Irresistibly Charming

by Victoria Pinder

  The crash of the ocean echoed in her ears and adrenaline rushed in her veins. She glanced over and realized Jensen was going for his gun. Logan and dove for it too. Jensen complained, “How can you stand her? She’s the most spoiled brat I’ve ever met.”

  “Hannah, stay back.” Logan and Jensen struggled for control of his handgun.

  Both of the men fought. Security and men in blue uniforms stormed through the parking lot and beach as sirens flashed behind her. Hannah closed the car door and screamed. “Logan! No! The police are here.”

  Logan rose from the scuffle, holding the gun up. The police formed a circle around the men. One of the officers said, “Put the gun down, Bentley.”

  Oh goodness. Logan had just gotten out of prison. Her heart nearly stopped as she rushed forward and shouted, “He was protecting me. Don’t hurt my husband. Jensen was trying to kill me. Jensen planted a bomb in the building.”

  The police officers ignored her and told both men, “Hands above your head.”

  Logan did as he was told, dropping the gun and kicking it away from his hand. Every officer had their finger on a trigger. It would only take one to ruin everything. Her entire body clenched tight.

  Logan lifted his hands and said, “Hannah, relax.”

  They couldn’t hurt him. She felt the sobs inside her throat, but she said from behind them, “Please. This is a condo. There will be video feed. Please don’t hurt him.”

  Two of the officers stormed forward, guns in hand until they grabbed both men. Logan didn’t resist and the officer who spoke pointed toward Logan and said, “Check him for weapons. If nothing, let him go to his wife and family.”

  Weapons. He didn’t have any, right? The hair on her arms stood, but she prayed everything would be fine.

  A second later the officer let Logan go as he said, “Nothing.”

  He walked over to her and immediately hugged her. His warm hands and body made her feel when she thought she was half-dead. She closed her eyes and didn’t care that tears formed when he said, “Hannah. You’re amazing.”

  “No, I’m just a woman in love with you.” She spoke her mind without thought or care. This was the second time she’d almost lost him. Logan was too important, and she couldn’t live without him. Not anymore.

  Chapter 20

  Hannah rode the elevator up to their condo with Logan. Neither of them said a word though their phones were full of messages that they scrolled and answered, mostly saying we’re fine.

  Logan spoke to his brothers and parents. Hannah was getting the women chat and her own brother who wanted to storm over here, but she told them all they were okay and just wanted to rest.

  Logan must have typed the same message over and over too.

  They walked the small hall to the door and let themselves inside. Once they entered, Logan put his phone on the nearby table and then rolled his shoulders. She put her phone next to his and said, “Glad the police sorted through all of that chaos.”

  Logan reached out and held her waist. “I’m just happy we’re home and you’re safe.”

  She hugged him and listened to his steady heartbeat. Guess they both needed a minute. His arms around her now made her feel safe and warm. As she pulled back and glanced up, her mind began to work and not just react. “How did you get outside that fast and sneak up so Jensen didn’t see you?”

  He traced her face and seemed to breathe easier. “I took the stairs. Beau called me. When I made it downstairs, I ducked behind the palms as best I could. So why did you text Sarah and not me?”

  She licked her lips. She wanted to protect him? That wasn’t it. Honestly she should have but everything happened too fast. “She was expecting my text. I responded to the last message she’d sent.”

  He kissed her forehead. “Fair enough, but the second Beau called, I ran. The rest of my brothers were helping with the bomb.”

  They didn’t smell any smoke. She swallowed, closed her eyes, and said, “I don’t know what I’d have done if you hadn’t. Are they okay?”

  “Beau and Dylan both had bomb training and Beau was home. Everyone’s fine.” His palm went back to her shoulders, like he didn’t want to let her go. Her heart grew bigger as he said, “Hannah, I was terrified when I saw him holding a gun on you.”

  The coldness she felt before scared her. She wasn’t sure what to do now. She held him close, opened her eyes, but shook her head. “I was too, but I don’t want to talk about what just happened.”

  Then he let out a loud sigh. “You opened the car door to create a barrier.”

  Oh. She met his gaze. “That was just reactive. I wasn’t thinking.”

  He held her but otherwise, didn’t move. “I was about to stand in front of you and get shot so you could run.”

  Which was why she’d reached for the door. If the owner had locked their door… she held her breath. She couldn’t think about that. They survived through the grace and wonder of a miracle. She held him, and they were both here. “And I couldn’t let you die. Not for me. I love you too much.”

  A laugh escaped his throat. “I thought if we talked about love it would be the end. I didn’t want you to love me.”

  Oh goodness. If he didn’t want love, then she wasn’t sure what to do. Her body began to tremble as her gaze dropped. “Why not?”

  He lifted her chin, so she looked right at him. Her heart raced faster, but she listened as he said, “Because… because love is something that can break or needs constant care. My father would have stayed in his country that he loved if he hadn’t loved my mother, but he wanted to protect her and us. So he gave up everything he ever had and started over. I don’t want to make those kinds of sacrifices.”

  But she’d never ask him to sacrifice like that. She shook her head and hoped she explained well. “You don’t have to. I support you. I’ve been supporting you since the day we met.”

  He nodded. “And I don’t deserve it.”

  “Yes, you do.” Tears welled in her eyes though she refused to cry. “You risked your life to save me, twice. You didn’t let me stay in my shell, lost and alone, and spoke to me like I mattered since the day we met.”

  Logan’s Adam’s apple went up and down and for a second neither said anything. He took her hands in his and leaned closer. “Hannah, you’ve been nothing but my angel since the moment we met. You got me out of jail and have been as faithful and true as my own family. I don’t deserve you, but I selfishly want to keep you forever.”

  But he wasn’t in love with her? She felt numb at the thought. “So what does that mean exactly, Logan?”

  He held her closer and his pupils were so large his eyes seemed black. “It means I can’t live without you and can’t let you ever get hurt because of me.”

  She pulled away. She needed to be real with herself. “But you can’t love me back? Is that it?”

  He stepped in front of her and his words came faster. “Yes. I mean no. Just hold on, Hannah. You don’t understand.”

  She stopped and stared at him. What else was there to say? She stilled. “I don’t understand what?”

  He took her hands. “I can’t live without you because I’m in love with you. You changed me the day we met and married, and I can’t go back to the old me. I was half alive before and living a meaningless life-”

  “Stop.” She interrupted him and pulled him closer. “You had me with love.”

  A chuckle escaped from his lips as he leaned closer for a kiss. “Good. Now come here.”

  “Oh?” She closed her eyes and kissed him.

  Every time it felt like angels played in some holy orchestra when he kissed her and this time the music was even more alive, like a symphony.

  He pressed her against the wall and tugged at her t-shirt. “You’re wearing too many clothes.”

  She laughed and reached for his belt loop. “I thought you had to work this morning?”

  He took her hand and led her to the bedroom. “Clearly there has been a change in plans.”

&n
bsp; “Because of me?” She batted her eyes.

  He led her into their bedroom and tugged off his shirt and cotton pants. “Absolutely. I need all of you, right now.”

  She pulled her clothes off, not caring she was naked in the middle of the day. “I’m yours. Heart, body and soul.”

  “Good, because you’re my forever princess.” He closed the bedroom door.

  Today and every day after, she had a chance to live, happy and in love. Her faith that life could be good and kind had restored her entirely.

  Chapter 21

  Logan guided Hannah to the penthouse where his parents stayed. No one was in the elevator which meant they were the last to arrive, but this afternoon, he couldn’t get enough of Hannah. Truthfully, he wasn’t sure he’d ever have enough of her.

  A servant opened the door. Logan smelled his wife’s lavender body lotion and led her toward the huge dining room where his family was already seated. Neither one of them said much, but they both smiled. He led Hannah to his father. “Today was a trying day for everyone. I’m glad we’re together.”

  Ollie’s arms were crossed and a baby slept behind him in a bassinet. “We haven’t figured out who owns Kirno or if they were the ones that set us up, Father.”

  Right. Logan led his wife to the two empty seats next to Rachel and Ollie.

  As they sat, his father, Ali, turned to his left and said, “We will work as a family, but right now I’m happy to give Elle away in her upcoming wedding to Navid.”

  Logan saw his sister’s face turn bright red and she held Navid’s hand. “Dad, you don’t have to start…”

  Their mother returned from the kitchen and sat opposite his father on the other side of the table. His father waited until she was settled and then motioned toward Elle. “She’s happy. Logan and Hannah seem happy. I just want the rest of you to find a way to be happy.”

  Now Hannah turned red and drew closer to him so no one else saw.

  Ollie changed the subject. “Father, what happens if we have to return to Hoshkell?”

  His father sighed and nodded at Roy. “Roy will have to clear our travel with authorities, but first we need to know what’s happening and who did this—not run in fear.”

  Dylan said, “Whoever set us up doesn’t know how our family works.”

  His mother stood, and everyone went quiet. She looked at each of them. “Agreed. Hannah dear, can you help me serve the tea?”

  Hannah scooted her chair back and let his hand go, though she leaned closer to him and whispered, “Be right back, my love.”

  Hannah and his mother disappeared into the kitchen and Logan turned back toward his father. His father said, “Logan, your wife is the happiest woman here tonight. Educate your brothers on how you accomplished that feat.”

  Love changed him and for the better, but he’d not say that here. His brothers were clearly all still in the midst of drama, so he swallowed and hoped the right words came. “Hannah knows I value her, Father. It’s all I can say.”

  His father held up his champagne glass despite the fact his wife went for tea in the next room. “Then let’s cheer.”

  The baby woke up hollering. No one moved, so Logan finally said to his brother, “Ollie, your son is crying.”

  Ollie’s ex-girlfriend and now current wife was trying to comfort the baby, but his brother turned toward her and said, “Rachel, give him to me.”

  Logan couldn’t see her face when she turned toward his brother, but he felt the iciness next to him. Rachel handed the boy to Ollie and the boy stopped crying immediately.

  Rachel muttered under her breath.

  Ollie then said, “Okay Dad, we’re ready now.”

  Hannah returned with a tea pot, but set it down on the table before her and instead held her champagne glass that Jake quickly filled for everyone. They waited for Jake, but Logan felt his heart grow lighter when Hannah took his tea cup and poured him black tea for later. She checked Ollie and Rachel’s cups too and ensured everyone had one near them.

  Once she finished, she held her champagne in the air at the same time Jake finished filling everyone’s glasses. Logan took her hand.

  Hannah was beautiful and sweet.

  His father then lifted his glass and said, “I hope every one of my sons and my daughter live happily-ever-after and experience the joy of true love.”

  “Romantic as always my darling.” His mother held up champagne and cheered with the rest of them.

  Hannah squeezed his hand after they clinked glasses. “Your parents are happy.”

  “Like us, they love each other.” He winked and drank his champagne.

  Logan was truly happy—Hannah was exactly what he needed. And he had faith that good would win out over whoever threatened their family as long as they stuck together. Life was too good to lose now. Hannah made his life complete.

  Thank you for reading. I hope you enjoyed Logan and Hannah’s romance as much as I did. Next in the series is Doctor Oliver Bentley who was arrested for a crime he didn’t commit and to get out of jail marries his long time girlfriend Rachel Mira and finds out they already have a son in Irresistibly Tough.

  Or if you’re in the mood for more contemporary Gothic Romances, check out my first ever book that won awards in the FREE read Hidden Gabriel where Erica is stuck in a dangerous winter storm and the only shelter is Gabriel’s house, but what’s hiding in the walls?

  Or maybe you’re into more drama, then you’ll love the billionaire family drama of the House of Morgan, where romance is the only cure that might heal the past. The first book, Secret Crush, is FREE and available where you can see how the House of Morgan all started.

  And to find out about new books, sign up for my newsletter: https://victoriapinder.com

  Irresistibly Tough Preview

  Rachel Mira slid to the edge of the white leather couch, one hand gently rocking her son’s stroller, the other clicks open the latest article on Oliver Bentley. Leo might not be in the Silver Cross baby carriage, but he was comfortable and happy in his Graco. Her heart raced, as she gave a guilty glance toward the bassinet.

  All of Rachel’s cousins had married rich men, it seemed—while she’d just had one’s baby without ever telling him.

  Footsteps echoed down the marble hall and Rachel closed the news article and tucked her phone away before her pretty younger cousin entered the living area of this modern beachside mansion.

  Sophie reached down to hug her, and Rachel stood stiffly. “I don’t need an intervention. I have to go today.”

  Sophie smiled with compassion at Rachel’s slumbering son in the carriage and then motioned for the two of them to sit. Sophie straightened the waist of her white dress, patterned with bold yellow flowers. “I don’t know if you’re thinking straight though. Your mom died young, like mine did. I just want you to know that if you need to talk--”

  No. This had nothing to do with her parents’ deaths years ago. Rachel pursed her lips and ignored the buzz in her vein as she interrupted, “Sophie, I don’t know how you do what you do. Raising your sisters, and a child, while you’re still so young.”

  Sophie, Emily, Isabella and Abigail were all safe and happy now that Sophie had married Michael. Thinking about her four cousins on the run still sent a shiver through her as Abigail, the youngest, wasn’t even five.

  Sophie laughed. “We’re not here to talk about me. I just want you to be happy, Rachel.”

  Happiness was a state of mind and her son brought enough for her. This was the first time she’d ever left Leo anywhere, but Sophie lived close and Rachel would be able to get her son back as soon as the meeting was through. Rachel nibbled on her lips in a way that used to annoy her mother as she lowered her head and asked, “Are you sure Leo won’t be a problem?”

  Sophie’s bright smile was contagious. “Are you kidding? Emily’s about to finish high school, but she’s taking health where she has to pretend to be a mom, so the timing is perfect. In fact, all my sisters will love helping me babysit. So, re
lax and go see the man you love.”

  Her heart pounded. This wasn’t about love. She wasn’t that much of a fool. Oliver had just lost everything he’d ever had, and she needed to at least offer him friendship. Assistance. He was the father of her son and that was all. The past. Rachel hugged her waist. “I don’t love him.” She continued the lie she always told herself. “Or else I’d have told him about Leo last year.”

  Sophie made a face that said without words you’re crazy which would be right. Oliver had cheated on her with a beautiful Russian woman, and it hadn’t been the first time he’d strayed. She and Oliver were better off on their own as she didn’t fit into his, or now her cousin’s, sparkling, bright and clearly entitled world. Her other cousins Erica and Kimberly had also married well, so the Mira’s must like palaces and money. Rachel wasn’t about to stick to a man who didn’t respect her, just because he had more money than her.

  Rachel trusted her cousin to keep her son safe overnight. She pushed her hair out of her face and said, “Ollie’s in jail for a crime he couldn’t have committed—I need to see him.”

  He might attract women like a butterfly craves a flower, but he’d always had an honest streak and cared about honor and integrity.

  “Will he want to see you?” Sophie asked.

  Last year had been a roller coaster. Warm tropical breezes brushed a palm frond against the house. Her own life was like that relaxed breeze now, but it hadn’t been then. Life with Oliver had been a hurricane of emotion, but she’d created a less tumultuous existence for her and Leo.

  Would he want to see her? Because while he’d been the one to cheat, she’d been the one to break it off. “It’s complicated—I almost married his best friend but if I can help him now I will.”

  Leo made a small cry, indicating he was awake, and Sophie immediately picked him up. She smiled at the baby as he cooed for her and then looked at Rachel. “Just go. He’s Leo’s father. That’s all the reason you need to help him.”

  “Don’t tell him that. Ever.” Her body trembled. Too many people knew. She’d have to confess eventually, but Ollie had bigger issues in his life right now, like clearing his name. Her knees shook as she rose from the couch. “Goodbye. I’ll be back tomorrow.”