Chapter Twenty-Three #2
Cross grasped his hips and clenched his jaw. The history between Quinn and the club was nothing short of hostile. They’d gotten revenge on everyone who’d played a part in Knox’s death.
Except one. And she was untouchable.
“Rogue,” Trey snapped, the warning clear, but as usual Rogue ignored him. This was a fucked-up move that even Trey recognized.
Seconds later, Quinn walked in and froze, taking in the club. She knew she had protection under the Underground but usually steered clear of Killcreek. She had decency. Rogue did not.
“W-what’s going on?” Quinn’s voice shook, as she moved closer to Rogue.
“How could we all pass up the opportunity for a full circle moment?”
“What the fuck are you talking about?” Cross asked.
Rogue snorted. “Ask Cleo. This was her idea to bring your woman down here to meet my wife.”
Cross along with every member of the club looked back at the two women standing ten feet away. What the fuck was Cleo thinking? He never got a chance to ask when Wraith stepped in.
“Why?”
Cleo shifted on her feet. “I thought if Quinn met Addison, that she’d know something good came from the tragedy.” She lowered her voice. “I find peace in that.”
Somewhere in the depths of his soul he could understand why Cleo did it. But the last thing he wanted was Quinn to feel any peace from this situation. He would always harbor resentment even with the knowledge she’d been tricked into playing a part in Knox’s death.
“And I appreciate that, Cleo.” Her voice was small, but he knew it was Quinn’s. “And Addison. Thank you.”
There was a long stretch of silence. It should’ve ended on that. Cross could’ve walked away with his anger intact. But…
“Why the fuck are you thanking her? If it wasn’t for Knox’s death, her ass wouldn’t even be standing here.” Rogue laughed. “Some might say Addison should be thanking you, Quinn.”
You motherfucker!
Cross balled his fists and sent a seething glare at the man. His control was slipping.
Rogue matched his stare, keeping his eyes locked on Cross when he pointed to Addison. “Let me ask you something, Cross. Is your newest piece of ass an even trade,” he smirked. “For a brother?”
White noise. It was almost unexplainable.
The world around him still moved, voices spoke, actions happened, but he was locked into his own mind, rage fueling every emotion.
He couldn’t see beyond anything. His muscles contracted, his fiery blood raced through his veins, his stomach twisted, and his heart threatened to beat out of his chest.
I’m gonna fucking kill you.
“You son of a bitch!” Addison’s voice broke him out of his spell just in time to loop his arm around her waist as she lunged toward Rogue. Fuck!
The room was in utter chaos, weapons had been drawn, and the shouting was loud. None more heard than Addison. Cross tightened his hold but she thrashed in his arms, fighting against him.
Rogue lifted his glass, taking a sip of his drink, completely unbothered. Cross expected it. When Quinn attempted to move closer, Trey stepped in front of her taking a protective stand. He lifted his chin to the exit, addressing the club. “I think you should leave.”
Cross was fully on board with that plan. While he’d love nothing more than to end Rogue, he wouldn’t put the women in the crosshairs of a battle.
“Baby,” he whispered. “Let’s go.”
Addison was shaking in his arms with her glare aimed at Rogue.
“I don’t know what’s more disgusting, your disregard for the grief and sadness of Cleo and the club” —she paused and turned to Quinn— “or the immense disrespect for your own wife.”
That got Rogue’s attention and not in a good way.
He slammed his glass on the table. “What the fuck are you talking about?”
Addison scoffed. “I spent time with Quinn downstairs. I felt her guilt and regret for whatever involvement she had with Knox. Anyone with half a heart could sense it.” She shouted.
“Which tells me everything I need to know about the kind of person and man you are. I’m a total stranger to Quinn and I have more compassion for her than her own goddamn husband. ”
The room fell silent. People feared Rogue when he was loud and threatening.
But as someone who had known him for a long time, that’s not when he was at his most dangerous.
It was when he was quiet. Rogue slowly rose and Trey stepped in between them.
Quinn rushed to his side, grabbing his hand but his glare was locked on Addison.
“Get her outta here, Cross,” Ace said, and Cross lifted her off her feet, turning toward the exit. His brothers formed a barrier of protection. When they got to the landing, he set her down, gently guiding her to the stairs. They were almost in the clear.
“I’ll be seeing you again, Addison.” Rogue’s calm tone had Cross’s muscles tightened.
That was a threat.
An uncontrollable rage and protectiveness came over Cross. No one threatened his woman. He swiftly turned but was met with Cypher and Cue blocking him.
“Get out of here.” Cypher snapped, pushing against his chest. “For Addison.”
Cross didn’t budge until he felt her hand clasp his. She tugged on his arm and he slowly backed away keeping his eyes locked on Rogue.
This wasn’t over.