Broken Souls

Chapter 19 - Bailey

I feel like such an asshole. After our conversation Logan left, I ended up sitting on the bed crying again, as if I haven’t done that enough. They’re just trying to help and protect me, and all I did was push them away. Isn’t this what I’ve always wanted? To have someone by my side and not be alone anymore?

I’m unsure how to change or accept help from others, probably because I’ve kept people at a distance for so long. I’m drained from living in fear and honestly, I don’t know how to handle any of this or what I’ll do when Winston catches up with me. But I realize I can’t keep running. Logan was right.

I texted Jeremy to let him know that this weekend will be my last, and I apologized sincerely. I felt terrible, but Logan is right—the hours and pay at the new job are much better. Jeremy told me it was no problem and thanked me for not leaving him in the lurch.

I laid back, trying to gather my thoughts, still angry at the guys for how they handled the situation. After lying there for so long, hoping to fall asleep, I finally closed my eyes. I woke up drenched in sweat from another nightmare and saw that it was only 4:30 a.m. I walked to the bathroom knowing I wouldn't be able to sleep again. I decided to take a long, hot shower, standing under the water, which felt so divine. Afterward, I blow-dried my hair and, since I had the day off, decided to go to the diner for breakfast while reading my book.

I was engrossed in my phone as I walked out to my car and bumped into a brick wall. Arms instinctively wrapped around my waist, I looked up in surprise to see Logan standing there, flashing that irresistible grin of his. "Sorry, I wasn’t paying attention. Shouldn't you be at work?" I couldn’t help but notice how great he looked today in his dark blue t-shirt. That brings out his eyes. Biting my bottom lip, "Like what you see? I took the day off to spend it with you."

I rolled my eyes at him, "I was simply heading to the diner to have breakfast and enjoy reading my book for the day."

"Perfect, you won't even know I'm there, shall we?", extending his hands for the keys, which I gave to him. We drove to the diner in silence. I couldn’t figure out why he had taken the day off; he mentioned just yesterday that there was a lot of work to be done. I decided not to dwell on it.

We arrived at the diner and made our way to the booth at the back. After we sat down, I pulled out the book. Daisy approached our table focused on Logan, "Hey, sweetie, what can I get for you today?" Her gaze at him was almost predatory. Am I feeling jealous? No, that can’t be right—I don't get jealous. I chose to ignore the situation and opened my book. “Angel, what would you like to eat?” I glanced up to see him grinning, clearly enjoying Daisy's shocked reaction.I decided to play along, “You can decide for me, sweetie,” Logan placed our orders, and Daisy walked away without another word. Serves her right.

I resumed reading my book, as I had intended, though I was slightly distracted. Logan's gaze was fixed on me, which irritated me, so I let my book rest on my lap. “Why are you staring at me like that?” He merely shrugged his shoulders, “Am I not allowed to look at you?” Deciding to ignore him, I turned my attention back to my book as Daisy returned and set down our coffees.

“Why are you really here?” glaring at him. “I already told you,” tilting my head as if unsure when he had said anything. “And when was that?”. He chuckled and shook his head. “Actually, Brian told you. One of us will be by your side at all times. It will mostly be me, but if I can’t be there, one of the others will.”

“And I already told you I don’t need a babysitter. I get what you’re trying to do, but I’m not going to interfere with your lives just because I didn’t kill that fucker when I had the chance it does’t mean my issues should become any of yours. It’s something I have to handle on my own when the time comes, so please stop."

"You can plead as much as you want, but I'm just as stubborn and persistent, and I won't give up—believe me, you'll learn that quickly. His calm demeanor drives me crazy, mainly because I wish I could be that calm myself. 'You do realize you're being a asshole, right?"

With a dramatic gesture, he placed his hand over his chest, “Oh, now you’ve just broken my black heart.” His adorable expression made me laugh. I went back to reading my book. “Can I ask you something?”. I put my book away, realizing that reading wasn’t on the agenda for today. “Sure, go ahead,”

“Will you at least think about moving in?” I fiddled with the napkin on the table, contemplating his question, before meeting his gaze. “Why? I’m still a total stranger to all of you. Even though we’ve shared the toughest days of our lives, it doesn’t alter the situation. Why are you so eager to help me.”

"Because I care about you, I’ve never felt this strongly about anyone before, and it scares me. You’re right; we don’t know each other yet, but I want to change that. I want to get to know all of you, and I hope you’ll let me. I understand your hesitation and concern about trust and safety, but we can handle things together. So please stop pushing us away. I’m here to stay and won’t leave your side." As tears threatened to fall, I blinked them away, exhausted from crying. “Can I have until Friday to think about it?” He nodded in agreement, and a wave of relief washed over me. I know I should agree, as he won’t give up, but I want to do it on my own terms.

We enjoyed breakfast while chatting about various topics. Afterward, he took me to the park, where we sat on a bench near the lake. The scenery was stunning and tranquil, I rested my head on Logan’s shoulder and gazed at the water, feeling completely at ease. He wrapped his arm around me, drawing me close to his chest. As I rested my arm on his torso, I noticed how toned his abs were. I definitely wouldn’t mind seeing him without his shirt.

We spent hours at the lake before heading back to the Inn. When we arrived, he walked me to my room, opening the door and we walked in. “Thank you for today; I haven’t felt this relaxed in ages,” gazing into his ice-blue eyes that seemed to pierce into me. He gently tucked a strand of my hair behind my ear and leaned in. “I’ll always make it my priority to ensure you’re relaxed and happy,” he whispered, sending a shiver down my spine. Before I could respond, his lips met mine, I was reminded of how amazing it felt. Wrapping my arms around his neck, he drew me closer, and I could feel his erection, which made me blush.

The rest of the week flew by, and before I knew it, it was Friday. I walked into the bar and found Shaun cleaning glasses. I greeted him and began stocking the fridges. As we worked, we chatted, and his jokes had me laughing so hard my stomach actually hurt. I finished cleaning up, wiping down tables and sweeping the floor while Shaun mopped. I headed to the kitchen to make myself a cup of coffee before it got too busy and I wouldn't have a chance to drink anything for a while.

Around nine, the place was packed, and I knew more people would be arriving later in the evening. While I was busy getting a beer for a customer. I felt his presence and immediately knew that Logan was close. It was a strange feeling; I had never experienced such a connection with anyone before. I turned around and told him I'd be with him shortly. After finishing up with the customer, I walked over to him with a smile, "what can I get you?" He gave me an evil grin, "Well, for starters, a kiss and four beers, please." I laughed, and stood up onto the bottom rung of the bar leaning over to give him a kiss, then pulled back with a smile. I handed him the beers, and he let me know that they were at the pool table, where he’d be until I finished working.

The evening flew by, and the bar finally quieted down, which I was thankful for since my feet were killing me. There were only a few customers left, including the guys. Jeremy let me know I could leave since Shaun could handle the rest. I walked over to the guys to let them know I was done and that they should head home since it was already 2 a.m. Just as I was about to head for the door, Logan spoke up, "It's Friday." I froze in my tracks. I had completely forgotten that I promised him an answer, turning around slowly looking into his eyes. "Technically, it's Saturday," Justin started laughing at my response. "It doesn’t matter; what’s it going to be Angel?" Logan regarded me with a serious expression.

I let out a sigh as I looked at them, realizing they wouldn’t relent until they got their way. “Alright, but I need to get some clothes first, and like you, I have my own terms,” . The smiles on their faces made my heart melt. “No need to worry about that; you still have some of your clothes at the house. You can tell us your terms, and we’ll decide if we will accept them. I’ll collect the rest of your things later,”

We all headed out to leave, and by the time we arrived at their house, I was exhausted and in desperate need of a shower. After saying good night to everyone, I went to Logan’s room. I felt much better after my shower and walked out of the bathroom wrapped in a towel. Logan was sitting on the edge of the bed, absorbed in something on his phone. Not wanting to disturb him, I stood at the door, simply admiring him—he really is quite handsome. When he finally looked up and saw me standing there, his gaze swept over my body, and I could swear his pupils dilated. “Sorry for interrupting, I just need to grab some clothes.” He got up and walked towards me, causing me to clutch the towel tighter around myself. Placing his hands on my waist, he drew me closer, “Do you know how sexy you are?” I didn’t respond, just gazing up at him, hoping he wouldn’t notice how deeply I was blushing.

He flashed me one of his charming smiles, then went to his closet and handed me one of his shirts that hung mid thigh and a pair of my underwear he had left here. After that, he headed into the bathroom for a shower. I put on the clothes and climbed into bed, closed my eyes, letting sleep come over me as I waited for him.