Page 44 of Thirst Trap

Lucas’s voice dropped low. “I want you to see who I really am. The parts no one gets close to. If you can still look at me after that… maybe this is real.”

She kissed him once, slow and deep. “I already know who you are, Helmet Daddy.”

***

The apartment was too quiet.

Barefoot in a silk robe over her slip, Maddison padded through the halls, wine glass in hand. Lucas had gone to handle “logistics.”

She explored.

Kitchen:pristine.

Closet: rows of suits in black, grey, navy , labels she couldn’t pronounce, hung with military precision.

Bathroom: minimalist. Cold. One toothbrush.

So he doesn’t bring anyone here.

Bedroom: muted greys, blackout curtains, bed that looked untouched.

Except

One thing.

A photograph.

Not framed. Tucked against the lamp like a secret.

Her.

Wild hair. Laughing. Red bikini. The pool party two years ago.

Her throat caught.

“No way.”

She touched it. Creased edges, worn corners. Handled often. She’d sent that to helmetdaddy_xo. Just a moment, not even a trap. And now? By his bed.

“Oh my god.”

She sat, photo trembling in her hands.

He hadn’t just liked her.

He’d been watching.

Obsessing.

Craving.

Just like she had.

Her voice cracked into the silence of the room. “This isn’t just a fantasy anymore, is it?”

For the first time, it hit her: Lucas had fallen first. And harder.

***