Maybe I wasn’t that hungry. Logan was right: Sleep was what I needed.
“Hey, don’t go. I didn’t mean to offend you, I swear. It was a compliment.”
“Relax. I won’t rat you out to Logan,” I called back as I left the kitchen.
“No, seriously, come back. Have you had any breakfast? I make some killer omelets, no joke!”
I stopped and inhaled deeply. I was going to regret this.
“Okay, but they better be amazing.”
“You got it.” A satisfied grin curled his lips. “So, what you want?” He strolled back to the fridge and started pulling items out. “We got turkey, ham, a few kinds of cheese, every vegetable you could possibly want. Logan’s always pushing for the little man to eat the greens.”
“You decide. I’m not picky.”
“Obviously—you wound up with Logan.”
“Ha ha.”
“Kidding.” He held up his hands, chuckling. “So how are you doing? I mean, after yesterday...”
“I don’t really know, to be honest. It all feels like a bad dream.”
What was I saying? It just came out. He was way too easy to talk to. I blamed the charm that he exuded off him as easily as it did Logan. Oliver was going to have it easy when he grew up.
“I get that.” Jax pulled out a bowl and began cracking eggs into it. “You know, Logan’s crazy about you. He won’t let that ass fuck get away with what he did.”
I didn’t say anything. I just sat at the table watching him whisk the eggs, then take down a skillet from a rack hanging over the island.
I was afraid to ask what exactly Logan was capable of. Would Jax even know? The thought of Kurt getting roughed up in prison at that point didn’t sound so bad.
I recoiled. I’m a horrible person for thinking that. What was wrong with me?
“Can I help with anything?” I asked after a long pause.
“Nah, I got this. You just sit back and prepare your pretty mouth for what it’s about to devour.”
“Funny.”
He chuckled. “You say that now, but one taste and you’ll be begging for more.” He cocked a brow while chopping a green pepper with a swift hand.
“Begging for what, exactly?” Natasha asked, startling me when she rounded the corner and stopped in the doorway.
Ugh, I knew I should’ve stayed in bed—the king-sized, comfy, Logan-scented bed. I twisted in my seat and pretended to be distracted by something out the window as I blew out a breath.
“Natasha.” Jax’s smile was all ice.
“Jax,” Natasha replied with a grin as she strode forward. “Would you mind losing the death ray, little boy? You know you love me.”
“Nope, really don’t,” he fired back before refocusing on breakfast, pouring some egg mixture into the searing skillet.
“Mmm, now I know what you two were talking about. Smells divine.” She turned to me, offering a smile I wished I could believe was genuine. “Jax here is almost as good in the kitchen as Logan. Not quite up to par, though.”
Jax’s back was to us as he sprinkled in the fillings, but he took her insult in stride and didn’t miss a beat. “So, how was your trip, Natasha? Hope you didn’t get too lonely up there in the mountains.” He peered back over his shoulder, a smirk on his lips. “I can assure you, Logan sure as hell wasn’t.”
Natasha held his gaze, unspoken threats flowing between them until his head snapped back to the pan and hers shot to me.
I held her gaze, not batting a lash. Bring it on.
The smile returned to her lips. “It was eye-opening, and turned out to be quite beneficial for me, actually.” She walked over and pulled out a chair beside me. “Jax has a way of annoying me like only a kid brother can, and it brings out the bitch in me at times. Sorry.”
I raised my shoulders. “Not my business.”
Her smile grew, and I mimicked it with my own. Both were fake and strained.
“Look, I think—” She sighed. “All right, I know you and I got off on the wrong foot. I’m sorry if I had anything to do with that.”
“Honestly, I don’t know you, so we haven’t really had a start,” I replied, trying to keep it light.
“Right, but I’m sure you know I came to Harmony with every intention of repairing my family.”
I remained silent. Yeah, I’m aware.
“I know you probably have questions: Why am I back now? What might I still want? And I’ve seen you and Logan obviously getting…close.” The words didn’t come out easily.
The predator in me needed her to understand ‘close’ didn’t accurately describe Logan and me. It was time to mark my territory. If that made me a bitch, so be it, but I didn’t trust her.
“He loves me,” I stated with easy confidence.
“He sure does,” Jax chimed in, setting a perfectly folded omelet in front of me. “Enjoy.”
“Well, I’m happy for Logan,” Natasha said after a brief pause, watching me slice through the dense, gooey mini feast. “He’s a good guy. You’re a lucky girl.”
“Yes, I am.”
Slowly, I pulled my gaze from hers down to my plate. That thing had everything in it, sending my stomach into a pleading fit. I took a small bite. Oh, good God, yes! After another bite, I could see that the West men had a lot more than charm and good looks on their side.
“Wow, Jax, it’s…” I had no words. “Wow,” I repeated.
“See? Tomorrow morning you’ll be begging for another.”
I smiled at him. “We’ll see.”
He sat on the other side of the table across from me, took a big bite of his equally perfect-looking omelet, then leaned back in his chair, watching Natasha and me.
Silence hung over us until he swallowed, waving his hand in the air. “Oh, go on. Don’t let me intrude,” he said before shoveling in another bite, clearly entertained.
Natasha rolled her eyes, and I couldn’t help but want to laugh. But that impulse disappeared with Natasha’s next words.
“I still want my family, Cassandra.”
I set my fork down and readied myself as she continued.
“It may be too late with Logan, but not Oliver. He’s my son, and even if Logan and I are not married or together as a couple, we’re still his mom and dad. That’s all I want. I love them both dearly, and I’m not giving up on a chance with my son.”
“Good,” I replied instantly. Oliver deserved a family—deserved a mother.
She seemed surprised by my response, and her smile relaxed. What Logan and I had was strong, and she wasn’t a threat to it. I wouldn’t let her be.
“Fabulous. Well, if it’s not too much to ask, I’d like to have lunch sometime. I know it may be awkward, but—”
The clang of Jax’s fork hitting his plate drew our attention his way. With a loud scoff, he threw up his hands. “Only Logan would have the ex bitch and new pussy sitting at a table together without slaps being thrown. Lucky son of a bitch.” He muttered the last part.
“Anyway, you were saying?” I looked back to Natasha, disgusted at his reference to me.
“I just want you to know that I don’t expect us to become fast friends, but I’d really like to try. I’ve made so many mistakes with this family, and I’m here now to right those. I’m sure you have put together some nasty conclusions about me, but I’m asking for you to give me a chance to show you that I’m here as a mother—nothing more.”
I nodded, wanting desperately to believe her, but it didn’t matter. Whether it was a game or not, I’d play along…for now.
“I care about Oliver, and because of him, I’d like to get to know you better.” It was true—the best way I could make sure she was really there for him was to find out more about her. “This week is no good, but next week maybe. I’ll let you know a day then.”
“Sounds good.”
“Un-fucking-believable,” Jax spit out, slamming his glass down on the table and standing with his empty plate.
Oliver was right: Jax could
eat a lot—and fast.
Natasha and I shared a smile. “I don’t want any issues or unnecessary drama, Natasha. Getting to know each other better is for the best, I agree, but let me make myself clear on one thing: I won’t ever let you hurt my boys again.”
She appeared taken aback, but altered her expression quickly to cover it. “I’m glad they have someone that cares for them.”
“More than you know,” I replied easily, holding her stare.
She looked away first, standing as I turned my focus back to finishing my meal. The sooner I was back in bed, the better.
“Well, I need to go find some boxes and start packing. I’ll look forward to hearing from you,” Natasha said as she crossed the room.
“Please, for the love of God, tell me that means you’re moving out of the guest house,” Jax said, halting his steps out of the room.
“If I’m going to prove to your brother that I am here for Oliver and done pursuing him, it’s what I need to do.” She looked at me. “I found a place a block away from that bar you all hang out at, Haven. Paid the first six months and can move in today.”
Jax’s easy grin was back in place. “Still doesn’t make up for the lack of catfight this morning.” He chuckled and continued out of the room, calling back, “Time to throw a party! The bitch is moving out!”
The annoyance Natasha was feeling was written all over her face as she called back to him. “Party away, little boy! It’s one of the few things you’re any good at!”
Unable to avoid the tension between them, I finished the last two bites of my breakfast and stood with my plate. After walking it to the sink, I said, “Well, congratulations on the apartment. I’m going to lie down for a while,” and headed toward the doorway.
“Thanks, and I’m sorry to hear what happened yesterday. It’s not my place, but there was a lot of gossip I couldn’t help overhearing last night when I got back in town. I’m sure Logan will take care of that quickly enough, though. Like you said, he loves you, and I know better than anyone how strong that man loves.”
My fists clenched at my sides. And things had been going so smoothly. Jax might want to come back in, because a catfight sounds just about right.
I ground my teeth, then muttered, “I’ll see you around.” I was making a beeline toward the door when I heard her call my name.
“Cassandra—one more thing. Could you not tell Logan about me moving? I want to wait till I’m settled in at the new place so I can show him myself.”
I looked back, a tight smile firmly in place. “I’ll try to remember.” I doubted that was going to happen.
When I reached the top of the stairs, Jax was there with an impish grin.
“She’s a bitch, right?” he said, laughing.
The front door slammed downstairs, and I released an aggravated breath.
“I’ll take your word for it. I’m going to bed. Thanks again for breakfast.”
He followed beside me as I started toward Logan’s bedroom. “Sure, no problem. So how long you staying again?”
“A few more days.”
He snorted, unconvinced. “I guess it doesn’t matter. Logan will have you here permanently soon enough.” He shook his head and ran a hand through his unruly dark locks. “Christ, I never thought Logan would end up pussy-whipped. I owe Lawrence a grand, damn it.”
“He’s not.” I rolled my eyes, not bothering to defend that statement.
“Sorry, I can’t help it.” His shoulders rose, his expression feigning innocence. “It’s just so easy to get a rise out of you. You get all flustered, and it’s fucking cute as hell.”
“Cute?” My brows shot up.
There was that wicked grin of his again. “Relax, you’re not my type.”
I stopped outside Logan’s door and puffed out a short laugh. “Is that so?”
“It sure is. I’m not into blondes, although the whole schoolteacher thing is pretty hot.”
Time to change the subject—fast.
“So, what were you up to in your room earlier?”
His brow creased. “What? When?”
“When I came down, you had that frat boy with you. He was saying how stellar it was?” I reminded him.
“Right, yeah, that was uh…just, you know, hanging out.”
“Okay.” No, I didn’t know. Why the hell was he being so weird?
“We were just chilling out. Video games and guy shit.”
“You don’t strike me as the gamer type.”
A slight smirk curved his lips. The resemblance to Logan was striking. “And what type of guy do I strike you as?”
“The type that thinks a bit too much of himself.”
He cocked one brow as he rocked back on his heels. “Well, you’re right. I’m not much of a gamer, but I have plenty of other activities to keep me occupied, as you may recall.” His eyes brightened. Ah, of course. How could I forget catching him with the redhead?
“Aren’t you proud?” I drawled out as I opened the door to Logan’s room and stepped inside. “And Jax? Refer to me as a vagina again, and you’ll find out Logan isn’t the only one to be afraid of.”
And with that, I shut the door and left him in the hall. I shook my head to myself, grinning. I never thought I’d actually be there, ready to climb into Logan West’s bed to sleep. Yeah, it wasn’t a thought I’d had before, but now, it was paradise.
The giant bed in the center of the room beckoned me, and I wasn’t stopping until I was back under those blankets, saturated in Logan’s scent.
Chapter Six
Bliss
The tingling sensation of warm, firm fingertips brushing across my ankle rattled me from my dream. It was a sweet one, too, in which my feet dangled from my treehouse, my body wrapped in the strong arms of the man I adored.
My breath caught and body stilled, paralyzed until I heard a sweet voice.
“My love.”
I released the breath but remained absolutely still. I’m safe. It was Logan’s voice, soft but clear.
I forced myself to remain on my stomach, where I always slept. I bathed in his touch, exposed and cherished under his tantalizing stare that I could feel upon me even without peeking.
His fingers continued deftly under the blanket from the end of the bed and up my leg on a devious adventure. They trailed over my ass, which was shielded in nothing but a string of lace. His palms pushed deep into my flesh, the pressure of his short nails awakening the skin as they dug in. It was an exhilarating albeit brief sensory delight before they traveled back down the other leg. I smiled into the pillow, feigning sleep.
The security of his touch was like a soothing balm taking control of my senses. A zing of electric current nipped the left side of my body, and I knew he was close. He was silent, and no longer touching me.
It was nearly impossible to remain still, but I was resolute. How far would he take his little exploration? He wouldn’t give up so easily. I knew better.
The tug of the blanket was slow, unwrapping me just to the waist, keeping my bottom half covered. I forced the giggle bubbling up to cease, sucking my lips in tightly so there was no signal I was awake. It felt good there, at his will. I didn’t want it to end.
“So lucky,” he murmured, slipping his hand under my shirt again and outlining the contours of my spine with his thumb.
Unable to resist the scent of him, I wore one of his shirts. I’d spent time lying in bed earlier seriously debating whether he’d mind if I snatched a couple before I returned home.
He stopped at my bra and slipped his fingers underneath, where he unhinged the clasp expertly. I lay there while his fingers stroked down and back up again. I wanted the shirt gone. His warm lips were pressed right above the fabric on my bare shoulder. There was no stopping the building shiver he produced. The bed dipped beside me with his weight, his other hand brushing down my ass as he lowered the blankets to my knees.
There was no denying the low growl deep in his throat. My smile was back, swirling with pure
satisfaction. Who would’ve thought I could affect him as much as he did me?
He tucked the comforter snugly around my bare legs, keeping them warm but giving him access to the rest of me.
My caring, stealthy pervert.
The sun was setting through the sheer curtains, and I realized I’d slept most of the day away yet again. It wasn’t a bad thing; I could use it to my advantage—I’d have more energy to spend a night with Logan.
His hands stole my full attention again as they traveled back down over my ass and caressed teasing circles, massaging out the tension they found. Over and over again, he kneaded and soothed my stressed muscles. But he wasn’t taking it further, and I was in need of much more than just a good masseur.
With a soft yawn, my eyes still closed and face planted in my pillow, I arched my back and dug my upper chest down into the mattress. His hands left me.
No, no! Not what I was asking for. Teasing him back, I pushed my ass off the bed.
His chest rumbled, that irresistible growl of his keeping me blissfully distracted as his palms slapped down over both my ass cheeks, strong and demanding. The sound echoed off the walls surrounding us.
“You know what happens to a woman that teases her man, right sweetheart?”
“Mmm,” I moaned sleepily, enjoying him bathing my sting with his caressing touch. Oh, I hoped I knew.
When he gripped the hem of my panties, my breath shuddered. All too slowly, he dragged them down just under my ass, and then there was nothing. Where were his hands?
I wiggled my hips just the slightest bit; my silent plea for more. The anticipation was building, stirring my arousal.
“So damn beautiful.” His words vibrated across my skin, causing goose bumps to swell over my backside.
There he was—watching me again. To be fair, I’d have been doing the same thing if the tables were turned.
My enjoyment of his words amplified when his lips swept over my ass, followed by his teeth nibbling my flesh. Oh my…that was new. And I wasn’t complaining—not at all.
With each kiss and lap of his tongue gliding over my skin, my arousal grew, eliciting a strangled moan. I couldn’t take anymore, and my body must have sent out the signals because his hands moved down the cleft of my ass and found their way under me, sliding into my wetness.
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