Page 68 of Rogue's Path

It wouldn’t be that big a jump. Reaper likes hurting women.

“While he’s distracted, I want to go in and check on her.”

And that’s where the issue arises. If she’s not hurt, Reaper will lose his mind with reason. How do we do it so as not to cause issues? “Today we have housekeeping. Take Bliss with you—” She can hold her own if it comes to that. “—to deliver towels or whatever. You need to work quickly. I will only be able to tolerate being near Reaper for so long.”

Bishop nods. “Got it.”

“And if she needs an extraction—” She better not need one. “—blindfold her and take her through one of the tunnels so you aren’t seen.”

“Will do.” Bishop marches off.

Tonight could get interesting. The feel of the knife stuck in my boot reminds me of just how interesting. Reaper isn’t known for playing fair.

Cyclops and Carver aren’t even pretending not to be watching Reaper. I give them a nod, then walk up to where Reaper is staring at the door to the workspace we gave Rhys. “Rhys isn’t going to tattoo you.”

“Mind your own business,” Reaper snaps.

“Everything that happens here is my business.”

“Rhys is mine.”

Her husband wouldn’t agree. “She’s under our protection while she’s here.”

Reaper strides over and gets in my face. “What have I told you about interfering with my women?”

Like I care. “Rhys has another man’s ring on her finger and name on her body. She isn’t yours.”

“She will be. And I’ll wipe every trace of him off of her.”

That’s a threat. “But that’s not today. Go find something else to do. You’re not getting anywhere near her while you’re here.” I step between him and the door. “You’ll find we have a wonderful selection of top-shelf liquor.” It’s common knowledgeyou can’t hold your liquor and you’ll be passed out somewhere. Hopefully, in the mud.

“She won’t always have people around her.” He stomps off with his two guards following behind him.

Now to check on her. I knock on the door.

“Go away Reaper.”

I poke my head in. “Not Reaper. He’s going to leave you alone for a while.”

“Thanks. He won’t accept no. The coward in him comes out whenever my husband isn’t around. Want a tattoo? There will probably be a line from here on out.”

Don’t do it.

Don’t say the words hovering in the back of your mind.

It’s too soon.

It’ll never last. “Yeah. I’d like a small peach over my heart.”

Rhys freezes. “Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“The gossip got to you already?” My big-mouth brothers were probably trying to protect me from what I’m about to do.

“How could they help themselves?” She grins. “So what will it be, smart or wild?”

This doesn’t feel wild. “I won’t ever regret meeting her.”

“You know, saying things like that makes women, even us married ladies, sigh.” She pulls on a pair of black gloves with a snap.