Page 65 of Depraved

“That’s not what I meant. He survived the gunshot wound, but he’s been a dead man walking ever since I’ve known him. The only times he showed any human emotion were in the hours after he talked to you online. But that was just a shadow of how he is now. I’ve never seen him like this. He loves you.”

Longing shudders through me with visceral force. I wish I could surrender to it.

“You don’t know what I’ve been through. He does. He knows how hard it is for me to trust. He did betray me. More deeply than I ever could’ve imagined.”

Logan’s head cants to the side as he studies me. “You didn’t strike me as a coward.”

I bristle. “Excuse me?”

“You’re scared. You’re ready to throw away his unconditional love because you’re afraid of getting hurt.”

“Of course I’m scared!” I burst out. “The man I love stalked me. He pretended to be someone else. He manipulated me.”

A smile ghosts around his mouth. “There it is.”

“What?”

“You love him. You just said it yourself.”

My mouth opens and closes. I’m at a loss for words.

I didn’t mean to admit it out loud, but now I’ve given voice to my undeniable feelings.

“He keeps hurting me,” I say raggedly. “I don’t think I can take any more.”

“You can. I know he’ll move heaven and earth to prevent you from experiencing more pain, but no one can promise a life without conflict. He’s told me about you. You’re all he’s talked about for years. The woman he described to me is brave and strong. You know the whole truth now, and you still love him. All that’s holding you back is fear.”

I’m wavering. I can’t waver.

Not safe.

I’m distracted from my inner turmoil by a strange, loud sound on the grounds of the estate.

“Get down!” Logan shouts, shoving me off the couch and onto the floor.

He covers me with his body.

“What’s happening?” I demand.

“Chopper,” he bites out. “Someone’s coming for you.”

I recognize the sound now: it’s a helicopter.

And it’s landing on the field right in front of the manor.

“We have to get to the safe room. Stay out of the range of the windows.”

An explosion rocks the manor.

“Fuck! They’ve breached the house.” He grabs my hand and drags me out of the study. “Run! And stay behind me.”

I don’t hesitate to obey. If Brandon’s enemies get to me, they’ll use me to hurt him.

I can’t let them do that.

I won’t allow anyone to harm the man I love, no matter how he’s ravaged my heart.

We race through two lavish sitting rooms and down a long corridor.