Page 69 of Thirst Trap

Logan lay sprawled across the too white sofa in the beach house, shirtless, a melting whiskey glass in one hand, and the other clutching a bandage he hadn’t changed in twelve hours. The ocean murmured outside, the silence inside pressing too close.

He hated silence.

He was halfway through debating whether to drink more, smoke, or just walk into the waves when

Knock.

Three sharp raps. Confidence.

Logan froze. No one knocked on Creamsproperty.

His hand went to the holster at his back automatically as he stood, moving slow, every nerve coiled. He swung the door open

And just… stared.

“What the hell are you doing here?”

Penny.

Sunglasses perched in her wild hair, a patterned sundress clinging to her curves, lips glossed cherry red like she’d walked straight out of the city and onto his island.

“Cute place,” she said, peering past him. “A very Bond villain meets rehab chic.”

“Penny.” His voice was low, warning.

“Logan.” She mimicked his tone, but her mouth curved like she’d already won.

The tension crackled in the air, salt thick and heavy.

“You shouldn’t be here,” he said finally.

“You didn’t answer my last six texts.”

“I was busy.”

“I’m not stupid.”

“Never said you were.”

She stepped past him like she owned the place. He didn’t stop her. Inside, her eyes flicked over sleek granite counters, a bottle of expensive whiskey, sheets still rumpled from nights he couldn’t sleep.

“Is this your escape?” she asked. “Because it looks like hell.”

“It’s quiet.” His voice sharpened. Defensive. “I don’t get quiet.”

She dropped her bag by the sofa, folding her arms, studying him. “You didn’t think I’d come.”

He didn’t answer. Couldn’t. So she crossed the space, placed her palm flat against his chest, right over the bullet scar still healing.

“You’re not alone, Logan,” she whispered.

“Don’t.” His voice cracked like a whip.

“Why?”

“Because I might believe it.”

Their eyes locked. And the dam broke. It wasn’t supposed to happen like this. Not after last year’s mess, not after thedistance he’d forced between them. But Penny was relentless. She kissed him like she was claiming territory, gentle at first, then firmer when he didn’t pull away.