Page 17 of Rogue’s Reckoning

He runs a hand through his hair, a gesture I'm starting to recognize as a sign of frustration. "It's complicated, Willow. I shouldn't be here at all, but I couldn't stay away."

His words send a thrill through me, even as I try to hold on to my anger. "What's so complicated about picking up a phone?"

Rogue sighs, his eyes scanning our surroundings before landing back on me. "My life... it's not simple. There are things about me, about what I do, that you don't understand."

"Then help me understand," I plead, taking a step closer to him. "Because I haven't been able to stop thinking about you, Rogue. And I thought... I thought what we shared meant something."

His expression softens, and he reaches out to cup my cheek. I lean into his touch instinctively. "It did mean something, Little Flower. More than you know."

The tenderness in his voice, the way his thumb strokes my cheek... it melts my resolve. I want to be angry with him, to demand answers, but all I can think about is how much I've missed him.

"Come with me," he says suddenly, his hand dropping to take mine. "Let me explain. Please."

I hesitate for a moment, glancing back at the frat house. Zoe will wonder where I've gone, but right now, I can't bring myself to care. I nod, allowing Rogue to lead me to his motorcycle.

We end up at a small, secluded park on the outskirts of town. Rogue kills the engine and helps me off the bike. We walk in silence to a bench overlooking a small pond, the moonlight reflecting off its surface.

"I'm sorry," Rogue says finally, his voice low. "For disappearing on you."

I nod, waiting for him to continue.

He takes a deep breath. "The truth is, Willow, my life is dangerous. It’s not fair on you to be mixed up in that. You’re good, pure, beautiful. You deserve the best, and I know my world colliding with yours will only bring danger.”

I sit there in silence for a moment, processing Rogue's words. Part of me wants to demand more details, to understand exactly what kind of danger he's talking about. But another part is afraid of what I might learn.

"I appreciate you being honest with me," I say finally, my voice soft. "But don't you think I should get a say in what I can or can't handle?"

Rogue turns to look at me, surprise evident in his eyes. "You don't understand, Little Flower. The things I'm involved in... they're not just dangerous, they're illegal. Being with me puts a target on your back."

His admission should scare me. I should get up and walk away, go back to my safe, predictable life. But instead, I find myself moving closer to him.

"I'm not naive, Rogue," I tell him, reaching out to take his hand. "I know you're not some regular 9-to-5 guy. But I should have a say in what I want."

Rogue's grip on my hand tightens. "Willow—" he starts, but I cut him off.

"I know we barely know each other. I know this is crazy and probably stupid. But when I'm with you, I feel alive in a way I never have before. You make me feel seen, cherished. Isn't that worth it?"

For a long moment, Rogue just stares at me, his eyes searching mine. Then, with a growl, he pulls me to him, claiming my lips in a searing kiss.

I melt into him, all the longing and frustration of the past few days pouring out. His hands tangle in my hair as he deepens the kiss, and I cling to him like he's my lifeline.

When we finally break apart, my heart is racing, and I’m struggling to catch a breath. Rogue rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

"You're going to be the death of me, Little Flower," he murmurs.

I can't help but giggle at that. "Does this mean you're done pushing me away?"

Rogue pulls back slightly, cupping my face in his hands. His expression is serious as he says, "I can't promise you a normal life, Willow. There will always be risks, always be parts of my world that I need to keep you separate from. Can you live with that?"

I consider his words carefully. I know he's giving me an out, a chance to walk away before I get in too deep. But looking into his eyes, feeling the warmth of his touch, I know it's already too late for that.

"I can," I say firmly. "As long as you promise to be honest with me and to let me make my own choices."

Rogue nods, a small smile tugging at his lips. "I promise."

FIVE

ROGUE

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