Page 17 of Gambit's Property

A door opens, and in walks Rogue’s brother Gray, who is married to Leif’s sister. He gives his father respect and moves over to where we are all standing still by the side of my truck.

Gray starts getting upset and grabs for Rogue, not realizing he’s grabbing where she’s injured. Leif reacts by punching him, and then the fight is on, but Commander puts a stop to it quickly by taking Gray to the floor. Rogue, meanwhile, spins Leif out of the line of fire. She’s gotten much faster, and her Muay Thai is amazing to watch.

“Before we go upstairs, we need to adjust our current population,” Commander says and looks over to me and Franci.

“Gambit, you and Striker take the little bit out of here. Protect her for Rogue. Find out why she didn’t tell Rogue about the calls.”

Vladimir tries to argue, but Commander is thinking with his mind, not his heart like Morosov is. They argue about me wanting her, and I’m about to defend our relationship, but Rogue jumps to my defense, which I really appreciate.

“She’s just as old as Andrei’s mom was when you married her,” Rogue tells him. “Besides, she’s my daughter, and I say where she goes.”

“She’s my woman, and she’s going with us. My men will protect her with their lives.” I decide to let them know how it’s really going to be.

“Stop, all of you.” Franci steps from behind me, but I wrap an arm around her upper body, keeping her close to me. We still haven’t figured out everything, but I will be soon. “I want to go with him. He and I need to talk. As for Crank, I didn’t know that was his name. He’s been calling me and telling me he would kill you.” She points to Rogue. “He didn’t know you were Angeline until November. I mostly ignored him. Every time I’d lose my phone and you’d get me a new one, he’d get the number and call me again. He told me he was coming for me soon and was going to rape me like he should have all those years ago.” She shivers against my body, and I hold her tighter as Rogue moves toward us.

“We’ll take care of them this time. I swore I’d make you safe, and I will,” Rogue promises.

I release her so they can hug, and then I pick her up and place her back in the passenger seat of my truck. As soon as we pull out of the garage, my men are surrounding the truck, and we take off for the clubhouse.

CHAPTER 8

FRANCI

We drive out of town away from everyone I’ve known and trusted. I look at Gambit in the darkness of the cab of the truck. I’ve heard him call me his before, but it’s the words he didn’t say that haunt me. I turn to see the man in the back seat is watching out the windows.

“I should have said something sooner. I should have told Ley about him calling me, but I didn’t want her to leave her life here. I didn’t want to cause her more pain.”

I watch as his hands tighten on the steering wheel. The leather groans as his knuckles bulge.

“But you’d leave me?” His words are angry.

I pull my upper lip between my teeth, not sure if I should have started this conversation with his friend in the back seat. I’ve seen his friend a couple of times. He was there when Gambit walked away from me the first time, as well as a few other times.

I sit up straighter in the seat, ready to give him my truth. I don’t want Crank to come after him too. I don’t want to see him hurt, even though he’s hurt me.

“You don’t want me. You said I was too young for you. You insulted the way I dress. You left me,” I yell the last part, and he turns to look at me, his eyes briefly coming off the road before he refocuses his attention.

“When we get home, you’ll not only get a red ass for trying to run, but you’ll hear why I chose to walk away from you. Besides, I promised Rogue I would give you time.” He grits out.

I try not to squirm at the thought of him spanking me. I’ve read books about spanking and punishment, and I’ve wanted it so much. I crave a man with a heavy hand to control me. I had hoped it would be Gambit, but then he walked away, leaving me alone and bereft.

I remain silent until we turn down a long driveway. In the distance, through the trees, I can make out an old grain building. Lights are shining around it and from every window. Motorcycles and other vehicles are parked out front, and as we get closer, I can feel the thump of the music in the truck. It’s then I notice all the motorcycles around us. They break off and most park in the front of the building. We stop, and I’m about to open my door when Gambit grips my arm.

“Not you. You stay put,” he orders me, then looks in the mirror at the man in the back. “Striker, get the party shut down and get the men in church. Give me an hour.” Gambit pauses, looks at me, and then focuses back on Striker. “Make that two, and I’ll be back.”

“Okay,” Striker replies and gets out of the truck.

Gambit shifts into gear, and we continue around the building. Behind it, a large home stands in the darkness. As we approach, outdoor lights flick on. Gambit hits a button on his cell phone, and lights start turning on in the house. The home is a modern, angular style, with trees coming up to the back. We park in the driveway in front of the two-car garage. There is acarport off to the side, where a couple of motorcycles and off-road vehicles are parked.

“Where are we?” I ask and turn to look at him. He’s staring at me as he shuts off the truck.

“Stay there, jellyfish, or I’ll withhold your orgasms after I spank you.” His voice is gravelly and deep. My body shutters with need. I can’t believe I still want him after the way he hurt me.

He steps out of the truck and comes around to my door. When he opens it, the chill from the night causes me to shiver. I notice my store-bought ripped jeans are now genuinely torn in spots, and my sweater has a few burn holes from debris flying through the air during the explosion. I also feel the crash of adrenaline after the attack and running.

Gambit lifts me out and carries me to the front door. “Put your thumb on the lock.” I do as he says, and the door opens. “Welcome home, jellyfish. I had this built after the first time I walked away from you. I’ve had the contractors pushing to get it done for your birthday.”

I turn to see streamers and a banner declaring “Happy Birthday.” Gifts are piled on the table, and I struggle to get out of his arms. He sets me down, but it’s clear he wants me back in his arms because he reaches for me a couple of times. I move away from him and deeper into the house. We are standing in the entrance, with the kitchen, living room, and dining room directly in front of us. I turn behind us and see doors leading off and a hallway.

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