Unchained Instinct ( Complete)

Chapter 74


“Ya know, this is kinda crazy, don’tcha, Rogue?”

Rogue glanced over at her companion, the wind whipping her hair into her face as they raced down a secondary highway, heading south and hoping to catch up with Pietro and in doing so, catch up to Mystique.

“Ah suppose it is,” she yelled. “Just keep drivin’. Ah got a bad feelin’ that those two are up ta no good. And that no good is aimed at Kurt and Logan.”

Gambit looked over at her and a quirk of a smile pulled at his lips. “And if you’re wrong, well, Ah suppose we can just enjoy a nice little summer vacation.”

Rogue punched him in the arm. “We ain’t on any vacation, Gumbo. This is serious business.”

Gambit nodded and turned back to the road. “Right,” he mumbled. “Wild goose chase, more like.”

Rogue ignored Gambit’s last comment, knowing he was just goading her for the fun of it. She settled back into the seat with the night sky clear, stars sparking like gems all around.

It would have been nice if this venture was for pleasure, just a little summer road trip with a handsome man who found her beautiful...yet untouchable.

Rogue let out a sigh and closed her eyes, imagining Remy Lebeau’s arms around her, slender, strong hands stroking her bare skin. And those sensuous lips...how she dreamed time and time again of his lips caressing hers — without putting him into a coma.

She stirred when the roadster slowed and pulled into a parking lot. Bright morning light made her squint and she pushed up in her seat to look around. “What’s goin’ on.”

“Need gas...and a break. Nearly ran off the road while ago.” Gambit’s voice sounded fatigued.

Rogue stretched and climbed from the car, her body stiff from the long ride. “Where are we?”

Gambit reached for the map and ran a finger down a highway line. “Here. Ah imagine Pietro drove like a demon. Probably way ‘head a us. But we’ll catch up. He gotta rest some time even with his metabolism.”

“Ah don’t wanna lose ‘em.”

Gambit raised an eyebrow. “Ya wanna end up inna ditch?”

Rogue made a face. “Not ma choice for the day.”

“Then give Gambit ten to stretch and fill up the car.”

She put up her hands in acquiescence. “Ookay. Ah’ll just go see what Ah can scrounge up for breakfast.”

“Breakfast...last night dinna...yesterday’s lunch,” he mumbled without vehemence and worked the gas pump.

Rogue sauntered up and down the store isles, picking up packaged crackers and some sandwiches from the deli cooler. Juggling a couple of bottles of soda, she laid her items on the checkout counter and dug into her pocket for money.

The cashier was a youngish woman, hair dyed a deep maroon. “This it?”

“Yeah,” Rogue said, glancing out the window where Gambit was filling the tank.

“What about the gas your boyfriend’s pumping?”

“He’s payin’ for it at the pump, Ah think.”

The woman gave her a skeptical expression then glanced up to see Gambit pushing through the door.

A stern gaze softened at Gambit’s smile. “Anything else, sir?” she offered dreamily.

“Cherie, not another thing...’cept....” He pulled the pictures they’d collected at the mansion and showed them to the woman. “Ya seen any a these people, mon ami?”

The woman glanced down then up to gaze on Gambit. A silly grin played on the woman’s lips that irritated Rogue.

“The pictures, ma’am?” Rogue said emphasizing the last word.

The cashier glanced again at the pictures. “These two were in together...or at least rode up on a nice motorcycle. This one...” she pointed at a picture of Logan. “He seemed in a bad mood. The younger one just seemed tired.” Her eyes widened and her gaze darted back and forth between Rogue and Gambit. “They’re not criminal...fugitives or something, are they?”

“No,” Gambit said, sliding the pictures back and sliding up another. “They just friends we tryin’ ta catch up to. Ya seen this one?”

She glanced at the picture of Pietro and Rogue shot a look at Gambit.

Where’d he come up with that pic?

The woman shook her head. “No, that one doesn’t look familiar. Another friend?”

“Not on your life,” Rogue muttered.

“When ya think, the other two mighta been in?” Gambit asked, leaning closer in a non-intimidating way.

The woman leaned a little closer, caught in Gambit’s empathic trap. “Well, let me see. Two mornings ago, I think. Got gas and the older guy paid in cash. The younger one maybe just used the facilities. I’m sorry, I’m just not sure.”

Gambit reached out and took the woman’s hand, raising it to his lips. “Your assistance much appreciated, mon ami.” He turned with a little salute and strolled back out the door.

“My god in heaven, girl,” the woman said with a low wolf whistle. “That guy is hotter than Brad Pitt and Orlando Bloom rolled all into one. You lucky dog, you.”

“Yeah, lucky me,” Rogue said with a sigh and followed Gambit out the door.