Page 85 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"Ezra," I gasp, reaching for him. "You're hurt?—"

He catches my hand, pressing a kiss to my palm. "I'm fine, Little Flower. It's just a graze. Nothing Doc can't fix up."

As if on cue, Doc emerges from the clubhouse. "Let's get you both inside," he says gently. "I want to check you over."

Ezra helps me to my feet, keeping an arm around me as we make our way inside. I'm reluctant to let go of Wren, but Natalia gently takes her, promising to bring her to see us once Doc is finished.

In the small medical room, Doc tends to Ezra's wound first, cleaning and bandaging the bullet graze on his shoulder. I watch anxiously, unable to tear my eyes away from the angry red wound.

"He'll be fine," Doc assures me, noticing my worried gaze. "Now, let's take a look at you."

As Doc checks me over, cataloging my bruises and making sure there's no serious damage, Ezra holds my hand tightly. His thumb strokes soothing circles on my skin, grounding me.

"You're both lucky," Doc says finally, stepping back. "No serious injuries. But you need rest. And plenty of it."

Ezra nods grimly. "Thanks, Doc. We appreciate it."

As we make our way to Ezra's room, exhaustion hits me like a wave. The events of the day catch up with me all at once, and I feel my legs start to give out.

Ezra catches me before I can fall, scooping me up into his arms despite his injured shoulder. "I've got you, Little Flower," he murmurs, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

He carries me into his room, gently laying me down on the bed. As he moves to step away, I grab his hand, suddenly terrified of letting him out of my sight.

"Stay," I whisper, hating how vulnerable I sound but unable to help it. "Please."

Ezra's expression softens. Without a word, he kicks off his boots and climbs into bed beside me, pulling me close. I curl into his side, careful of his injured shoulder, and let out a shaky breath.

"It's over now," Ezra says softly, his hand running soothingly up and down my back. "You're safe. I've got you."

I nod against his chest, feeling tears well up in my eyes. "I was so scared," I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. "When Lochlann took me, I thought... I thought I'd never see you or Wren again."

Ezra tightens his arms around me. "I'm so sorry, Willow. I should have protected you better. I should have made sure Lochlann was really dead the first time."

I shake my head, looking up at him. "This isn't your fault, Ezra. You came for me. You saved me."

He leans down, pressing his forehead against mine. "I'll always come for you, Little Flower. Always."

We lay in silence for a while, just holding each other. The steady beat of Ezra's heart under my ear helps calm my frayed nerves.

"What happens now?" I ask finally, voicing the question that's been nagging at me.

Ezra is quiet for a moment before responding. "Whatever you want, Willow. If you want to leave, to take Wren somewhere safe and start over, I'll understand. I'll do whatever it takes to keep you both protected."

My heart clenches at his words. Even now, after everything, he's giving me an out. Putting my needs, my safety, before his own desires.

I push myself up on one elbow, looking down at him. "Is that what you want? For us to leave?"

Ezra meets my gaze, his eyes filled with a mixture of love and resignation. "What I want is for you and Wren to be safe and happy. Even if that means I can't be with you."

I shake my head, feeling a surge of love for this man who's been through so much, who's made mistakes but has fought so hard to make things right.

"Ezra," I say softly, "I don't want to leave. I want to stay here with you. You and Wren—you're my family. My home."

His eyes widen slightly, hope flickering in their depths. "Are you sure, Little Flower? This life... it's not always easy or safe."

I nod, feeling more certain than I have in years. "I'm sure. We've been through so much, lost so much time. I don't want to waste any more."

A smile spreads across Ezra's face, lighting up his eyes. He pulls me close, capturing my lips in a tender kiss. When we break apart, he rests his forehead against mine.

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