Page 46 of Thirst Trap

“I’m not running,” he whispered. “I just… I need to get us to the island.”

She crossed the space slowly, lips brushing his cheek. “You’ve already lost. You just haven’t admitted it yet.”

Then she grabbed the suitcase, heels clicking.

“Let’s go, lover boy. Wouldn’t want to miss your big crime adventure.”

Lucas lingered in the doorway, heart pounding. He didn’t look back at the photo.

But he didn’t take it either.

Because Maddison?

She was real now.

And that was the most dangerous thing of all.

Chapter 23

Fractures

The knock came late. Too late.

Penny already knew it was him.

Logan.

When she opened the door, her chest squeezed at the sight. Blood on his shirt. Jaw locked. Hands trembling like he was barely holding himself together.

It had been a year since the party. A year since the messy night that ended with his mouth on hers and his body in her bed and then nothing. Secrets fed like crumbs to keep her circling him. And she had circled. She always did. But tonight? Seeing him like this broken and bleeding her ache burned hotter than her pride.

“You shouldn’t be here,” she said firmly, blocking the doorway with her body. Her voice didn’t shake. “You don’t get to pretendlike we didn't sleep together for a year and then show up bleeding on my floor.”

He didn’t answer. Just brushed past her, heavy boots tracking dirt onto marble, and went straight for her kitchen. He pulled water from the fridge, chugging it like it was the only thing keeping him alive.

Penny slammed the door. Arms crossed.

“You look like shit.”

“I killed a man.”

Her laugh was sharp. “You’ve killed a lot of men, Logan. Don’t act like this is new.”

He looked at her then, eyes wild and dark. “Not like this one.”

Something in her chest cracked. Because she loved him. God help her, she loved him. The obsession had chewed her up, left her hollow, but it was still there. He was still there.

She stepped closer, anger hot in her throat. “You don’t get it, do you? I’ve been your tips girl, your shield, your distraction, anything you wanted, except what I actually wanted.”

His jaw tightened. “You don’t want this.”

“The hell I don’t.” Her voice shook now, but she didn’t back down. “I ache for you, Logan. Every night you push me away, I ache. I hate you for it and I still ” Her breath hitched. “I still fucking love you.”

He froze and then his hand gripped the counter so hard the wood cracked.

“Don’t say that,” he rasped. “Don’t ever say that. You don’t love me. You can’t. I’m not ”

His voice broke. “I’m not built for that. I’m a fucking monster.”