Il Suo Zaffario (His Sapphire)

Chapter 12

SAPPHIRE POV

"Logan, wake up now!" I shouted as I burst into his room, launching myself onto his bed and smacking him with a pillow.

"Ugh, stop," he groaned, rolling onto his side and pulling a pillow over his head.

"Come on, Logan, wake up! It's my birthday," I said, settling down beside him. I blew softly on his face, and he scrunched up his nose. He looked so cute that I couldn't resist brushing the hair out of his eyes. Slowly, he opened them, locking his gaze with mine for a moment that felt like forever. Just as we were about to kiss, I blinked and pulled back, flashing him a smile.

"Happy birthday, bellissima," he murmured, planting a soft kiss on my forehead and I left his room.

I'd never celebrated my birthday with anyone but myself before. Today, I wasn't alone.

As I entered the kitchen, the smell of something delicious hit me, and I saw Sara busy at the stove. I walked over, inhaling deeply. "Wow, Sara, that smells amazing," I said, my mouth already watering.

"Happy birthday, dear," Sara said, smiling warmly. "I made you a special breakfast. Don't let Logan steal any of it."

I chuckled. "I won't let him."

She handed me a cup of tea, and I took a sip. "Hmm, this tastes great," I mumbled, savoring the warmth.

"Sapphire," Sara began, her tone more serious now. "Ever since you came here, Logan has changed a lot."

I looked at her, curious. "What do you mean?"

"He used to be so cold, so distant. He could be mean, even ruthless with those who crossed him. But never with his family—he was always sweet to us. Still, he was quick to anger, quick to act. His brother is more even-tempered, which is why he's going to be the next boss," she explained, her words making my eyes widen.

"Yeah, he told me that," I said, setting my cup down. "It's a bit scary."

"Don't be scared, darling. He would never hurt you. He's different now—calmer, always smiling," she reassured me.

"But we're just friends," I said, though the words felt a little less certain.

Sara gave me a knowing look. "Well, I think you're more than that."

Before I could respond, Logan appeared, wrapping his arms around me from behind and lifting me off the floor. I gasped, then squealed as he spun me around.

"Birthday queen!" he shouted, making me giggle. He put me down and walked over to Sara.

"Here you go, Sapphire," Sara said, handing me a plate. I took it gratefully.

"Hey, where's mine? That looks delicious," Logan whined, reaching for a piece of turkey bacon on my plate. I slapped his hand away, and he pouted, making me laugh.

"Nice try," I said, leaving the kitchen with my plate, feeling a warmth in my chest that had nothing to do with the tea. Maybe Sara was right—maybe we were more than just friends. After all, Logan was being so sweet, and I was starting to think that maybe, just maybe, this could be something more.

~~~~~~~~~~~

It was now afternoon, and I could barely contain my excitement. Logan was taking me to dinner to celebrate my birthday.

After he had a bath and got dressed, he came down the stairs and walked over to me. "You're ready?" I asked, already smiling.

He nodded. "Wait, I got something for you," he said, pulling out a small box. Inside was a diamond necklace, and I couldn't help but place a hand on my chest, grinning.

"You didn't have to get me anything, Logan. You're already taking me out for dinner, and you bought me this elegant dress," I said softly, as he fastened the necklace around my neck. He held out his hand, and I placed mine in his, feeling the warmth of his touch as he led me to the car.

"Where are we going?" I asked once we were inside. He caught my gaze in the rearview mirror, a smirk playing on his lips.

"You'll know when you see it," he replied, leaving me to frown in playful curiosity. The drive felt long, but we filled the time with easy conversation, talking about everything and nothing.

"Wait, you used to go to the club every night, but I haven't seen you leave to go there in a while," I mentioned casually.

He turned to look at me, his expression softening. "Silly, don't you remember? I only went there because you used to work there. Now that you're no longer there, there's no need to go."

I nodded, feeling a flutter in my chest at his words. The car eventually came to a stop, and as I looked up, I recognized the fancy restaurant from my past. "Logan, why are we here?" I asked, my voice tinged with uncertainty as the driver parked the car.

"What's wrong? You don't like it?" he asked, his voice holding a hint of disappointment.

"No, it's not that," I said quickly, my voice dropping as I began to fidget with my fingers. "I came here once with a friend, and when we got inside, they called us names, said I had no class for their fancy restaurant. I was so embarrassed I left crying."

His expression hardened, his jaw clenching with anger. "This is where we're eating. Let's see if they try that s**t again," he said, his tone leaving no room for argument.

I whined in protest, but before I could say more, he was out of the car, circling around to my side. He opened the door for me, offering his hand. I placed mine in his, and he kissed the back of my hand, making me blush as I stepped out.

As we approached the front door, Logan placed his hand on the lower part of my back, where the dress was cut out. He leaned in close, whispering in my ear, "You look so majestic, beautiful, just like a sapphire gem."

My heart fluttered at his words, butterflies erupting in my stomach. "Thank you," I managed to whisper back.

We walked into the restaurant, and before Logan could say anything, they led us to our table. "Good evening, Mr. Esposito. Your table is right over here," the host said, his tone almost reverent.

I clung to Logan's arm, nervous that I might see that woman again. He squeezed my hand gently, drawing my attention.

"It's okay," he whispered, then kissed the top of my head. As we walked through the restaurant, I noticed people staring at us. My eyes caught sight of Roman outside, lighting a cigarette, and I stiffened.

Logan must have noticed because he touched my hand, asking, "What's wrong?"

"Oh, nothing," I said, trying to hide my face.

"Sapphire," he warned, his voice firm, and I sighed, meeting his eyes.

"It's fine. Let's just enjoy the night," I said, and he nodded, though his eyes remained watchful.

"Sapph, I'm going to use the bathroom. I'll be right back, okay?" he said before leaving. I felt a twinge of fear as he walked away, especially with Roman lurking outside.

"Good evening, may I get you anything?" a waitress asked, startling me. I hadn't even noticed her approach.

"No, thank you," I replied, but she just stood there, staring at me with a rude, judgmental expression.

"Wait! I know you," she said suddenly. "You're the girl who came here with your friend, and the manager humiliated you, right?"

I didn't answer, just started playing with my fingers nervously. She walked away, and I let out a sigh of relief, but that relief was short-lived. I saw her whispering something into the manager's ear before pointing at me.

"What are you doing in my restaurant? Get out now," she demanded, her voice dripping with disdain.

"You're being very rude to a paying customer," I whispered, trying to stay calm.

"You didn't learn your lesson the first time," she sneered. "Who felt sorry for you? Who bought you those nice clothes and did your hair? I can guess you sold yourself to get money, bitch." She laughed cruelly. "Go back to the filthy bar you came from. I don't want your filthy money, get that straight."

Everyone was staring at me now, and I felt tears welling up in my eyes. I stood up, determined to leave, cursing myself for not insisting that we go somewhere else. "Don't you ever think of coming back!" she shouted after me, just as someone pulled me into their arms. I looked up through blurred vision and wiped away the tears.

"Logan," I cried, as he cupped my face and gently wiped the tears away. "I want to go home," I whispered, and he nodded.

He walked away from me and over to the manager, grabbing her roughly by the arm. The room fell silent, gasps echoing through the space. "What the f**k did you just do to her?" he demanded, his voice cold and lethal.

"I- I'm sorry, sir. I didn't do anything," she stuttered, her eyes wide with fear.

"Then why the f**k is she crying? I brought her here so she could enjoy herself, and you made her cry!" he shouted, his fury boiling over. She began to beg, but Logan was beyond reason.

"Please, Mr. Esposito, I didn't mean to hurt her. It's just that she's a nobody, and I didn't know where she got those fancy clothes from," she tried to explain, but Logan was seething, on the verge of snapping.

"That's what's wrong with you people nowadays," he growled. "Mind your f*****g business and do your job. She came here to spend her damn money," he shouted, making her flinch.

"Consider your business done. You won't be working here anymore. This place will crumble, and nothing will be left—not even a little dirt," he spat, pushing her away with disgust. The manager burst into tears, and I realized just how powerful Logan really was.

"Hey, you can't do that!" someone shouted, but the others in the restaurant quickly hushed him. Logan turned, pulling out his gun and pointing it at the man. I rushed to his side, grabbing his arm and shaking my head. Logan sighed and lowered the weapon, but the tension was palpable.

I could hardly believe what had just happened as we left the restaurant. Logan was still fuming, his anger evident in the way he carried himself.

"Sapphire," a voice called out, making me freeze. It was Roman. I quickly hid behind Logan.

"Why is he calling you?" Logan asked, his tone sharp with suspicion. I couldn't find the words to explain. "Sapphire!" he shouted, making me jump.

"Your uncle owes me something," Roman said, stepping closer.

"Take that up with her uncle, Roman," Logan said, pushing him back, his voice full of warning. My eyes widened in shock. Logan knew Roman?

"Oh, if it isn't Logan. Long time no see," Roman sneered, his tone sinister. "This is between me and Sapphire, not you, so back off," he spat, and my heart pounded in my chest.

They both pulled out their guns, aiming them at each other's heads. "Logan, please," I pleaded, my voice trembling.

"Leave Sapphire alone," Logan warned, his voice deadly as he backed away, never taking his eyes off Roman.

"Don't think you can hide forever, Sapphire!" Roman shouted as we got into the car.

Logan was still tense, his anger simmering beneath the surface. I started to cry, the overwhelming events of the night crashing down on me. He looked over at me, his expression softening. "I'm sorry your night went like this," he said quietly. "Do you want to talk about Roman?" he asked.

"Not yet," I whispered, shaking my head. He nodded, leaning over to kiss the top of my head. I had so many questions for Logan, but for now, I just needed the comfort of his presence.