Indestructible

  “Thank you, Harry.”

  Harry’s smile was sweet and genuine as he looked to me. “Cassandra, I promise you we’ll do everything we can. You’re family to the station—to me.”

  Logan sighed when I placed my hand on his leg, but it did nothing to relax his set jaw and hard stare focused on the floor.

  “All right.” Harry closed his notepad and stood. “I think we have all we need for today. I’ll be in touch.”

  He tipped his hat, then turned toward the officers pooled in the hall to leave the room just as my mother burst through the front door. I leapt up, wanting to cry at the fear in her bright-red eyes that glistened with unshed tears.

  “Cassandra, thank God, Cassandra!”

  I flew up and fell into her arms the second she reached me. My head dipped to her shoulder and her embrace tightened, just like it did when I was hurt as a child.

  “I should have had George keep an eye on that scumbag. I should have known he was released. I didn’t think he would—”

  “It’s okay. I’m fine.”

  “No! It’s not okay, and don’t give me that line. I know you. I know when my daughter is fine, and right now you are anything but.”

  “Mom…” I didn’t know what to say. She was right, and deep down I knew it.

  “I’m going to take care of this. George is working tonight, and I called him on the way over. He’s got an eye on that fucker!”

  “Mom!” I gasped, surprised at her language. She only cursed when she was extremely stressed. I pulled back, choking down burning tears.

  She placed her fingertip delicately under the bandages on my cheek and sighed. She closed then opened her eyes, a determined gleam emitting from them. “That’s it—you’re coming back home. You can move into your old room for at least the next few weeks.”

  I scoffed, wanting to laugh at how ridiculous it sounded. But I had to admit it also sounded comforting.

  “No, I can’t have anything else happen to you,” Mom continued, her voice cracking. “You have no idea how it feels to hear your daughter’s address over the radio. And after everything we went through on New Year’s.” She pulled me close again, smoothing my hair. “You’re burning up. Are you feeling okay?”

  I stepped back. “Yeah, it’s just warm in here.”

  She wiped her eyes. “When I heard your address, I…I couldn’t get here fast enough. I was in the middle of a traffic stop, and the guy had a warrant. I was going crazy not knowing if anyone was getting out here to you.”

  “I’m sorry,” I rasped. “Logan got here, and…”

  Her eyes shot past me to Logan, who was now standing. A tight, grateful smile grew over her lips, and her posture relaxed.

  “Thank you.” Her voice rose as she repeated, “Thank you, thank you, thank you.”

  Logan stepped beside me and placed his hand on the small of my back. “I won’t let Cassandra out of my sight, Felicia. I’ll keep her safe. She’s going to be staying with me for a while, so there’s no need to worry.”

  My head whipped to the side, and I found myself gaping at him. I’m what? That hadn’t been discussed.

  “I’m glad to hear it.” My mother exhaled harshly, relieved. She stepped forward to hug Logan, and whispered something in his ear in the process.

  “I will,” was his only reply when he pulled away after a brief moment.

  My mother looked between him and me, then crossed the room to Harry. I watched as they exchanged a few hushed words, then walked out of the room together and into the kitchen.

  “What did she say?”

  “Just warned me I better take care of you.” His hand reached around, ensnaring my waist and turning me to face him. “Are you feeling any better? Your cheeks are no longer cherry red.”

  Cherry red? Nope, only molten lava coursed through my veins—and there was no way he was going to change the subject.

  “Logan, I don’t think it’s a good idea that I—”

  “Don’t,” he interjected, rubbing his thumbs over the thick fabric of the robe covering my hips. “Don’t think about anything except how much I love you and that I want you safe with me. Just a few weeks.”

  “Weeks!?” I gasped, trying not to appear as freaked out as I felt. We were not ready to live together for any period of time. It had only been two days since Valentine’s—two days since I let him in and confessed I loved him. I didn’t want to rush things and risk ruining what we had.

  “All right, Cassandra, like I said, we have everything for now.” Harry reentered the room and stopped in front of the door. “The report will be processed, and you’ll be notified as soon as a court date is scheduled.”

  “Okay.” Court date. The flames were back. It had to be the furnace.

  “Take care of yourself.” He gave me a brief hug, and when he pulled back, I caught the hard stare he shot Logan.

  My mother spent the next twenty minutes scouring the house for anything missed as the last few officers cleared out. My constant attempts to sway her to leave and return to work were received on deaf ears; she was determined something was still amiss. She even checked the furnace, which both she and Logan insisted was fine but lowered the temperature on anyway.

  I stood alone in the living room while my mother attempted to sweep up some of the glass from the back door. With each passing minute, the frantic sobs climbing from her grew louder, resonating off the walls around me. I didn’t know how to comfort her. She had seen the damage to the house, and I knew she was afraid to leave me.

  Logan stepped out from the hall where he’d disappeared to for a short time and snaked his arms around me from behind. He saw the same scene I did, and without a word stepped around me and walked toward her.

  He kneeled down beside my mother and explained how he’d have everything cleaned up and new, sturdier doors installed immediately. She almost clung to him in a hug, speaking in a whisper I couldn’t hear.

  Was this really the man I’d met months ago? How had I gone so long without seeing exactly how thoughtful Logan really was? He’d done an expert job keeping it hidden.

  “You’re right.” My mother’s words broke through my thoughts. Then I couldn’t hear anything else they were saying.

  I watched as they both looked to me. Then she took his hand as he helped her to her feet. She handed him the dustpan she’d been clutching and, with anxiety etched over her brow, left hesitantly after numerous hugs and promises from me that I’d take it easy and call her daily.

  I stood at the door, watching her squad car drive down the road as reality hit me. It was over…for now.

  Chapter Three

  Cleanse

  The weight of dark clouds shadowing my thoughts was becoming unbearable. Outside, the sunset was more a thing to dread instead of behold, and there was no relief in having an empty house after watching everyone but Logan leave.

  But life still moved forward. Minutes rushed by, the day continuing into night while I was stuck in my own weird limbo. I needed to find my place back in step with it, but I remained emotionally and physically stagnant. How do you move on from something your subconscious can’t comprehend—something too painful to digest, with the haunting what if lurking outside your mind’s door?

  With a blink, I pulled myself back to the present, staring blankly out at my empty driveway. The tracks from multiple vehicles were mixed with deep footprints still evident in the snow. My car hadn’t been returned, which meant it was either still parked on the side of the road or had been taken to a garage.

  My eyes closed and shoulders slumped in exhaustion as I sagged against the doorway, wishing for a redo of the day.

  “I’ll call and check on the car tomorrow—make sure it ends up with a reliable mechanic,” Logan said from somewhere behind me. How could he always read my thoughts? Was I that transparent, or was our connection deeper than I realized?

  “Thanks, but I can call. You should go home and check on Oliver.” I turned to face him, shutting the door. “You’ve b
een here all day. He’s probably worried sick.”

  “I’m not leaving you.”

  “I don’t want Oliver to worry, that’s all.” I shrugged, suddenly nervous. Did I really want him to leave?

  Logan stepped toward me. “He’s not. Both Julia and Jax are looking out for him.”

  “Did they find Scout?” I interrupted. Hope tinged my voice, raising it an octave.

  Logan skimmed his fingers up my arms. “They will, and Oliver will shower that pup with more affection than any dog can handle.”

  I believed it, and when Logan’s hands traveled up over my jaw, my lips curled into a smile just for him. “He’s such a sweet kid. I don’t want him wondering where you are, or out looking for Scout with Jax.”

  He grasped my chin gently, lifting my head. “He’s not. Oliver has too much fun with Jax and Julia to worry about anything. He’s probably getting ready for bed as we speak, anyhow.” He tucked a piece of hair behind my ear, knuckles caressing my cheek, eyes locked on mine. “If he mentions my absence, I’ll make it up to him.”

  “Thank you.” My heart beat louder as I lost myself in his crystal-blue orbs.

  “Now, as much as I adore your concern for my son, I want to talk about you—worry about what you need.”

  I blinked twice, then released a breath as I dropped my gaze. What did I need? I could use a shower and some clean clothes, for sure—not to mention I needed to get the blood off the floor before it set into the wood. Logan had dutifully kept my mom from trying to clean up in my bedroom. I didn’t want to clean it either, truth be told.

  I placed my fingers on the bridge of my nose and closed my eyes. “I need to wash it all away,” I murmured, with so much meaning behind the words.

  He didn’t say a word as he scooped me up into his arms, his scent calming me with every step he took. I buried my head in his neck, welcoming his warmth. When he stopped and flicked on a light, I peered over his shoulder just enough to see we were in the bathroom.

  Ever so gently, he sat on the edge of the tub with me resting on his lap and reached down to plug the drain. Never wanting to leave his hold, I didn’t move a muscle when he leaned back to turn the faucet on. After finding the perfect temperature, he placed a warming kiss to the top of my head, then slid his hands up and tugged at the belt of my robe.

  My eyes held his as he slipped the robe over my shoulders and let it fall around me. I lifted myself slightly and allowed him to pull the fluffy material away and drop it to the floor, leaving me in the pink cotton panties I’d pulled on in a rush earlier. The ones I’d been wearing during the attack had been mutilated.

  We sat silently as the tub filled; words were unnecessary. His fingers trailed up and down my back as I rested there, watching the ripples of water filling the tub. Once the water level neared the top, Logan arched back and turned off the valve. I climbed off his lap and stood before him, wordlessly giving him the permission his eyes sought.

  With a smoldering look reserved strictly for me, he hooked his fingers into my panties and slid them down my legs. I placed my hands on his shoulders and stepped out when they reached my ankles. He held them in his hand a moment before balling them up and tossing them into the hamper across the room.

  I stood unabashedly. His eyes that once held nothing more than lust now spoke volumes of the love there. A smile pulled at my lips as he stood and, without warning, his easiness fell away and a pained frown stretched over his expression. Unsure why, I followed his gaze, pivoting just enough to catch the reflection of an enormous bruise forming between my shoulder blades. Another mark—this time courtesy of Kurt’s elbow.

  “I’m so sorry.” His voice was hard. “This never should have happened.”

  “Stop.” My hands reached out and cupped his cheeks, pulling his focus back to me. “A bruise is nothing compared to what could have happened had you not arrived when you did. You saved me, Logan. Don’t apologize.”

  His finger outlined the bandages on my cheek. His jaw clenched.

  “He’s going to pay for this,” he whispered.

  “Shhh, please. I don’t want to talk about it. Not now.” I lifted his head, running my hands through his hair to calm him. The crease on his brow smoothed.

  “I love you, Cassandra. Do you hear me?” I smiled, listening to him continue. “Never in my life have I felt this, and I swear I won’t let anyone ever hurt you again.”

  Believing every word he spoke, I caressed the scruff of his cheeks with my thumbs. “You can’t promise that, but I know you mean it. I love you too.” I balanced up on my tiptoes, brushed my lips over his, and murmured, “Join me in the bath.”

  He smiled into the kiss. “It’s a small tub.”

  “All the better.”

  Logan’s tongue darted out, moistening his lips before he pressed them against mine in a soft-yet-demanding kiss. His arms snaked up my back, taking hold at the base of my neck.

  “You’re still hot.”

  It was a statement and not a question, which meant he must’ve felt sweat lingering there. Yuck. But instead of pulling away from embarrassment, I kissed him again, harder—deeper.

  When I finally stepped out of his reach, my lips were tingling. “You tell me.” I fought for confidence, denial fueling me to erase the events of the day with a distraction. “Am I still hot?”

  His eyes raked down my nude body, never once halting at the redness on my stomach. He made me feel beautiful with that tender look in his eyes. A repressed growl rumbled in his chest.

  “I’m trying to be a gentleman here…get my beauty cleaned up and help her relax. So you best put away that look right now.”

  My bottom lip tugged out from my teeth that had been holding it as I stalked back to him.

  “Help me relax? I like the sound of that.”

  Logan stepped forward, closing the gap between us, and I wasted no time pulling his tie free and tossing it to the floor. His head tilted slightly, eyes watching me as I unbuttoned his shirt, pulled it off, and let it meet the same fate as his tie. He didn’t say a word, but when I tugged on the waist of his trousers, opening his belt and popping the button of his fly, his body tensed and eyes slammed shut.

  I watched the fabric of his pants tighten around his growing erection. I sucked in my lips, holding back a grin. I loved how his body reacted so easily to me.

  I took a moment to fully appreciate the man in front of me. Logan was by far the epitome of a flawless, virile male, with narrow hips highlighted by tight abs and a powerful chest. With a glint in his eye that told me he enjoyed my unashamed stare, he smirked. It was nice to see after the day we’d had.

  With a teasing slowness, I lowered his zipper and pulled down his pants. He stepped out of them and I reached for his black boxer briefs, but his hand encircled my wrist to stop me.

  “I’d say that’s enough teasing for tonight. Let’s get you in the tub.”

  He made quick work of removing his briefs and socks, allowing me more time to study him in the process. Logan was, without a doubt, the most beautiful man I’d ever laid eyes on, and he loved me—wanted me.

  He stepped into the tub with his hands on the edges. I watched his biceps flex as he lowered himself, then held out his hand. Smiling softly, I took it and stepped between his legs, snuggling down with my back to his front. My head found the perfect pillow against the peaceful thumping of his heart and rise and fall of his chest.

  After submerging a washcloth in the water, he rubbed it down my arms and slid it over the lesions on my stomach. His gentle hand against my skin left a trail of goose bumps in its wake. His other hand took mine, entwining our fingers and resting our hands under my breasts.

  “I was serious about you staying with me,” he said after a few minutes of soothing silence.

  “I know you were.” I smiled to myself, my eyes closed. The washcloth made its way over my thighs, sending a quiver up from my toes. “You’re always serious,” I added.

  “Stay at least a week.” His voice rang t
hrough my ear, tickling my insides. Feathery strokes caressed my inner thighs that spread for him as though his hands spoke the only language my body knew.

  “What about Oliver? I don’t want to confuse him,” I reasoned.

  His fingers didn’t skip a beat, sliding the washcloth up and down my skin, further awakening the desires I was surprised to feel so soon. I closed my eyes.

  “There’s nothing to confuse him about. We’ll tell him you’re staying while your house is being repaired. It’s not a lie—you’ll need a new back door and work done on your bedroom.”

  “Yeah,” I whispered to myself, mentally falling away from where I was with Logan and back to reality.

  “Cassandra, listen to me.” Logan’s hand took my chin, tipping my head back to meet his stare. “I’ll take care of everything. Don’t worry about all that. But please, I want…” His brows creased. “I need you with me right now. For a few days, at least. I won’t be able to sleep knowing you’re here alone.”

  My mouth opened, and I spoke before I could process what I was agreeing to. I needed to be with him as much as he needed me.

  “Okay. Two days.”

  “Five,” he countered.

  “Two.”

  “Three, my stubborn sweetheart.” His hand slipped back down, his palms covering my breasts.

  Twisting back against his chest, savoring the feeling of being safe in his arms, I conceded. “Fine, you win.” I took the washcloth from his hand and dropped it in the water, then placed a kiss on the pad of his thumb. “Three days, but on one condition.” I held his pointer finger to my mouth and ran it across my lips.

  “Anything.”

  “I’m sleeping in a guest room.”

  He cocked a brow. “Will I be sleeping in that guest room, as well?”

  I shifted my body further, water splashing over the sides as I swatted his chest playfully. “I’m serious. I don’t want Oliver to see us together like that. Not yet, anyway.”

  Logan scoffed and tugged me closer, his lips lingering over mine. “I’ve never met anyone as persistent as you.”