Page 121 of Lethal Attraction

He can be with someone who deserves him. Someone who won’t bring death to his doorstep every day. Someone who isn’t me.

I close my eyes, resting my head back against my shoulders as I breathe through the pain, but nothing can heal a shattered heart. Nothing can mend what Reed holds in his hands like it’s precious.

You were a wonderful chapter, Reed. Think of me…

One final exhale and I push through the front door. At first, everything around me looks utterly alive and warm. Then Reed comes down the stairs, a wide smile on his face and a bandage wrapped around his missing finger, and the whole house really becomes vibrant. It’s his presence—his aura that’s made this place a home.

“How was the meeting?” He asks before pulling me close and kissing my forehead.

Even that slight gesture feels monumental.

Get it together. For him.

I return his smile, hiding all the pain. “Just about as good as you think it would go.”

He winces. “Grandpa wasn’t happy to see you?”

I chuckle awkwardly. “Not exactly…”

Reed stops, the mood dying as he takes my chin between his fingers and tilts my head back. The moment I connect with his dark eyes, everything feels like it’s crumbling around me. I want to fall into his arms and have him kiss the hurt away. I want to keep him forever. Right where he belongs. With me.

“Hey,” he says softly, making my heart skip a beat as I try to hold back my tears. “What’s going on, baby? Talk to me.”

I slap my hands on my thighs, my lips wobbling as I tilt my head at him. “Reed…”

He shakes his head, sobering. “No, no. Don’t make this sound like it’s a death sentence. Stop, Thalia.”

I fold my arms around myself, feeling so small and vulnerable right now. “I can’t—”

He drags me into him so quickly that my head spins. His embrace tightens as he holds on for dear life, and my heart only cracks further. “Stop. We’re going to think of something, okay? Taryn and Emma said that everyone else is hiding out in Cincinnati. Come with me.”

I can’t do that, pet. Not if it means risking you or my family. I have to be there to protect my brothers, and I have to stay away to protect you.

Because I love you, Reed. With everything in me. You made me feel worthy of everything good in the world. I only regret that I won’t get the chance to tell you…

Instead of speaking my mind and telling him how I feel, I pull back with a watery smile and lie through my teeth. “Okay. I’ll come with you.”

And I’ve never felt so shallow in my whole life. Because the gentle expression on Reed’s face tells me he believes me.

And I think that’s the worst part of all of this…

My smile isn’t one of warmth or even joy–it feels utterly dead as I force the expression. It’s then I see it. A flicker of Reed’s judgment about my promise, until I realize that I’m not convincing enough.

My lips almost wobble as I take his hand in mine, tucking my head like I’m bashful as I guide him upstairs.

“Are we packing?” He asks quietly, and my heart shreds further.

I hold back a sniffle. “Yeah, in a bit. I just want you all to myself right now.”

His hand squeezes mine in steady reassurance, and I almost give myself away as a piercing pain rips through my chest. That small movement is enough to send a trained assassin to her very knees. Because it feels like something I don’t deserve.

I can’t even look at his left hand without breaking down. The missing finger is just one of the many ways I’ve ruined this beautiful man. He deserves far more than what I could give him.

Even if it’ll destroy me in the end.

The moment my bedroom door closes, his hands are on me, sliding across my skin in reverent slowness. His mouth captures mine in a consuming kiss that makes my head swim.

I cup his face, combating my own emotions as the darkness swallows us and he backs me towards the bed. “Make me feel,” I order in a whisper.