Page 68 of Rogue’s Reckoning

Rogue steps closer, his voice gentle. "We'll figure it out together, okay? For now, just reassure her that she's safe. That we're both here to protect her."

I look up at him, suddenly aware of how close we're standing. In his eyes, I see the same mixture of emotions I'm feeling—worry, determination, and something deeper that I'm not quite ready to admit to.

"Rogue," I whisper, my voice catching, "I'm scared."

Without hesitation, he pulls me into his arms. I stiffen for a moment, then relax into his embrace, allowing myself to draw comfort from his strength.

"I know, Little Flower," he murmurs into my hair. "But I swear to you, I won't let anything happen to you or Wren. I'll die before I let anyone hurt you again."

I pull back slightly, looking up at him. The intensity in his gaze takes my breath away. Before I can over think it, I stretch up on my toes and press my lips to his.

Rogue freezes for a split second, then responds with a gentle passion that makes my knees weak. His hand comes up to cup my cheek, and as he deepens the kiss, I sink into his embrace. I moan against his mouth. God, I forgot how much I loved how he kisses me.

When we finally break apart, we're both breathing heavily. Rogue rests his forehead against mine, his eyes closed.

"Willow," he breathes, his voice rough with emotion. "I've missed you so much."

I swallow hard, not wanting to admit that I have too. I take a deep breath, trying to sort through my conflicted emotions. "Rogue, I..."

He pulls back slightly, his eyes searching mine. "It's okay, Little Flower. We don't have to figure everything out right now."

I nod gratefully, relieved that he understands. "Thank you for being so patient with me. With us."

Rogue gives me a soft smile. "Always. You and Wren are the most important things in my life. I'll wait as long as it takes."

We stand there for a moment longer, neither wanting to break the connection. Finally, I step back reluctantly.

"I should get back to Wren," I say softly. "In case she wakes up."

Rogue nods. "Of course. Try to get some rest, okay? I'll check on you both in the morning."

As I watch him walk away, I'm struck by how much has changed between us in such a short time. The walls I've built upover the years are starting to crumble, but I'm not sure if I'm ready to let them fall completely.

With a sigh, I close the door, my mind whirling with thoughts of danger, protection, and the taste of Rogue's kiss still lingering on my lips.

What the hell am I going to do now? He’s gotten under my skin, and all the feelings from our past are resurfacing.

I'm sittingon the bed, watching Wren color, when there's a soft knock at the door. My heart skips at the thought of it being Rogue, but when I open it, I'm surprised to see Natalia standing there.

"Nat?" I say, pulling her into a hug. "What are you doing here?"

She gives me a wry smile. "Apparently, I'm part of the lockdown now too. Ghost insisted it wasn't safe for me to be alone, especially in my condition."

I nod, understanding. With her pregnancy, Natalia is vulnerable. "Come in," I say, ushering her inside.

Wren looks up from her coloring book. "Aunt Natalia!" she exclaims, running to hug her.

After we get Natalia settled and Wren returns to her coloring, my friend turns to me with a knowing look. "Okay, spill. How are you holding up?"

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. "Honestly? I'm a mess, Nat. Being here, seeing Rogue with Wren... it's stirring up all these feelings I thought I'd buried."

Natalia nods sympathetically. "I can imagine. It can't be easy, being thrust back into this world."

"That's just it," I say, lowering my voice so Wren can't hear. "Part of me is terrified, remembering everything that happened before. But another part... God, Nat, I kissed him last night."

Natalia's eyes widen. "You what?"

I groan, burying my face in my hands. "I know, I know. It just happened. And the worst part is, I wanted it to happen again."

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