Seeing Logan at his lowest point, my heart aches for him. Looking into his eyes, I see his mask of confidence and control slipping away, revealing fear. My heart goes out to him as I feel a surge of emotions.
The thought of him saying he can’t lose me makes my heart skip a beat – he’s full of flaws, yet I never thought him capable of love. Yet, here he is, vulnerable and helpless. My heart aches with the desire to comfort him.
As he moves in his sleep, his mouth slightly open, breathing heavily, I can’t help but smile.
I’ve never looked at him this closely before, and he looks adorable. His sharp jawline and chiseled features make him an undeniably attractive man.
Luckily, I’d finished my work for the day, so I settled beside him. As he feels my presence, he moves closer, spooning me to himself. My heart flutters at the intimate position, and I can’t believe I’m wrapped in his arms.
He rests his jaw on my neck, holding me tight as if he never wants me to leave. My heart races in my chest, pounding like it wants to burst out of my ribcage.
We both drift off to sleep, wrapped in each other’s arms, and I have to admit, it’s one of the best sleep I’ve had in years.
*********
I stir in my sleep, my eyes fluttering open in disorientation. But as my gaze focuses, I’m met with a piercing blue stare that seems to bore into my very soul.
His gaze is intense as if he’s trying to connect the dots between us. Our eyes hold for a moment, and I feel my heart race in response.
I sit up with a start, my heart racing at the possibility of what’s just happened. Logan’s watching me quietly, then moves away quickly, as if I’m burning him.
My heart drops, and I think, what am I doing, raising my hopes only for him to crush them?
“Good morning, Nadine,” he says, looking around, holding his head like he has a headache.
I stand up, anger rising, and snap, “Good morning to you too.” I can tell he’s regretting waking up in my room, and his abrupt distance hurts.
He looks at me like he’s assessing me, noting the change in my attitude. “Why the attitude?” he asks, his tone laced with annoyance.
“You call this attitude?” I retort, my voice rising in anger, pointing between him and me. I’m furious at how you made me feel so small, and I was gullible enough to let you trample all over me.
I ordered him, my finger jabbing towards the door, “Please leave my room now!”
A flicker of surprise crosses his face as he looks at me, then the door, and he asks again, “You mean I should leave your room?”
“Yes, Logan, leave my fucking room!” He’s about to depart when I stop him, “Wait.” He halts, turns around, and I continue, “Look, it seems we’ve begun to venture outside our contract.”
He’s stunned at my outburst, and a flicker of surprise crosses his face once more.
“It seems we’re getting in each other’s way. And please, whenever you’re at your lowest point, stay away from my room.” I say, my tone was unwavering, I know I’ve been mean, but I can’t just let my guard down again around you. This” – I point between us – “is a contract. Don’t try going against it, thanks.” I notice a look of hurt flash across his face, but I don’t care. He looks at me one last time, then turns and leaves my room.
I storm to my bathroom, brush my teeth, take a bath, and dress into something comfortable, my stomach growling in protest.
I dread going downstairs for breakfast. I don’t want to see him. I haven’t eaten since yesterday afternoon, and I can’t believe we slept for so long and had to wake up this morning.
He makes me feel something I’m not sure of. I don’t want to spend a minute with him at the dining table. I intend to bring my food back to my room. I make my way downstairs, but when I approach the kitchen, I stop dead in my tracks, realizing he’s already seated.
I want to step back, but Kayla’s voice greets me, “Good morning, Nadine.”
I take a deep breath and force myself to move forward, trying to appear calm and composed. Logan looks up at me, his eyes locking onto mine. I quickly glance away, not wanting to acknowledge him.
“Good morning, Kayla,” I reply, my voice steady. “Kayla, please dish my food. I’d like to have breakfast in my room.” I say to Kayla, turning around to make my way back to my room.
Kayla looks at me, surprised, and starts to speak, “But, ma-” I raise my hand, stopping her. “Please, just do as I say. Thank you.” I say in a polite tone.
I’m about to turn and walk back to my room when I feel his hand on mine. The rush of sparks and tingles goes through my spine as I freeze.
I want to yank my hand off him, but I see his pleading eyes, and he’s looking between me and Kayla, trying to convey a silent message: “Stay back, please, Nadine. Stay.” He finally says, his voice low.
I resign myself to fate and sit down, while Kayla has a broad smile on her face.
“Thank you,” he says, his eyes still locked on mine. “About yesterday, I’m sorry. I know I shouldn’t have barged into your room and questioned you like that,” he says, lowering his gaze.
I’m shocked that he’s apologizing; I just nod my head, having nothing to say.
We silently eat our food, not interrupting each other. I’m grateful for the peace. I’m lost in my thoughts, savoring the food, when he says, “There will be a gala that we need to attend as a couple, and I want you to look your best.”
I’m taken aback that he says he wants me to look my best. He then pulls out a card and says, “Take this and get whatever you want for the gala.”
I shake my head and say, “No thanks, I’ll sort it myself.” His face suddenly turns cold, as if he’s offended that I turned him down. But what he says next breaks my heart, and I stand up from my chair in anger, storming out of the dining table.