Page 118 of Watch Me Burn
But I don’t have a choice.
I never really did once I chose to love a killer.
Chapter thirty
Luna
My hands shake as I grip the steering wheel, navigating the winding drive to Damien’s property. The text I sent him was simple.
Me
I’m coming over. We need to talk.
The old Victorian house comes into view, and it still seems odd that Damien bought this place. It is so unlike the refined billionaire, but as I park next to his Range Rover and look up at the imposing building, it hits me. My masked serial killer bought a serial killer’s property.
Oh, God, is this where he kills?
I press my palms against my thighs to stop them from shaking and concentrate on breathing. In through my nose, out through my mouth, slow and controlled even though my pulse races like I’ve been running. Though I know deep in my bones that I’m right, I can’t afford to think about that right now. There’s a more pressing crisis bearing down on us.
Karen has DNA evidence.
The weight of that fact settles on my shoulders like lead. I should be turning him in, not warning him. But love makes us do terrible things, and I’ve already stepped over lines there’s no stepping back across.
He opens his front door before I reach it. He looks like hell. Not at all like Damien or my wolf. He’s unshaven, his clothes look slept in, his hair sticks up atodd angles, and dark circles bruise the skin beneath his eyes. Guilt twists through my chest because I know it’s because of me.
But I push the emotion away. He made his choices. He built his house of lies.
When our eyes meet, his are a mix of worry, relief, and heat all rolled into one. My body responds the way it always does to him. Arousal floods my veins, and longing tightens in my core. Missing him hurts like a wound that won’t close.
“Luna.”
He says my name as he stands back to let me enter the foyer. It’s still unrenovated, but the space feels larger than it did the first time I was here.
“Come into my office.” He rests his hand on my lower back and leads me off to the right of the foyer. I pull away, unable to bear his touch. I’ll crumble if I let him touch me.
Athena is lying on the sofa, snoring, and I smile despite the churning in my stomach.
“What’s wrong?”
He doesn't bother with pleasantries. He reads me too well.
“Karen came to see me again this morning.” The words tumble out in a rush. “She won’t let go of the idea that you’re connected to the murders. She’s even convinced you’re responsible for murders all over the country.”
“I am. She really is a smart cookie, isn’t she?”
“This isn’t funny, Damien.”
“She’s just fishing, Luna. She can’t tie me to any of them.”
“Are you sure?” My voice catches. “Because they found Range Rover tire tracks and DNA at the Pearson scene.”
He goes still, that mask of control I’d recognize anywhere now sliding into place. But I see a flash of something in his eyes. Not fear, but calculation? The wheels are already turning.
“What did she say?”
His voice is level, but the tightness in his shoulders gives away his tension.
“Just that there are too many registered Range Rovers in Colorado to be able to tie it specifically to you. But they’re running the DNA. Due to an oversight, it wasn’t tested, but it’s on its way to Denver. What if it’s yours?”
