Page 7 of Rogue’s Reckoning

"I should get going," I say reluctantly. "Thank you again for returning my notebook. And for the coffee."

Rogue nods, standing as I do. "It was my pleasure, Willow."

As I turn to leave, he catches my wrist gently. "Listen, I'd like to see you again. If you want."

My heart races. Every logical part of my brain is screaming that this is a bad idea. But looking into those intense eyes, I find myself nodding.

"I'd like that," I say, my voice barely above a whisper.

A small smile tugs at the corner of his mouth. "Good. I'll call you."

As I walk to class, my mind is spinning. What am I doing? I know nothing about this man except his name—if Rogue is even his real name. He's clearly involved in something dangerous. The smart thing would be to walk away now, forget I ever met him.

But I can't shake the feeling that there's more to Rogue than meets the eye. Beneath that tough exterior, I sensed gentleness, maybe even vulnerability. And the way he looked at me... No one's ever looked at me like that before.

I'm so lost in thought that I nearly collide with someone outside the lecture hall.

"Whoa there, sis! Where's your head at?"

I look up to see my twin, Ivy, grinning at me. As always, I'm struck by how we can look so identical and yet be so different. Where I'm in a modest dress, she's rocking ripped jeans and a crop top. Her makeup is bold, hair perfectly tousled in that effortless way that actually takes hours.

"Sorry, just... distracted," I mumble.

Ivy's eyes narrow. She's always been able to read me like a book. "Spill. What's got you all flustered?"

I hesitate. Ivy and I used to tell each other everything, but lately, it feels like we're drifting apart. She's been secretive, staying out all hours and dodging my questions. Not to mention she’s been bitchy as hell lately. Mom and Dad have always favored Ivy over me, often complaining that I’m boring and need to be more outgoing like my sister. Ivy and I have never let the way they treat us affect our friendship, but lately it feels different between us and I’m not sure why.

Looking at her now, concern etched on her face, I'm reminded of the closeness we once shared.

"I met someone," I admit. "Last night, at O'Malley's."

Ivy's eyebrows shoot up. "You went to O'Malley's? Damn, sis, I didn't think you had it in you."

I roll my eyes. "It wasn't like that. I was just returning a book to Maggie. But I met this guy..."

As I describe Rogue and our coffee meeting this morning, I watch Ivy's expression change. The playful teasing fades, replaced by something I can't quite read. Worry? Fear?

"Willow," she says, her voice uncharacteristically serious. "Be careful, okay? Guys like that... they're trouble."

"You don't even know him," I protest, shocked by the instant need to protect the man I hardly know.

Ivy sighs. "I know enough. Just... promise me you'll be smart about this?"

I nod, though I'm not sure what being smart about this would even mean. Ivy gives me a quick hug before dashing off, leaving me more confused than ever.

As I settle into my seat for class, I can't shake the feeling that there's something Ivy's not telling me. But before I can dwell on it further, my phone buzzes with a text message. My heart skips a beat when I see it's from Rogue.

Rogue: Dinner tonight? I know a great Italian place downtown.

I hesitate for just a moment before typing back.

Me: Sounds perfect. What time?

As I put my phone away and try to focus on the lecture, I can't help but feel giddy. I’m not like my sister. I don’t have guys fawning over me. Hell, I haven’t even had a proper date before. I’m still a virgin—something Ivy loves to tease me about. But something about Rogue feels different.

Part of me wants to heed Ivy's warning, to play it safe and stick to the carefully planned path I've laid out for myself. But a larger part, a part I didn't even know existed until I looked into Rogue's eyes, wants to take the leap; to see where this unexpected connection might lead.

As the professor drones on about early childhood development theories, my mind wanders to Rogue. To his strong hands and intense gaze. To the gentleness I glimpsed beneath his tough exterior.

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