I stared at him, my breath caught in my throat, his words reverberating in my head. “If you keep avoiding me, I’ll fuck you right here. Do you want that?”
The heat in his eyes was unbearable, a mixture of challenge and desire that sent shivers down my spine. My heart pounded as I tried to form a response, but every word I thought of crumbled under the weight of his gaze.
And the worst part? I didn’t hate the idea.
That realization hit me like a lightning bolt, and I stumbled to my feet, grabbing my bag as I avoided his piercing stare. “I have to go.”.
“Emma—” Logan started, but I was already halfway to the door.
I walked fast, my legs trembling, the air feeling too thick to breathe. I didn’t stop until I was outside, the cool breeze biting against my heated skin. The memory of his voice, his words, his presence—it was all too much.
I wanted to give in. That was the scariest part. I wanted him, wanted to let go of every excuse, every defense, and just let myself feel. But I couldn’t. Not when the risk of falling apart completely felt so close.
As I walked away from the library, I realized I wasn’t running from Logan. I was running from myself.
***
I should’ve known something was up the second Mr. Barnes started pairing us off for the English project. As soon as he called my name, followed by Logan’s, my stomach sank.
“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered under my breath.
I glanced across the room, and there he was, leaning back in his chair with that smug grin, like he’d already won. When class ended, I marched up to him, my hands clenched into fists.
“You did this?”
“Did what?”
“Don’t play dumb. The project!”
“Of course not,” he said, feigning innocence. “But get paired with the smartest girl in the class? Sounds like a win to me.”
“Logan.”
“Okay, fine,” he admitted, holding up his hands. “Maybe I... suggested it to Barnes. But come on, Em, don’t act like you’re not flattered.”
“Flattered?” I hissed. “I don’t need your charity, Logan. Or your games.”
His smirk faltered, just for a second. But then he leaned in, his voice dropping. “This isn’t a game, Em. Not to me.”
My heart did this stupid little flip, but I refused to let him see it. I spun on my heel to walk away, ignoring the way my cheeks burned, only to hear his voice call after me, “I’m waiting for you at mine tonight! We’ll work on the project!”