“Why do men think the answer to everything is sex?” she almost whispers. “We’re more than just vaginas.”
I laugh. “We’re animals,” I admit. “Thinking with our cocks.”
I watch her pop the last bite into her mouth then I grab a bottle of water and unscrew the cap, offering it to her. She takes it gratefully and glugs a few mouthfuls. “Don’t tell Axel,” she mutters. “About the money. I swear I won’t do it again.”
“He already knows,” I admit, and she groans. “Leave it with me and I’ll try to get you out the shit.”
She offers me her first genuine smile. “Thanks, Shadow.”
“Logan,” I mutter, not quite meeting her eye. “It’s Logan when we’re alone.”
“Logan,” she repeats, like she’s testing it on her tongue. “Thanks, Logan.”
Chapter Six
Remi
I jump at the sound of banging and clutch the blanket to my chest. I push to sit slowly, glancing around even though the room is pitch black and I can’t see a thing. Then, it comes again.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
I plant my feet on the ground and push the blanket from me. Reaching for my bag, I slide my hand inside the front pocket until I feel the cold bone of the old knife.
Bang. Bang. Bang.
I stand, carefully moving to the window, pulling back the curtain just enough for me to peek out. “Remi, where the fuck are you?” cries Roxy. I exhale the panic and rush to the door to unlock it.
She practically falls through with some guy grabbing at her waist and laughing hard.
“What time is it?” I ask, closing the door behind them.
Roxy heads upstairs with the guy hot on her heels. “Go back to sleep,” she throws over her shoulder. “Goodnight.”
I return to the couch and put the knife back into the pocket. My fingers brush the twenty Shadow gave me when he dropped me home tonight. Even though I tried to hand it back, he insisted. Something about the guy is growing on me, and I smile as I snuggle back under the blanket.
I’m woken again, but this time, it isn’t banging. It’s hands.Hands on me.I frown, shifting, only to realise a weight pins me down. A hand clamps over my mouth, and I twist, trying to shake it off.
“Relax,” a deep, threatening voice whispers in my ear. “It’ll be easier if you just let me.”
Panic floods me. I jerk my left hand free, fumbling for my bag, but it’s gone. My stomach drops as the sheet is ripped away.
“That’s it, baby,” he hisses. “Make some noise.”
Wet lips trail down my neck. I recoil, squeezing my eyes shut, praying the shadows will swallow me whole.
Then . . . light. Blinding, harsh light floods the room. A high-pitched shriek splits the air. “What the fuck?” Roxy screams.
The weight shifts, and I gasp, eyes snapping open to see her standing there, fire in her gaze. I scramble upright, chest heaving.
“You better start talking,” she demands, her eyes boring into me.Me?Wait . . .
The guy she brought home grins, pulling his jeans back into place. “Babe, we were having fun. No harm.”
“No harm?” she screams, shoving him hard in the chest.
“Wait,” I mutter, frowning. “I didn’t . . . I wasn’t—”
“Save it,” she snaps, grabbing my arm and yanking me to my feet. “Get the fuck out.” She shoves me towards the door, snatching my bag as she moves. “You think you can stay in my house for free and fuck my man? You’re a slag.”
