I bring my palm up to rest on his chest. I can feel how fast his heart is beating under my palm. Logan pulls back and curls his fingers under my chin, lifting my mouth to his. All thoughts flee when his lips touch mine. My arms wrap around his neck, and I push my chest into his, needing him closer. His mouth is warm and firm against mine as he slowly explores my mouth.
My head swirls with all that is him; the touches, his warmth, his scent. I heard my mom once say that when you’re smelling someone you love, logic goes out the window and the scent of their skin becomes more captivating than a fresh-baked pie floating on the air from an open window.
I’m not certain how long we’ll stay here, but we aren’t in a rush. We both need this. I run my fingers through his thick black hair.
“I know. I need a haircut.”
I run my fingers through again and smile. “I like it.”
Logan smirks, leaning down to whisper in my ears. “You just like having something to hold onto when I go down on you.”
A shiver runs up my spine, and my cheeks warm. “I do. But if you want a haircut, I can do it.”
I don’t want anybody, male or female, running their fingers through his hair. The thought sends a rush of possessiveness through me. Thankfully, I manage to suppress my growl. Shit. I lower my eyes as I control myself, but Logan lifts my chin, his mouth covering mine. The kiss is tender and sweet, unrushed. I sigh into his mouth, and when he pulls away; he places a soft kiss on my forehead.
“You can cut my hair anytime, baby.”
Chapter Twenty Nine
Logan
I’vebeenonedgeever since Salena showed up at the station with that note yesterday morning. I knew by the tightness in her shoulders that something was wrong. She tried to play it down and almost succeeded. Salena is strong and independent, and I know this is getting to her. You’d have to be made of stone if the prospect of a serial killer targeting you was like a walk in the park. She refuses to have police stationed outside her bar, saying it’s bad for business. Which I fully understand, but this is her safety we’re talking about. If anything happens to her . . . The thought causes my blood to boil. I will kill anyone who touches her. The feeling is so primal, so possessive. I pause. I’m not used to feeling this way.
Dinner last night was just what I needed. I have to say, it surprised me to see Sander there. If he weren’t my best friend and totally in love with his wife, I’d have been jealous.
Steam fills the bathroom as I undress. All day I’ve felt as if a dark, ominous cloud has been hanging over me. It’s been weighing me down with doubts and self loathing. In the foggy mirror, I can just make out my blurred reflection. The scar on my face stands out, a reminder of why I can never have normal. That I am damaged and unlovable. The night I got these scars changed everything. It turned me into an abomination, one my parents couldn’t even stomach. Salena deserves better. Someone who doesn’t have demons.
I step into the shower, and the hot water cascades down my body, soothing my aching muscles. Soothing my frayed edges. I let my mind go blank and stand there, letting the warmth soak into me.
Turning off the shower, I step out, feeling a little more grounded than before. I run the towel over my head and pull on my sweatpants. I’m planning on ordering dinner and going over the case files tonight. I feel like the answer is staring me right in the face. There must be something we’ve missed. No one is this good at keeping their tracks hidden.
What if it’s someone close to Salena? But who?
The thought that someone close to her would betray her like this is doubtful. All her friends and her brothers adore her.
I make my way to the kitchen and pick up all the takeaway menus and start flicking through them. I’m not sure what I feel like tonight. Even the thought of eating is unappealing. I know I need to eat. It’s something I find I have to force myself to do. The doctors are quick to throw depression my way, and it could be a possibility, just one I won’t entertain. Yes, I am tormented by nightmares and feel hollow on the inside. It isn’t depression. Though lately I have been feeling less empty and lonely, Salena's presence sparking life into me, bringing her inner light and pushing back the darkness that threatens to consume me.
The doorbell rings, and I frown; I’m not expecting anyone. Not this late. Slowly, I open the drawer next to me and snatch up my gun. I slink toward the front window and peer out and see Salena’s back to me. My gaze scans the yard and driveway quickly before I put my gun away and make my way toward the front door, swinging it open, and I’m met with a gorgeous set of blue eyes.
“Salena?”
She’s wearing something so simple tonight, but fuck if she doesn’t look stunning. She’s wearing a pair of black tights and an oversized off the shoulder gray sweatshirt, her hair down around her face. I watch as she bites her lip, her eyes lock on mine, and it feels like she’s looking deep into my soul. We stand there for only a moment, but it feels like an eternity getting lost in those eyes.
My heart beats faster in my chest as her eyes roam my naked torso. Then Salena takes two steps inside and flings her arms around me. I can feel her heart racing and immediately draw her in closer.
“Is everything okay?”
She nods into my neck, and I look past her outside, but don’t see or sense anything wrong. I take a step back with her clinging to me, and shut the door.
I back her up against the door, releasing her and placing my palms on either side of her head, caging her in. I stare down into her blue eyes. This close, I can see flecks of green and gold shining in their depths.
Salena’s hand comes up and cups my cheek, her fingers lightly brushing over my scars. My soul feels as if it’s reaching for hers. I bend down, my lips skimming the shell of her ear.
“I don’t usually like people showing up at my door, but baby, you're welcome here any damn time.” My words come out in a rough rumble, and I watch her shiver slightly. I pull back and look down at her.
“Careful, detective,” she purrs, tracing her fingertip over my jaw.
My eyes sharpen on hers, and I nip at her finger, making her let out a small yelp.
