Heart of a rogue

* Chapter 30 - escaping

What would you do to survive?

I mean, truly think about it. Take a moment and really let it sink in.

What are you willing to sacrifice? What would you endure, no matter the cost?

...

What would you do to get back to the people who matter most to you? To hold them again, to feel their touch, their presence, their love? What lengths would you go to?

Would you hurt someone to get what you need? Kill someone without a second thought? Would you torture them, push them to their breaking point? Or maybe... would you face your deepest, most terrifying fears, knowing there's no way out? Would you bear the pain, no matter how excruciating, if it meant a shot at freedom?

Would you fight? Fight anything, fight anyone, no matter how hopeless the odds? Would you give in, do whatever you were told, even if it means losing a part of yourself in the process?

Because I would do it all. I would destroy everything standing in my way. I would hurt, I would kill, I would sacrifice, I would betray... anything. I would do anything to survive. And I'd do it without hesitation.

I would do all of that. And more.

Leonardo had calmed down significantly in the past few weeks. The wild rage that once consumed him had dulled, leaving behind a strange, unsettling stillness. When I said no, he respected it. There were no arguments, no challenges. No slaps. No threats. Just a quiet acceptance.

He even let me go outside when I asked, but of course, he supervised me. Always watching, always close. It was like he was waiting for me to slip, to show my true intentions. His eyes followed me wherever I went, like I was some delicate object he needed to guard—paranoia masking his need for control. He had learned to be patient, but I knew that patience wouldn't last forever.

I had been biding my time, quietly watching him, observing. The longer I stayed here, the more I realized one thing: he needed to trust me more. He was still holding on to his power, still keeping me on a leash, no matter how kind he pretended to be. If I were to get out of this—if I was ever going to escape—I needed him to believe in me. I needed him to think I was on his side, to think I was his.

But that trust? It had to be earned.

I had to give him more. My submission. My compliance. My everything. I needed to feed into his need to control me, let him think he had me wrapped around his finger.

And I did. For now.

Because survival comes at a price. And I was willing to pay it.

I'd give him what he wanted, play the game. Just long enough to get out, to plan my escape, to make him think he was in charge.

I'd give him everything... if that was what it took to survive.

...

"Some neighboring Alpha is visiting, so I have to meet him. You'll be alright?" Leo asked, his voice soft as he handed me a bowl of popcorn and a steaming cup of hot chocolate. His arm draped around me, pulling me closer as he settled into the couch beside me. I could feel the heat of his body, the comforting weight of him pressing me into his side.

I nodded, but then a thought struck me. "I want your shirt," I said, almost absentmindedly, as if I was trying to break the silence that had settled between us.

Leo laughed, a deep, rich sound that sent a shiver down my spine. Without hesitation, he pulled me into his lap as he wrapped his arms around me. Our bodies melded together seamlessly, and before I knew it, his lips were on mine—warm, urgent, and hungry. His hands gently holding my cheeks.