Page 19 of Rogue’s Reckoning

As we come down from our high, I carefully pull out of her before gathering her in my arms. Willow curls into me, her head resting on my chest. For a long moment, we just lie there in contented silence.

"I meant what I said before," Willow says softly, tracing patterns on my skin. "I want to be with you, Rogue. Whatever that means."

Her words fill me with a warmth I'm not used to, but also a deep sense of unease. She deserves so much better than what I can offer her. A life of secrecy, of constant danger... it's not fair to her.

"Willow," I start, my voice rough. "There's so much you don't know about me, about my life. It's not safe..."

She props herself up on an elbow, looking down at me with those big, innocent eyes. "Then tell me," she says simply. "Help me understand."

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. How do I even begin to explain? How do I tell this sweet, innocent girl that I'm part of an outlaw motorcycle club? That I've done things that would horrify her? That being with me puts a target on her back?

"It's complicated," I say finally. "My life... it's not something I can just walk away from. And it's dangerous, Willow. Being with me puts you at risk."

She's quiet for a moment, processing my words. Then she leans down, pressing a soft kiss to my lips. "I trust you," she says. "And I'm not afraid."

Her trust in me is both beautiful and terrifying. I want to be worthy of it, but I know the reality of my world. The things I've done, the things I'll have to do... they'd shatter her image of me.

But looking into her eyes, feeling the warmth of her body against mine, I know I can't let her go.

I'mjolted awake by the shrill ringing of my phone. Willow stirs beside me, but doesn't wake as I carefully extricate myself from her embrace.

"Yeah?" I growl into the phone, my voice rough with sleep.

"Get your ass to the clubhouse. Now." Storm's voice is tense, brooking no argument.

"On my way," I reply, already moving to get dressed.

I glance at Willow's sleeping form, debating whether to wake her. In the end, I decide to let her sleep, scrawling a quick note explaining I had to leave for work.

The ride to the clubhouse clears my head, the cool morning air so different to the warmth of Willow’s body against mine in my bed. By the time I pull into the lot, I've pushed thoughts of her aside, focusing on whatever shitstorm is waiting for me.

The clubhouse is quiet when I enter, most of the brothers still passed out from last night's celebration. Storm is waiting for me in the chapel, a grim expression on his face.

"Sit," he orders as I enter. I comply, waiting for him to speak.

"I need a rundown on what's going on with this girl," Storm says without preamble. "How close are you?"

I take a deep breath, weighing my words carefully. "We've gotten... close," I admit. "She trusts me."

Storm nods, his expression unreadable. "Good. We need to know what she knows, what her connection to the Hawks is."

I clench my jaw, fighting back the urge to defend Willow. "I don't think she's involved, Prez. She's just a college student, studying to be a teacher. I don't think she even knows about her sister's connection to Lochlann."

"Maybe, maybe not," Storm says, his eyes narrowing. "But we can't take any chances. The Hawks are planning something big. We can feel it. We need every advantage we can get."

I nod, understanding the implied order. Keep getting close to Willow and find out what she knows, even if she doesn't realize she knows it.

"There's something else," Storm continues. "We've got intel that Lochlann's been asking questions about you specifically. Be on your guard."

Fucker. No doubt he’s still pissed about me beating his ass and shooting him in the knee. Is that what this is about, or does he know about Willow? The thought sends a chill down my spine. That monster isn’t getting anywhere fucking close to her.

"Understood," I say, my mind racing. "I'll keep digging; see what I can find out."

Storm dismisses me with a nod, and I head out to my bike. As I ride back to my apartment, my thoughts are a mess. How can I keep using Willow like this? But how can I not, when the safety of my brothers might be at stake?

I arrive back at my place to find Willow still asleep, my note untouched on the nightstand. For a moment, I just stand there, watching her peaceful face. She looks so innocent, so pure. Thethought of dragging her into my world of violence and deceit makes me sick.

But I don't have a choice. Not if I want to keep her safe, keep my brothers safe.

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