Broken Souls

Chapter 16 - Logan

We followed Bailey's instructions and sat in the living room while she took care of the dishes. Despite my efforts, I couldn’t resist. She looked so f*****g sexy standing there, and then she threatened me with the corner, I couldn’t stop laughing. It felt amazing. No one has ever been able to get me to relax the way she does; maybe it’s because we share such intense pasts that it brings us closer. I don’t even care what it is—I just want to be near her.

"I was just about to get us some beers and wanted to offer you something to drink," still holding her waist as she turned to face me, looking up with a mix of surprise and admiration. She’s so petite and beautiful. "and here I thought you were just giving me a hug," she laughed, wrapping her arms around my neck. "That was my initial thought, but I had to come up with something else since I was going against your orders."

"You could have asked me to bring your beers since I'm already in the kitchen—it would have saved you the trip," I shook my head. "You're not a slave in this house for anyone. If we want a beer, we get it ourselves. If you want something, just let me know and I'll get it for you. Heck, if you want a back massage, I’ll give you one too."

"‘I might take you up on that back massage,” smiling at me so cutely. “Then that’s exactly what you’ll get,” leaning in to kiss her Julian shouted from the living room that he was waiting for his beer. “You’d better go before he storms in here and starts pounding on you for being parched. I’ll be done soon and then I’ll join you,” I pressed my forehead to hers letting out a frustrated sigh. I just wanted to hold her for a moment longer. I turned and headed to the fridge while she continued packing the dishes. Back in the living room, I gave Julian s**t for being an asshole, which only made him laugh.

After ten minutes, Bailey walked into the living room with a cup of coffee. I motioned for her to come sit on my lap. Once she was settled and comfortable, I leaned in closer to her, “Do you want me to put you in the corner now?” She turned her head, looking puzzled as she tried to figure out what she had done. I looked at her coffee cup and she followed my gaze, “Oh, the coffee. I was already in the kitchen and thought it was easier for me to make it, rather than making you get up and go all the way there. Besides, you’re not my servant,” she smiled shyly.

“What the f**k are you two talking about servant and s**t?” Justin asked from my left. Bailey started laughing and explained the situation. Everyone burst out laughing. It was great to see everyone so relaxed. This is the first time we've let anyone into our circle; it's always been just the four of us. The fact that Brian let her help with the food is significant, as he usually doesn't let any of us into the kitchen when he's cooking.

They welcomed her with such warmth that it completely amazed me. We spent the evening chatting and laughing at all the s**t Justin and Julian said. After a couple of hours, we all retreated to our rooms. Bailey sat on the bed and looked at me as I closed the door. I told her she could take the first shower, but she insisted on me going first. We ended up playing a game to decide, and she won, since I sucked at it.

After we both showered and got into bed, she laid her head on my chest. It felt so natural to hold her, as if she was perfectly meant to fit against me. I would do anything to keep her here with me, even if it meant me killing every single person on this godforsaken earth I will do it. After she fell asleep I allowed to let sleep take over me.

In the middle of the night, I woke up with someone screaming, leaping out of bed struggling to compose myself. I realized Bailey was having another nightmare. My brothers rushed into my room, their faces etched with concern. I told them to go back to bed and explained what was happening, but they didn’t move. Bailey let out another agonizing scream that made us all wince, her pain and distress palpable. I climbed back onto the bed and leaned over her. “Angel, you need to wake up,” shaking her without success. Tears started to streamed down her face as she continued to fight in her sleep.

“Does this happen often?” Brian, with a serious expression asked, I nodded, acknowledging that this wasn’t the first time I’d seen her like this. I hadn’t shared with them what she had told me, but I knew it was time—just not at that moment. Right now, I need to wake her up. “Angel, wake up!” this time screaming at her. She jolted up, having a panic attack. I pulled her into my embrace with her back pressed against my chest rocking her back and forth, whispering in her ear, “It’s me, you’re safe. I need you to follow my breathing, can you do that for me?” She nodded and followed my instructions. After about 15 minutes, she fell asleep again. When I looked up, my brothers were still standing in the doorway, unmoved, staring at us, trying to understand what had happened.

I gently laid her back and covered her with the blanket, then signaled for everyone to leave the room. As I closed the door behind me, we all headed to the kitchen, as I was in desperate need of some caffeine. “Are you going to explain to us why we ran into your room with Bailey screaming like she was being murdered?” Brian asked, his eyes reflecting a steely determination. I poured coffee for everyone and told them to sit down, as the story was long and complicated. I began recounting everything about her parents death, the days of torture she endured, the scars she has over her body, how she escaped, and the fact that she had been on the run from a dangerous psycho for the past five years, who had caught up with her once. I laid it all out for them, and after I finished, we all sat in silence, each lost in our own thoughts, drinking our coffee.

“God, how is she still, you know...” Justin gestured with his hands. “What do you mean?” confused by his words. And judging by the expressions on everyone else's faces, they were also unsure. “How is she so calm and kind to everyone, always smiling? I can’t even put it into words. I thought our lives were screwed up, but she’s literally living a nightmare.” I just sat there, looking at them. “She’s a survivor, and she’s still fighting. I need to help her,” wishing I could take away her pain. “You mean we need to help her,” Julian said, glancing at the others for confirmation. They all agreed. I was surprised at their willingness to protect her. We never cared about anyone outside of this house until now.

We all returned to our room. I doubt any of us will get any sleep, especially the guys, after what I just shared. I lay in bed, holding Bailey close to my chest. She looks so calm now, but I know better. She won’t find peace as long as that bastard is out there tormenting her. I’m determined to put him down like the f*****g dog that he is before he takes her out —that’s a promise.

My alarm went off at six, I got up, letting Bailey sleep in a bit longer. I headed to the kitchen and found everyone already there. “You all look like s**t,” I said with a laugh. “f**k you, my mind was all over the place. Is she still asleep?” Brian asked as he drank his coffee. “Yes, I’ll wake her in a few minutes. There’s something I wanted to discuss with all of you. I’ve been thinking about it all night, but if any of us vote no, we’ll drop it.” They all looked at me and nodded in unison. “I was considering bringing Bailey on board as our admin girl—handling orders, paperwork, and so on. This way, I can keep an eye on her in case the fucker track her down again as she explained he doesn’t play around, but what I do know is if he gets his hands on her this time he will kill her. That was his plan from the start. She just screwed up his plans when she got away and ran”

They exchanged glances briefly, and I couldn't discern their expressions as Brain responded, "We think that's a good idea, but we have some conditions." I tilted my head, curious about their stipulations. I motioned for him to go on. "She will be moving in here, and if she needs to go anywhere and you can’t be with her, one of us will be with her at all times, and she won't have any say in the matter. This will help us all to keep an eye on her to make sure she stays safe. I have noticed that she's very independent, but we still outvote her."

Who would have thought we’d end up adding someone new to our little family, and of all people, a woman? “Alright, that seems fair, but let’s discuss this with her as well. We should not mention to her why we want to bring her onboard. How does that sound?” They all agreed just as Bailey walked in, greeting us with a bright smile “Good morning” Despite everything she’s been through, she still manages to brighten our day. I poured her a cup of coffee and placed it in front of her as she sat down. They all stared at her like she was a precious gem. “Why is everyone staring at me? Did I miss something? Because I did check, and I’m pretty sure I didn’t forget to put on my pants this morning,” Justin started laughing and she joined him, while the rest of us just shook our heads.