Broken Souls

Chapter 8 - Logan

God I hate paperwork; we should definitely consider hiring an assistant for this s**t. As I tried to focus on today's orders, my thoughts kept drifting to Bailey. The scars and her words keep replaying in my mind: -it’s not the first time this has happened.- Was she talking about all her scars or just what happened last night?

There was a knock at my door. “Come in,” I called out; Justin entered, and handed me an envelope, leaving without a word. Since I wasn’t in the best mood today, everyone knew better than to disturb me. I opened the envelope to find a card inside.

Dear Logan,

I’m sending you this card, hoping it will brighten your day. I also want to thank you once more for everything you did for me. You went out of your way for a total stranger, and I just wanted to show my appreciation.

Sincerely,

Bailey

I looked at the card for a moment and found myself smiling. I hadn't done that in so long that it felt almost frightening.

Brian barged into my office without knocking, which really f*****g annoys me, and he knows it. He took a seat in the chair across from my desk and just stared at me. "What do you want?"

"Are we having drinks later?"

"Sure, why not."

He got up and left without saying another word. He might be a broody asshole, but I love him. They mean everything to me, and I would do anything for any of them, even kill. I've already taken lives to protect them, and I would do it again.

I kept working on the week’s orders, completely absorbed, and didn’t realize Julian was standing in my doorway until he spoke. “Hey, it’s closing time. You coming? I could really use a beer.” I looked up, startled, and realized how quickly the day had passed. “Sure, let me just wrap things up here. I’ll be out in about five.”

I finished the last of my work for the day and headed out to meet my brothers. As we drove to the bar, my mind kept drifting to a girl who’s been occupying my thoughts. I’m not usually one for emotions or caring about anyone outside of our circle—I can’t even remember the last time I had a girlfriend, probably back in high school. But for some reason, I felt a strong urge to protect Bailey last night and take care of her. I want to get to know her, and it honestly scares me shitless. I’m not good for her or any woman, but I can’t shake this feeling I have towards her,

I walked into the bar, relieved to find it relatively empty since it was still early. We headed to a table in the far back, as my eyes scanned the room I didn’t see Bailey, I felt a wave of panic. I wasn’t sure why—I didn’t know her and couldn’t understand why her presence mattered to me. I went up to the bar and ordered our beers. When Shaun set the drinks down, I hesitated for a moment, “Where is Bailey?” Shaun looked at me as if he was reluctant to answer, but finally did, “Jeremy gave her the day off.” I gave him a nod and returned to our table.

The guys were chatting, but I barely paid attention; my mind kept drifting to Bailey and how she was doing. “What do you think?” Justin asked. When I looked up, everyone was staring at me. “Sorry, I wasn’t listening” Julian burst into laughter, which annoyed me for some reason. “What’s got you so lost in thought?”

"Nothing" I wasn’t in the mood to share that my thoughts were preoccupied with a particular bartender.

Brian flashed a knowing grin at me, as if he could read my thoughts. Out of the four of us, he understands me the best. He always senses when I’m having a rough day, but I don’t mind—after all, we’re family and share that deep understanding. Justin and Julian, on the other hand, are quite different from Brian and me. Despite their challenging past, they maintain a carefree attitude and don’t let anything affect them. Sometimes, I envy their ability to move on and forget. Unfortunately, that’s not in my nature.

We finished our last beers and headed out of the bar. I needed some sleep—or at least a break, I’m f*****g exhausted. As we were heading home, something came over me and I made a sudden left turn. A call came through over the Bluetooth device, and I answered it. “Where are you going?” Brian sounded concerned. “I just need to clear my head. I’ll see you at home,” cutting off the call before he could ask anything else.

I stopped at the Inn and walked up to Bailey’s door. Even though it was one in the morning and she was probably asleep, I think I’m seriously losing my goddamn mind, what am I even doing here?. As I turned to head back to my bike, I heard a noise inside and then her scream. Driven by a sudden impulse, I kicked the door open, not giving a s**t about replacing it. The sight that met me froze me in my tracks—Bailey was having a nightmare, screaming as if she were trying to escape from something or someone. Without hesitation, I rushed to her bed and shook her, “Angel, wake up!” At first, she didn’t respond, as if she were trapped in her dream and didn’t know how to break free. I shook her again, and this time she jolted awake, staring at me in shock. “What happened? Why are you here?”

Looking at her in utter shock, “Honestly, I’m not sure why I’m here, but I noticed you were having a nightmare.” She looked at me with tears in her eyes. I wanted to take away her pain and her fear, even though I didn’t know what it was and why, just so she wouldn’t have to bear it alone. “Do you want to talk about it?” she shook her head. “No, I just want to forget.” She then glanced at her door with a look of surprise. “You broke my door,” My gaze shifted to the door. “It’s fine; I’ll have it fixed tomorrow.” She gave me a faint smile, though sadness still lingered in her eyes—a sadness that mirrored my own. “What time is it?”. I checked my watch. “It’s past one in the morning.” She lay back on her bed, closed her eyes, and a single tear fell from the corner of her eye.

I didn’t say a word as I walked to the door, trying to close it as best as I could after breaking it. I kicked off my shoes and got onto the other side of the bed. Her body tensed for a minute but she didn’t protest, so I pulled her close against my chest. I was on the brink of losing my f*****g mind, but somehow, holding her felt normal—something I desperately needed, even if just for a little while. "Go back to sleep; I'm right here," I whispered. She clung to my shirt and She nestled her face into the curve of my neck. "Please don’t leave." I pulled her even closer, as if she were my lifeline. I stayed there with her until her breathing evened out, and then I closed my eyes, letting the darkness envelop me.