her fidgeting with her dress and flattening her palm over her waist.

He grabbed her hand and walked through the door, heading straight to the elevators and the top floor. Unlike most people, Rogue didn’t knock. They know I’m fucking coming. He opened the door, ushering her inside.

The greetings were casual except for Dahlia, who seemed overly happy to have another woman around. Quinn was quickly whisked off, and he watched as Sal got up and took Quinn in for a hug. It was probably more fatherly attention than she’d ever gotten.

Rogue made himself a drink and was walking toward the kitchen when Oz came in from the balcony, shoving his phone in his pocket. His brother was hard to read, but he noticed a brewing tension.

“Problem?”

Oz glanced over. “Possibly. We’ll have to wait and see.”

It was cryptic, and from how he swiftly walked away, Rogue was reading the cue. It wouldn’t be discussed here and now. He shared a look with Trey, who subtly shook his head. It seemed he was the last to know all the details. Usually, he’d push the issue, bulldozing everyone around him and making demands. But he had more pressing matters at the moment.

He walked to the kitchen, where everyone was gathered. This was as good a time as any to make the announcement.

“A month from this Friday, we’re getting married, so don’t make fucking plans.”

The room was drowned in silence, and everyone, including Oz, was looking at him as if he’d lost his goddamn mind. Rogue was aware this was unconventional. There wasn’t a grand proposal with a romantic backdrop and sappy dialogue. That wasn’t him. And it wasn’t her. He looked down at Quinn with her eyes wide and mouth gaping open. But within a second, a small smile emerged.

“We are?” There was a tease in her tone.

Rogue raised his brows. “You got other fucking plans that day?”

Quinn stepped closer, wrapping her arms around his waist and smiling up at him. “I’ll have to check my schedule, but I’m pretty sure I’m available.”

“Wait,” Dahlia’s lips twitched as she held up her hands, darting her gaze to everyone in the room. “Is this your proposal?”.

“My house at two.”

Trey smirked, sharing a look with Oz. He knew what they were both thinking. As usual, un-fucking-predictable.

“Anyone have a fucking problem?”

Dahlia burst out laughing. “Is this really happening?”

“Welcome to Rogue’s world.” Trey sipped his drink with a small smile playing on his lips.

Dahlia turned to Quinn, pulling her out of Rogue’s arms. “Oh my God, let me see the ring.”

Quinn grabbed her hand, and her smile faltered, “Oh, I don’t…”

Before she finished her sentence, Rogue dug into his pocket, grabbed the ring, and tossed the box on the counter. Quinn stared up at him as he grabbed her left hand and put on the ring. She gasped, staring down at it.

A boisterous laugh came from the other side of the counter. Sal couldn’t contain himself.

“Never thought I’d see this day, but if I had, this would be the exact proposal I’d expect from you, son.” Sal raised his glass and looked at Quinn. “Congratulations, and welcome to the family, honey.”

Rogue glanced at Quinn. Her eyes welled slightly as she smiled back at Sal. This marriage wasn’t just about him and Quinn. He was giving her something she’d never had before. A real fucking family.

“How are you going to plan a wedding in a month?” Dahlia asked.

“What’s there to fucking plan? Get an officiant, have a witness or two.” He gestured to Oz and Trey. “We fucking show up and say I do.”

Trey cocked his head. “What about guests?”

“What about them? She only knows about ten people, and I can only tolerate half of them. Everyone in the room. Done. Any more questions?”

Quinn slowly raised her hand. “Can I invite a few people?”

Rogue drew in a breath and grabbed his hips. “Fuck me, who?”

“Lil?”

Oz cleared his throat and smirked. “With a guest, I assume.”

Oh fuck no. Rogue saw where this was going and he was shutting it down right now.

“Gunner ain’t coming.”

Quinn gasped. “Well, of course he is. He’s Lil’s husband. We can’t invite her without him. Besides, I met Gunner, and he seemed very nice.”

Fucking nice? Rogue was seconds from losing his shit.

“Remember, son, marriage is about compromise. It’s Quinn’s wedding, too,” Sal said with a hint of a tease in his tone.

Rogue angled his head, scowling. “How the fuck would you know, Sal? You’ve never been married.”

Sal grinned and shrugged. “It’s what I’ve heard.”

“I’ve heard that too, Rogue,” Dahlia said, winking at Sal. Rogue was fully prepared to stand his ground. Until Quinn rested her hand on his stomach and whispered. “Please.”

Fuck me.

Rogue sighed. “Fine. Gunner can come.”

“And Sloane,” Quinn blurted.

“Which means Blade will come too,” Dahlia teased.

It was official. Rogue had lost his shit.

“Jesus fucking Christ, why don’t we just have the fucking wedding at the East clubhouse!”

Dahlia snickered and raised her hand. “I could see if it’s available.”

Rogue glared, but it did nothing to batten down her obvious taunting.

“That’s it.”

“Just a few more,” Quinn blurted.

What the fuck is happening?

“Who?”

“Well, I know Jared and Aaron will be there. But can Killian and Keely come too? And Nash, of course.”

While he had no objections to these people, the realization hit him hard. Those were all his people. His world was now her world, along with the people in it. It was the only one she had.

Rogue wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her against his chest.

“Fine, you fucking get them all. But that’s it.”

“Thank you.”

She popped up on her toes and leaned close to his ear, whispering, “I know you’re not asking, but my answer is yes.”

It better fucking be.