Page 74 of Thirst Trap

“Who is Maddison Parker, ex-patient turned fiancée?”

“Cracks in the Empire?”

Logan pushed through the chaos, jaw clenched, sunglasses hiding the fury in his eyes. He hated the vultures. Hated the stink of desperation when blood hit the water. Then he saw her.

Penny.

Camera bag slung over one shoulder, notepad in hand, standing bold in the middle of the pack with lipstick like blood and a stare sharp enough to cut glass.

Logan’s pulse spiked.

He shoved past some blogger, closing the distance in two strides. His hand shot out, gripping her arm.

“Did you release this?” he snarled.

Shock flashed across her face before fury replaced it.

“What the fuck, Logan?” She yanked, but his grip held. “No, I didn’t release it!”

“You expect me to believe that?” His voice was low, dangerous, the growl that had broken men before breakfast. “You’ve been circling us for years. This has your fingerprints all over it.”

Her laugh came sharp, humorless. “Oh, you dickhead. You really think I’d burn my biggest source? The only reason your spotless little brother still looks clean is because I’ve been covering for you. For years.”

He froze. Just for a second.

She shoved his chest, eyes blazing. “You think reporters don’t whisper about the bodies that vanish when you show up? About the witnesses who never make a trial?

You think I don’t already have half the proof?” Her voice cracked with anger. “I bury it, Logan. I spin it. I cover for you. Because god help me, I love the monster you are.”

The words hit like a bullet.

His grip loosened. His chest heaved. “Penny…”

“No.” She jabbed a finger into his chest. “Don’t you dare look at me likeI’mthetraitor. I’ve been protecting you while you push me away, crawl into my bed when you need me, then pretend I don’t exist in daylight.”

Logan opened his mouth, but nothing came out.

Her lip curled. “I’ve been more loyal to you than your own family. And still, when the empire shakes, I’m your first suspect.”

Her heels clicked sharp against stone as she turned, storming down the steps, hair whipping like a warning flag.

Logan stood frozen as the press swarmed back in, sharks smelling blood.

For the first time in a long time, he didn’t feel dangerous.

He felt exposed.

Because Penny wasn’t lying.

And maybe,just maybe,he’d been under her protection all along.

Chapter 38

Press Conference

The sun had barely risen when both our phones lit up like fire alarms.

Buzz. Buzz. Ring. Ping.