Please get me out of this BL novel...I'm straight! novel Chapter 66

Chapter 66: ’Levi, the kind rogue’

As soon as Charles and Arthur left, Florian exhaled shakily, his hands trembling as he pressed them against his lap in an attempt to steady himself. His heart was still pounding from the encounter, and the cold sweat clinging to his back refused to dissipate. He sucked in a deep breath, holding it for a few seconds before releasing it in a slow, measured exhale.

’That was close. But I almost had him. Almost.’

The realization settled uncomfortably in his chest. In truth, Florian was somewhat relieved that his attempt hadn’t worked immediately. He wasn’t mentally prepared to actually go through with it. Seducing a man—if that’s what this was—felt like crossing an uncharted, dangerous line. A line he wasn’t sure he was capable of stepping over just yet.

If it had been a woman he needed to seduce, it might have been easier. He still would have struggled, considering he had died a virgin, but at least it would have been tolerable. This, however... this was different. Unfamiliar. Unnerving.

Back when he was still Aden, he had been desensitized to male-on-male advances, having helped write this very novel. He had grown somewhat used to the suggestive jabs and lingering looks thanks to Lucius. But Charles and Arthur were a different matter entirely.

In the novel, those two had already forced themselves on Florian. Unlike Lucius, who, for all his faults, still had some semblance of restraint, Charles and Arthur had none until now.

Still, he had made his decision. Seduction was his best weapon—his best distraction. If he could lower their guard, even just a little, he could seize the moment to injure them and escape.

But then another problem arose.

’Even if I manage to take one of them down... there are still the other rogues outside.’

His brows furrowed in frustration. How far was he willing to go to make this plan work? Could he bring himself to act convincingly enough without completely losing himself in the process?

With a sigh, Florian sat back down on the sparse pile of hay that barely served as a bed. His mind drifted back to something else—something just as concerning.

’And then there’s their so-called boss. He doesn’t exist in the novel.’

Charles had always been the sole mastermind behind this kidnapping, the one leading the rogues. But now, there was someone above him, pulling the strings.

That single deviation was alarming, and the more he thought about it, the more uneasy he became. If someone more powerful was involved, then things were far more complicated than he initially thought.

’I wonder who that person is... and if I’m going to meet them eventually. I hope not.’

Shaking his head, he forced himself to focus on something within his control. His hidden weapon.

A small smile played on his lips as his gaze flickered toward the makeshift bed. Underneath the thin layer of hay lay his only means of defense—a fork. A ridiculous weapon, but a weapon nonetheless.

"At least I have one thing now," he muttered to himself, wrapping his arms around his knees. "It’s just a fork, but it’s better than nothing. People have used pencils to kill before... a fork should be easy, right?"

The words felt hollow the moment they left his lips.

The thought of taking a life—even in self-defense—made his stomach churn. He had never done it before. The idea of blood on his hands, of taking another person’s life, settled like lead in his gut. But then again...

’It’s better than getting assaulted.’

He clenched his jaw, gripping his arms tighter. He had to do what needed to be done. Regret could come later. Morality had no place in survival.

Just as his mind continued to spiral through the possibilities, the door creaked open, slow and hesitant. His body tensed immediately, preparing for the worst. Was it Arthur? Charles? Had they changed their minds?

But to his relief, it was neither.

The kind rogue.

Florian’s shoulders sagged, a breath of relief escaping him as he relaxed just a fraction. He offered a small, tired smile.

"Oh, it’s you... I was wondering when I’d see you again."

The rogue hesitated in the doorway, seeming almost startled by Florian’s words. For a brief second, a dusting of pink colored his cheeks before he quickly turned his head away, adopting a more passive stance. He was fidgeting slightly, as if unsure of whether or not he should step inside.

"I saw that the leaders were here," he muttered. "I didn’t want to intrude."

Florian let out a dry, amused chuckle. "I would’ve preferred if you had." He tried to keep his tone light, still working to gain the rogue’s trust. If there was anyone he could manipulate into helping him, it was this one.

"I forgot to ask..." he continued, tilting his head slightly. "What’s your name?"

The rogue stiffened. His gaze flickered toward Florian for a brief moment before he looked away again.

"You don’t need to know."

’Bummer.’

Florian swallowed his disappointment, forcing another smile. ’But I need to get more information out of him somehow... Even if he won’t tell me his name, there has to be something he’s willing to slip.’

’Oh.’

Florian tensed, his pulse quickening as he fought to keep his expression neutral. The fork. He prayed the rogue wouldn’t notice its absence. ’Fuck. I hope he doesn’t notice.’

’Oh, thank fucking God.’

No.

Then, like a lifeline, Lucius’ advice resurfaced in his mind. The same advice that had yet to work.