I keep retreating, but it’s hard progress. My sandals continue sliding on the slick moss underfoot. “Lukas, I—”
“You called me a coward.” Another step. He sounds almost gentle. I think I preferred the angry version. “A bullshitter. Just Another Guy.”
“Oh, yes, you did. Don’t back down now, Rae. You meant every word.” He’s close enough now that I can see the pulse ticking in his throat.
My back hits something solid—one of the boulders ringing the grotto. Nowhere left for me to go.
“I’ve killed men, Rae.” His eyes bore into mine. “With these hands right here. I’ve done things that would make you vomit if I described them in detail. I am not a good man. I am not a safe man. I am not the kind of man who gets a happy ending. Neither does anyone unlucky enough to get caught in my gravity. S
