heatwave

Chapter 8

Savannah’s mind raced as Logan approached her, his smile warm, oblivious to the storm brewing inside her. She forced herself to return the smile, but her heart pounded in her chest.

“Everything okay?” Logan asked, leaning down to press a kiss to her forehead.

“Yeah,” she lied, her voice barely steady. “Just... thinking.”

“About?” he asked, sitting beside her, his fingers brushing over hers.

She pulled her hand away, unable to hide the tension. “Logan... why did you really come here?”

His smile faltered. “What do you mean?”

“I mean,” she said, standing up, “you say you left the city for a fresh start, but... is that the truth?”

Logan’s brows furrowed. “Savannah, what’s going on?”

Her chest tightened. She wanted to confront him, to demand answers—but part of her wasn’t ready to hear the truth. “Nothing. Forget it,” she whispered, turning away.

But Logan wasn’t letting it go. He gently grabbed her wrist, pulling her back to him. “Hey, talk to me.”

She looked into his eyes—the same eyes that had made her feel safe, wanted. Now, all she saw were questions. “If you’re hiding something from me... I need to know.”

For a moment, he was silent. Then, with a deep breath, he whispered, “There are things about me you don’t know. Things I wanted to tell you, but... I was afraid you’d walk away.”

Her breath hitched. “So, it’s true. You’re hiding something.”

“Yes,” he admitted, pain flickering in his eyes. “But it’s not what you think.”

“Then what is it?” she demanded, her voice cracking.

Logan ran a hand through his hair, struggling with the weight of his confession. “I came here because someone hired me... to find you.”

Savannah staggered back. “Hired you?”

“Yes, but it’s not what it sounds like,” Logan rushed to explain. “I didn’t know who you were at first. I was just supposed to... keep an eye on you.”

“Why?” she whispered, tears welling in her eyes.

“Because someone—someone powerful—thinks you know something. Something dangerous.”

Savannah shook her head. “That’s insane! I don’t know anything!”

Logan stepped closer, his voice desperate. “I know. And the worst part? I don’t care why they sent me anymore. All I care about is you. I never meant to fall for you, Savannah, but I did. Hard.”

She swallowed the lump in her throat, torn between trust and betrayal. “So... what happens now?”

He cupped her face gently, his eyes pleading. “Now, I protect you. No matter what it takes.”

Savannah’s heart ached, unsure if she could believe him. But when his lips found hers, slow and tender, she felt the same fire that had drawn her to him from the start.

But this time, love wasn’t their only danger.

It was just the beginning.