Page 78 of Rogue’s Reckoning

Almost without realizing it, my hand starts to drift lower, skimming over my breasts and down my stomach. I imagine it's Ezra's hand touching me, his calloused fingers exploring my body.

A soft gasp escapes my lips as I let my fingers slip between my thighs. It's been so long since I've allowed myself to feel this way, to want like this. But now, with the memory of Ezra's kiss still fresh on my lips, I can't help myself.

I stroke myself slowly at first, teasing. In my mind, it's Ezra's fingers circling my clit, his lips trailing hot kisses down my neck. I arch into my own touch, biting my lip to keep quiet.

As the pleasure builds, my movements become more urgent. I imagine Ezra above me, his muscular body pressing me into the mattress as he thrusts into me. The thought sends a jolt of heat through me.

"Ezra," I whisper, my fingers working faster. I'm so close now, teetering on the edge of release.

With a muffled cry, I come undone, waves of pleasure washing over me. For a moment, I forget about all the danger and uncertainty. Everything just fades away for a brief moment.

As I catch my breath, reality slowly seeps back in. But I feel lighter somehow, some of the tension eased from my body.

Whatever happens next, I know one thing for certain: I'm not holding back any longer. The walls I built five years ago are almost crumbling to the ground. Ezra’s trying and it’s time I do too.

With renewed determination, I rise from the bath. It's time to face whatever comes next—together.

TWENTY-FIVE

ROGUE

The air is heavy with tension as we pull up to the meeting spot Caesar Mariano arranged. Lorenzo is already there, leaning against his car with his arms crossed. His father, Caesar, stands beside him, looking as imposing as ever in his tailored suit.

"Gentlemen," Caesar greets us as we dismount our bikes. "I wish we were meeting under better circumstances."

Ghost steps forward, shaking Caesar's hand. "We appreciate the intel, Caesar. You didn't have to get involved in this."

Caesar's expression hardens. "The Shadow Hawks have become a problem for all of us. It's time to end this, once and for all."

Lorenzo nods in agreement. "We've got solid information on their current hideout. It's an abandoned warehouse on the outskirts of town."

As Lorenzo spreads out a map on the hood of his car, detailing the layout of the warehouse and the surrounding area, I feel a mixture of anticipation and dread. This is it—our chance to finally take down Lochlann and his remaining men.

"How many are we looking at?" Sniper asks, studying the map intently.

"Our sources say no more than ten," Caesar replies. "Lochlann's lost a lot of men in recent months."

Ghost nods grimly. "Good. That makes our job easier."

As we finalize our plan of attack, I can't help but think of Willow and Wren. I promised them I'd come back, and I intend to keep that promise.

"Renegade," Ghost says, turning to our resident explosives expert, "I want you to rig the place to burn. Once we've cleared it, we're taking it down."

Renegade grins, a dangerous glint in his eye. "With pleasure, boss."

As we gear up, checking our weapons and strapping on bulletproof vests, I feel a hand on my shoulder. It's Ghost.

"You good, brother?" he asks, his eyes searching mine.

I nod, my jaw set with determination. "Let's end this."

The ride to the warehouse is tense, each of us lost in our own thoughts. As we approach, we kill the engines and coast the last few hundred yards in silence.

Ghost gives the signal, and we move in. The sound of gunfire erupts almost immediately as we breach the building. I duck behind a stack of crates, returning fire.

It's chaos—shouts and gunshots echoing off the metal walls. I see Savage take down two Hawks in quick succession, while Hades and Tempest work in tandem to clear another section of the warehouse.

As I move deeper into the building, I catch a glimpse of a familiar figure—Lochlann. Rage boils inside me at the sight of him. This is the man who hurt Willow, who's been threatening everything I love.

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