His words soothed me, refueling the power that had drained from my soul. It felt amazing; his body against mine, his lips trailing around my sex, was everything I could want. My body would only ever answer to him. Kurt was becoming a distant, foggy memory.
“I love you,” I managed, my eyes focused solely on Logan.
His only reply was the raise of his head, showcasing the familiar glowing smile that consumed my heart. He slipped my leg back down, then opened the afghan to reveal my raw stomach and placed a warm kiss over my belly button.
“I’m the luckiest man alive…an undeserving beast, but I’m too greedy to care,” he spoke against my skin. “I finally have you—all of you—and I’ll guard you with my life.”
I whimpered when his left hand slipped up and intertwined with mine, holding me there with him. His lips placed one last kiss over my stomach, and the pain from the wounds disappeared. “These hands belong to a man that could never bring you harm,” he said, running his fingers up over my breasts.
He rose up and took my nipple into his mouth, suckling. My gaze never strayed from him. The overwhelming desire to feel him pressed inside me, connected to me in every way, grew unbearable.
A reverberating snap sounded around us and my entire body shuttered, nearly jolting me from his arms. Logan held me tightly while he surveyed the area carefully. Together, we watched a small raccoon sneak from around the corner of the house.
“Sorry.” I covered my face with me hand, relaxing, embarrassed at my overreaction.
Logan stood and peeled my hands away. “Shhh, don’t be. I’ve told you never to be sorry. I’m the only person out here with you. It’s only ever going to be me this close to you. I promise.” He reached under my ass and lifted me up. I wrapped my legs around his waist instantly, locking my ankles together. “God, how I wish I could help you forget,” he said in barely a whisper.
“You do more than that,” I replied, holding him close and crushing my lips to his.
My foremost need for him was stronger than ever. I reached between us, slipped my hand into his pajama pants, and freed his erection. Not waiting for his response, I lifted up slightly in his arms and plunged down, filling myself with his thickness.
He sucked in a hiss through gritted teeth, his face tight, eyes closing as I took all of him.
“Cassandra,” he growled as I began to rock against him.
“Yes.” I rode him harder, faster, my mouth on his neck, tongue tracing his jaw. I was wedged in place between him and the door, and I used them both to support me as I took what I needed—what he gave me.
I parted his lips with my tongue and delved in. The kiss was fierce, hungry, and alive with passion. It was as though everything was right in my world. Our bond, our connection, diminished everything else.
My moans were lurid and uninhibited as I ground myself harder down onto him. He filled me with everything I was seeking. His mouth broke our kiss and lowered down to claim my breast that ached for his caress. A thick, desperate whimper rang out from somewhere deep inside me.
Biting down on his shoulder, I felt the first heavy tear fall. Then another. His sweet lips pressed to the dampness on my cheek. My eyes squeezed shut as I lost myself fully in him. My right hand slid from his neck, covering his on my breast. He closed his fingers around mine.
“Slow…no rush.” He bit back a hard grunt. “Too good—” His lips ensnared mine, kissing me with ferocious tenacity.
I couldn’t slow—couldn’t do anything except lift up, and with each plunge down the remnants of Kurt’s touch were wiped away.
Logan was panting, a thin sheen of sweat covering his strong body. He lifted me up higher, holding me in place, and grabbed his cock in his hand. I wasn’t sure what he was doing until he tucked himself back in his pants, not yet enjoying his release. Neither of us had.
I was still locked around him when he rested his forehead against mine. He’d seen what I’d been avoiding: the endless tears spilling out in a vast wave of vulnerability.
It must’ve had a sobering effect on him. His eyes were soft, and filled with not pity or sympathy, but love.
No longer hard and wanting, Logan cradled me in his arms selflessly and carried me back inside. He didn’t stop until we were in his room. He maneuvered us over the bed, resting down on a pillow with me sprawled across him. My sobs finally broke out of the tomb they’d been locked inside. They came fast and painfully, showing no mercy. He stroked my hair as I trembled and shook.
My sobs grew into heavy cries as I clutched the sheet under us. An ungodly roar sneaked up from somewhere deep in my soul and danced off the walls. Logan didn’t try to silence me, even as I looked back and wondered if Oliver had heard. He allowed me to release it all.
It felt incredible, freeing, and, above all, needed. And Logan was there, holding me the entire time, keeping me safe while my mind replayed the events of the day. Each tear that fell washed it away. It wouldn’t destroy me, and the only mark it would leave was the power I found in overcoming it. I wouldn’t let it control my life.
By the time my body was numb with both physical and emotional exhaustion, Kurt was nothing but a name I never wanted to speak again. It was up to the courts now to handle him.
Logan held me in silence, but I knew he was awake. I wasn’t sure when I fell asleep, but his warmth never ceased to comfort me throughout the night. The hazy memory of him reminding me how perfect I was infiltrated my dreams.
I was safe there with him, and nothing else mattered.
Chapter Five
Misconceptions
I woke from what felt like a winter’s hibernation to the sound of hushed voices. Lying on my stomach, buried in a heap of cozy blankets saturated in Logan’s natural scent, I smiled at the familiar laugh that greeted me.
“Please, Daddy, can we wake her up now?”
The moment of panic happened instantly, my eyes popping wide open. Shit, was I dressed? Oh God!
My hands slid to my sides, running stealthily over the feeling of expensive cotton. I breathed a sigh of relief, ignoring the fact that I had no recollection of dressing. I’d been in his bed for more than 24 hours, and he’d let me sleep the entire time.
“I think she heard us,” Logan said, chuckling.
I rolled over and faced the two handsome faces standing in the doorway, watching me.
“Yay! She’s up!” Oliver stumbled forward with glee and Logan’s hand shot out to his shoulder, stabilizing him.
“Careful,” Logan said.
Oliver walked over with precise steps, slow and determined, careful not to spill the tall glass of orange juice in his hands.
I sat up, smiling. The precious view of his cheerful face first thing in the morning was the perfect start to any day—especially when paired with Logan’s.
“This is for you. I made it all myself,” Oliver boasted, wearing a proud grin and holding the glass out to me.
“I’d like to think I helped a little,” Logan added, with a playful smile aimed at me.
I took the glass carefully and brought it to my lips. As I swallowed, my brows rose. I was impressed.
“Delicious!” I praised. It wasn’t an exaggeration, either—the juice was freshly squeezed and ice cold. I took another drink.
“She likes it!” Oliver looked over to Logan, then back at me. “I do too. I picked the biggest oranges. Aunt Katie says those are the best.”
I couldn’t remember the last time I’d felt so relaxed. His smile was infectious. “It’s perfect. Thank you.” I set the glass down on the bedside table and noticed the clock. It was close to nine. “Ah, I’m sorry. I was exhausted and overslept. You better get going so you’re not late for school.”
“I will. But promise to drink lots of juice, ’kay?”
I giggled at the persistence that rivaled his father’s. “You got it.”
Logan stepped forward just inside the door. “I’m going to drop him off at school, then I’ll be back. You sleep, and if you need anythi
ng, I’ll be here.”
“Don’t you have work?”
He shrugged. “I can take a few days.”
I sat up straighter. “Logan, you need to work. I don’t want to be a burden. Plus, we both know I won’t be getting much resting done if you’re close by.”
He cocked a brow, that playful smirk creeping over his enticing lips.
“How come?” Oliver asked suddenly, reminding us we weren’t alone. “You bot’er her, Daddy?”
I bit my lip to stifle a laugh, my cheeks flushing.
“Never. I give you my word: I’m always very nice to her,” Logan told him, eyes still on me. My insides melted at those seductive baby blues.
“Good,” Oliver said, watching me lift the glass and finish the last of the juice. “More?”
I shook my head, sobering as I tore my gaze from Logan’s. “No thanks. We can have a glass together when you get home, though. With some cookies, maybe?”
“I love cookies. But I love them with milk, not juice.” He scrunched his nose.
Makes sense.
“You’re right. Milk is better with cookies.” I smiled, then glanced back over to Logan with a cocked brow. “So you’re going to work then.”
“If you insist. I’m sure I have plenty to do at the office to distract me from the fact that you’re here, in my bed.” His tongue peeked out, wetting not only his bottom lip but my entire sex. “But you best stay in that bed and sleep. You need it.”
His eyes spoke volumes over his words. Yeah yeah. Sleep—got it.
“Yes, sir.” I saluted, and Oliver giggled. My laughter joined his, and I reached out for a hug. He was too adorable to resist. He hugged me back tightly. “You have a fun day at school, and when you get home you can tell me everything you learned. Deal?”
“Deal.” Oliver stepped back, staring at me—or, more accurately, at the small bandages on my face, hesitant to inquire about something clearly on his mind.
“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked softly.
Oliver glanced from my eyes to the bandages and back, then bent down and whispered in my ear, “Daddy said that you’re not sick, but…you have more Band-Aids. I don’t want you to get hurt no more. ’kay?”
I struggled to hold my smile for him. Logan stepped closer, watching with a hint of wariness on his set features.
“Your daddy is right,” I replied. “I’m fine, and I’ll try really hard not to need any more Band-Aids.”
Oliver smiled softly, satisfied with my response, then walked toward the door.
“Thank you for looking out for me, Oliver. Your daddy’s raising a perfect little gentleman.”
His smile grew when he looked back at me. “Yeah, I know. Uncle Jax says Daddy raises hell, too, in his bedroom. Weird, huh?”
My uncontrollable laughter spit out, and I watched as Logan ushered a confused Oliver out of the room.
“Cassandra needs to get some more sleep. Go put on your coat and shoes. I’ll be down in a minute.”
Oliver waved goodbye from the hall before disappearing. I slouched back into the bed, a grin covering my face as Logan sat beside me.
“So,” I drawled, “what else does Uncle Jax have to say?”
Logan rolled his eyes—literally. I wanted to ask him to do it again, because it was one of the funniest things I’d ever seen.
“My brother has trouble censoring himself even around children.”
“Mm-hmm. I’m sure that was as clean as he could have put it.”
He grabbed my arms and slid me further down the mattress, his weight hovering over me. I giggled until I saw that look of his: the one I’d never be able to resist again.
“You’re gonna sleep, my sweetheart, and tonight…” His lips placed a feather-light kiss to my chin, his body pressing down over mine. “…I’ll show you exactly what I can do in the bedroom.”
“Ah. I’m intrigued.” My leg rubbed up his thigh, forcing him completely atop me, where I folded it over his body.
He rose up and nipped my lips. “You should be. But first, tell me, how are you feeling? You sleep harder than anyone I’ve ever met.”
I laughed. “I’m better. I should say thank you for sharing your bed with me.”
“No need. I enjoyed it, myself.”
“I can’t believe I slept the whole day yesterday.” I couldn’t hide my embarrassment. “And I’m even more surprised you didn’t try to wake me to get me to eat or bathe.”
“You looked too peaceful.”
I kissed his lips with one short peck. “So now you’re gonna tell me what I can expect tonight. I wouldn’t mind seeing what hell you have to raise in the bedroom.”
Without warning, his head dipped low, mouth clamping over the sensitive peak of my breast hidden under my T-shirt.
“Soon. I like to keep you on your toes.” His words ignited a spark that needed fanning now, not later.
“Is that so? Not even a hint?” I ran my finger down his stubbly cheek as his teeth grazed my pebbled nipple. “Ow.” I writhed under him, and his nip softened to a gentle suck. My flames grew hotter and wilder, my sex grinding in urgent fervor against his swelling cock.
He released my finger. “I was thinking of something extra special—something that will have you holding on for dear life.”
“Mmm.” I liked the sound of that. It was what we needed: normal relationship sex. Nothing sounded better.
He breathed his thick, husky voice into my ear. I closed my eyes, my skin buzzing in anticipation. “How about…a horror flick? I remember fondly how handsy those make you.”
“What!?” I pushed him away, although I had to admit I had enjoyed cuddling close to him on the sofa. Still, I feigned a pout. “You’re joking, right?”
Logan chuckled, running his thumb over my bottom lip. “Depends on how good you are today.”
“Meaning?”
“Meaning you better not leave this house. Promise me.”
“Will I be rewarded?” I bit my bottom lip, hopeful.
“Oh, yeah. You’ll be rewarded.”
Exactly what I wanted to hear. Smart man!
I pulled him back down to me and pressed my lips against his, my tongue intruding inside his mouth and dancing with his. He tasted of melon and mint, and it was heavenly.
Logan moaned into the kiss, his arms sliding under me as I dug my hands into his damp hair. Damn. He’d already showered, and I’d missed it.
“Daddy!” Oliver called, his voice echoing around us. “I can’t find my book bag!”
Logan’s lips fell away and his forehead dropped against mine, his breathing rapid.
“Better go. I’ll see you tonight,” I said with a knowing smile.
“Yes, you will.” After one more kiss, this time to the tip of my nose, he was up and crossing the room. “And help yourself to anything in the kitchen. We have plenty, but I can have groceries picked up if you need anything specific.”
With that, he walked out, shutting the door behind him.
I knew the moment I stepped out of Logan’s bedroom that I should’ve gone back to sleep. Being alone in his house was unsettling. Loneliness hit me in an unexpected wave; I missed him. Still, I showered, found the duffle bag full of my clothes, and pulled on a grey track suit. After skittering down the hall and descending the stairs, uncomfortable being all alone in such a big house, I came to a stop at the sound of a guy’s voice.
Seemed I wasn’t alone after all.
“This is stellar! I can’t wait to tell all my buddies how good you are. Never thought I’d leave another dude’s bedroom so satisfied.”
I cringed, not wanting a run-in with Jax to ruin my perfect morning. I wanted to hide, but it was too late. When I peeked back, I realized I’d been seen—and judging by the look on Jax’s solemn face as he followed behind the young frat boy wearing an enormous grin, I could sense he wasn’t thrilled about my presence. He seemed almost nervous, which was unlike him.
After giving them both a friendly smile, I continued to the ki
tchen while Jax showed the guy out. I needed something to eat before I could sleep any longer.
“Cassandra. I heard you were here,” Jax said a few moments later as he strolled into the kitchen.
“I’m just staying a few days. Having some repairs done on my house.”
He huffed out a chuckle. “Relax—I heard about Kurt. Most of the town knows about it…or at least think they do.”
Fabulous. Just freaking great.
“I’m, uh, sorry,” Jax added, watching me.
I attempted to blow it off with a flip of my hand. “It’s fine.”
Of course the town knew. I inhaled a breath and released it slowly, reminding myself it didn’t matter.
I stood next to the stove, my muscles tight, as Jax opened the fridge and ducked inside.
“Don’t you worry about the douchebags. Logan will set it right. Trust me,” Jax said, still hidden by the fridge door for another moment. As he stood up straight, he brought the pitcher of orange juice to his lips and finished it off.
There goes my after-school glass with Oliver.
“Have you had any luck finding Scout?” I asked, desperate for his answer but knowing it wasn’t going to be the one I wanted. If he’d found him, the little pup would be running around.
He set the empty pitcher on the counter and smiled over at me. “Not yet, but no worries. He probably found himself some stray bitch to hook up with out in the forest. I bet he’s having a hell of a time with some freedom.”
“Right,” I mumbled, shuffling my feet. Despite how crudely he’d put it, I hoped that was the case.
Jax interrupted my silent pleas.
“So I got the rundown this morning—you know, all the things I can and cannot say to you if you break free of his sex den.”
“Gross! And I’m only here a few days. I’m sure you can control yourself that long.”
“No promises, baby, but I’ll try my best.” He threw me a salacious wink.
“Thanks…I guess.”
“Don’t thank me, thank my big brother. His threats were extreme this morning. Shit! You must have some magic in those panties of yours, huh?” He grinned. “Good for you.”