I don’t understand why Asher is giving me that look. “Asher, what’s up?” I ask, confused.
Logan stands up from his chair and moves closer to Asher. “I thought you were in bed already,” he says, curiosity in his voice.
But Asher ignores Logan’s question and turns to me instead. “You know, you remind me of someone I know,” he says, his eyes fixed on mine.
I look up from my food, realizing he’s talking about me, and our eyes meet. Logan notices the tension and looks between us, wondering what’s happening.
Just then, Logan’s phone starts ringing. “Excuse me,” he says, using the call as an opportunity to leave Asher and me to talk. He walks away, answering his phone, and Asher’s gaze returns to mine, with an unreadable expression
Asher moved closer, sitting on one of the chairs. I didn’t look up from my food, continuing to eat. “On behalf of my friend, I’m sorry for the way he has been treating you,” he says, while I looked up in that instant.
“Logan and I are doing just fine,” I say, not wanting anyone to interfere in our already complicated relationship.
Asher shook his head. “With Logan, it’s not hard to believe that he hasn’t been good to you,” he says, his eyes locked on mine.
My interest was piqued. “You seem to know a lot about his behavior,” I say, my curiosity growing.
He looks at me again, and this time, I’m interested in the conversation. I want to know the reason for his behavior – not that I care or anything. Oh, you care, a voice in my head chides me.
Yes, I admit that part of me has an inexplicable connection with Logan, and I’ve begun to feel something for him. And that scares me because of his cold nature.
“Yes, he’s been my friend since childhood,” Asher says, “and I’m not here to justify his behavior towards you. But trust me when I say he’s been through a lot when it comes to matters of the heart. He’s holding back his feelings for you.”
I look at him sharply, processing my thoughts. No, he’s mistaking the whole thing – Logan doesn’t have any feelings for me. But Asher’s words make me wonder if there’s more to Logan’s behavior than I think.
“I don’t believe you,” I say, shaking my head. “Logan doesn’t have feelings for me. He’s just being his usual, annoying self.”
Asher chuckles. “That may be what he wants you to think, but I know him better than that. He’s been hurt before, and it’s made him wary of opening up to people. But I’ve seen the way he looks at you… it’s different.”
I raise an eyebrow, skeptical. “What are you talking about? He barely even talks to me!”
Asher leans in, his voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. “That’s exactly what I mean. He’s trying to keep his distance because he’s scared of getting hurt again. But he can’t help the way he feels, and I think you’re starting to feel it too.”
I roll my eyes, trying to dismiss the idea.
“Please give him a chance to show you that he cares and that he wants this marriage to work,” Asher continues, looking deeply into my eyes.
I remove my gaze from him and continue eating my food, thinking to myself that this marriage is doomed from the start. This is a clear indication that he doesn’t know about the contract.
I nod my head, bidding him to leave me alone. “Thank you, I will keep that in mind,” I say, standing up to take my plate back to the kitchen.
As I turn around, I hear Logan’s voice. “Are you feeling any better now?”
I look at Asher, who gives me a nod, then turns my face back to Logan. “Yes, I’m feeling better now. Thanks for asking,” I say, continuing on my way to the kitchen.
As I enter the kitchen, I feel a mix of emotions. Asher’s words have left me wondering if there’s more to Logan’s behavior than I thought. I start to wash my plate, trying to distract myself from the conversation.
I put the plate back in its place and made my way out of the kitchen to head back to my room. I can feel Logan’s eyes piercing through me, and all I want is to get away from his sight.
As I rush up the stairs, my foot catches on the edge of a step, causing my ankle to roll inward. Just as I feel my ankle twist and my leg start to give way, a strong hand grasps my arm, steadying me.
“Whoa, careful there!” Logan exclaims, his eyes locked on mine as he pulls me upward, his grip firm but gentle.
Relief wash over me as I regain my balance and look up to see Logan’s concerned face peering down at me. “Thanks,” I say, my heart still racing from the proximity between us.
Logan’s hand lingers on my arm, his touch sending a spark of electricity through my body. I quickly pull my arm free, trying to brush off the feeling. “I’m fine, thanks,” I say, trying to sound casual despite my racing heart.
“You okay?” he asks, again.
But I can still feel pain in my ankle, and I try to move but realize I’m unable to.
Logan’s eyes narrow in concern, and he gently releases my arm but doesn’t step back. “Let me help you,” he says.
Logan sweeps me up in his arms, I gasp in surprise, my eyes widening. “Logan!” I exclaim, my voice barely above a whisper. “What are you doing?” I ask, feeling myself being lifted off the ground.
I hadn’t expected him to carry me, and the sudden movement sent a thrill through my body. My arms instinctively wrap around his neck, and I notice his body stiffen at that moment, but I still hold on to him tight as he cradles me against his chest.
I feel a flutter in my chest, my heart racing with excitement. As he walks, I feel myself relaxing into him. He makes his way to my room and gently drops me on the bed.
I look up at him, my eyes locked on him, and for a moment, we just stare at each other, the tension between us palpable.
“Where does it hurt?”
I point to my ankle, wincing in pain. He examines my ankle, his touch gentle. “It’s swelling already; we need to get some ice on it.”
“I’ll be back,” he says, hurrying out of my room.
Some minutes later, he walks in with a cold compress and wraps it around my ankle, holding it in place with his hand. I feel relief as the coldness numbs the pain.
“That feels so much better,” I sigh, with my eyes closed.
“I’m glad I can help,” I hear him say while still closing my eyes.
I gently open my eyes and feel his intense gaze, which seems to send a shiver down my spine. “Thanks, Logan,” I say, my voice barely above a whisper, lost in the dreamy state of his eyes.
Our gaze locks for what feels like an eternity, and I notice he’s moving closer to me, his eyes flickering between mine and my lips. I can’t deny the tension between us as I move closer to him, my heart racing with anticipation.
Then, he uses his tongue to wet his lips, and that’s the breaking point of my resolve.
He captures my lips in a passionate kiss, and I feel like I’m melting into his embrace.