Page 16 of Rogue’s Reckoning

I nod, not bothering to deny it. "I just don't understand. We had this amazing connection, and then... nothing. Radio silence."

"Men are pigs," Zoe declares emphatically. "You're better off without him."

I know she's trying to make me feel better, but her words just make the ache in my chest worse. Because despite everything,I can't bring myself to believe that about Rogue. There was something in the way he looked at me, held me... it felt real.

"Maybe," I say noncommittally. "I just wish I knew what happened."

Zoe reaches across the table, squeezing my hand. "I know, honey. But you can't keep torturing yourself like this. You need to get out, have some fun!"

I raise an eyebrow, skeptically. "What did you have in mind?"

A mischievous grin spreads across Zoe's face. "There's a party tonight at Sigma Chi. We're going."

I groan inwardly. A frat party is the last thing I feel like right now. "I don't know, Zoe?—"

"Nope, no excuses," she cuts me off. "You're coming. Who knows, you might even meet someone who can help you forget about Rogue."

The thought makes my stomach churn, but I know Zoe won't take no for an answer. And maybe she's right. Maybe I do need to get out of my head for a while.

"Fine," I concede with a sigh. "But I'm not staying out late. I have an early class tomorrow."

Zoe squeals in delight, already planning our outfits in her head. As we head to our next class, I try to muster up some enthusiasm for the night ahead. But a small part of me can't help but hope that maybe, just maybe, Rogue will call before then.

The party isin full swing by the time Zoe and I arrive at the Sigma Chi house. The bass from the music reverberates through my body as we make our way inside. The place is packed with sweaty bodies, the air thick with the scent of beer and cheap cologne.

Zoe, in her element, immediately starts mingling, pulling me along in her wake. I plaster on a smile and nod along to conversations I can barely hear over the music, nursing the red solo cup Zoe thrust into my hands.

An hour in, and I'm ready to call it quits. The noise, the crowd, the forced small talk—it's all too much. I've lost sight of Zoe in the throng of people. I'm seriously considering making a quiet exit, when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

I turn to find a guy I vaguely recognize from one of my classes. Mark, I think his name is. He's cute, in a clean-cut, boy-next-door kind of way.

"Willow, right?" he shouts over the music. "I didn't expect to see you here!"

I force a smile. "Yeah, my friend Zoe dragged me out."

We chat for a while, and I find myself relaxing a bit. Mark is nice, easy to talk to. Under different circumstances, I might even be interested. But all I can think about is how different he is from Rogue. Where Mark is open and cheerful, Rogue was intense and mysterious. Where Mark's touch is friendly and casual, Rogue's was electric, setting my skin on fire.

"Do you want to get out of here?" Mark asks suddenly. "Maybe grab a coffee or something?"

For a moment, I'm tempted. It would be so easy to say yes, to try and move on, to forget about Rogue and the way he made me feel. But I know it wouldn't be fair to Mark, or to myself.

"I'm sorry," I say, genuinely apologetic. "You're really nice, but I'm... kind of dealing with something right now."

Mark nods, understanding in his eyes. "No worries. If you ever want to talk, or just hang out as friends, let me know."

As he walks away, I feel a mixture of relief and sadness wash over me. I make my way outside, needing some fresh air. The cool night breeze is a welcome relief after the stuffy interior of the frat house.

I lean against the porch railing, looking out at the street. And that's when I see him.

Rogue.

He's across the street, leaning against his motorcycle, eyes fixed on me. Even from this distance, I can feel the intensity of his gaze. My heart starts racing, a mixture of excitement and anger coursing through me.

"What are you doing here?" I demand when I reach him, my voice shakier than I'd like.

Rogue's jaw clenches. "I needed to see you."

"After three days of silence?" I scoff, crossing my arms over my chest. "You could have called."

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