Page 21 of Rogue’s Reckoning

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "He died a few years back," I say carefully. "The guys I—” I pause, trying to figure out the best way to put this. “Work with... they're my family now."

Willow nods, seeming to accept this. "And what exactly is it that you do? You mentioned security, but?—"

"It's complicated," I cut her off, perhaps more sharply than I intended. Seeing the hurt flash in her eyes, I soften my tone and take a deep breath, trying to find the right words. "My work... it'snot always legal, Willow. The less you know about it, the safer you are."

I see the conflict in her eyes—curiosity warring with trepidation. "Are you in active danger?" she asks hesitantly.

I nod slowly. "Not right now, but that could change. That's why I was hesitant to get involved with you at first. My world... it's not a safe place for someone like you."

Willow is quiet for a long moment, processing this. Then she reaches up, cupping my face in her hands. "I'm not afraid," she says softly. "I trust you, Rogue."

Her words both warm my heart and fill me with dread. She trusts me, and I'm betraying that trust every moment I'm with her under false pretenses.

I pull her close, burying my face in her hair to hide the conflict I'm sure is visible on my face. "You should be afraid," I murmur. "I'm not a good man, Willow."

She pulls back slightly, looking me in the eyes. "I don't believe that," she says firmly. "I've seen the way you look at me, felt the way you touch me. There's goodness in you, Rogue. I can feel it."

Her faith in me is like a knife to the gut. If she knew the things I've done, the blood on my hands... would she still look at me with those trusting eyes?

"You don't know everything about me," I say, my voice rough. "If you did?—"

Willow silences me with a kiss. "Then help me understand," she whispers against my lips. "Let me in, Rogue. All the way in."

For a moment, I'm tempted. To tell her everything—about the club, about the Hawks, about the danger we're all in. But I know I can't. It would put her in too much danger, and I can't bear the thought of anything happening to her because of me.

So instead, I kiss her deeply, pouring all my conflicted emotions into it. Willow responds eagerly, her body meltingagainst mine. I push aside my guilt and doubts. For now, I'll lose myself in her, in the way she makes me feel. I'll worry about the consequences later.

SIX

WILLOW

I wake up slowly, a smile spreading across my face as I feel Rogue's strong arms around me. The events of last night come flooding back—our passionate reunion, the way he touched me, kissed me, made me feel things I never knew were possible.

But more than that, I remember our conversations. The way he opened up to me, even if just a little. Learning that he lost his dad hurt. The family he's found in his work brothers—it makes me happy that he has them now.

As I lie there, listening to Rogue's steady breathing, I allow myself to imagine a future together. Lazy Sunday mornings in bed. Cooking dinner together in a cozy kitchen. Maybe even a little house someday, with a yard for kids to play in. The thought both thrills and terrifies me. It's so soon to be thinking this way, but something about Rogue just feels right. Like he's the missing piece I've been waiting for my whole life.

I know there's still so much I don't know about him. His work, his past—there are clearly dark things there that he's not ready to share. But I meant what I said last night. I trust him. Whatever demons he's battling, whatever dangerous world he's part of, I want to face it together.

Rogue stirs beside me, his arms tightening around my waist as he buries his face in my hair. "Mornin', Little Flower," he mumbles, voice rough with sleep.

I turn in his arms to face him, smiling at his sleepy expression. "Good morning, handsome."

He leans in to kiss me, morning breath be damned. It's soft and sweet, a stark contrast to the heated passion of last night. When we part, I see a vulnerability in his eyes that makes my heart skip a beat.

"What are you thinking about?" he asks, brushing a strand of hair from my face.

I bite my lip, debating how much to reveal. "Just... how right this feels," I admit finally. "Being here with you."

Something flashes in Rogue's eyes—longing, maybe? But it's quickly replaced by a guarded expression. "Willow," he starts, his voice serious, "you know this won't be easy, right? My life..." he pauses, his gaze searching mine.

I nod, reaching up to cup his face. "I know. And I meant what I said last night. I'm not afraid, Rogue. Whatever comes, we'll face it together." He keeps telling me that his life is dangerous and I know he’s trying to warn me, but I want him. I’m falling for him.

He closes his eyes, leaning into my touch. I want nothing more than to protect him from whatever darkness haunts him. I hate that he’s so torn, that whatever is holding him back from me could actually win out.

"You're too good for me," he murmurs, opening his eyes to gaze at me with an intensity that takes my breath away. "I don't deserve you, Little Flower."

"Stop,” I say, hating that he thinks that. “Please,” I whisper. “You’re a good man, Rogue.”

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