Logan climbs the steps and opens the door with a keycard he retrieves from above the doorframe. He presses his hand to a panel on the wall, and an automated recording acknowledges him by name. Power surges to life, illuminating the house. “Black out,” Logan commands, and all the windows automatically shutter. A narrow mirrored staircase in front of us leads to an elevated room above. We are standing in a large open space, which encompasses the main living area.
Two soft textile couches surround a large square wall-mounted box on one side, while a sleek kitchen with a row of seamless units fits neatly into the corner on the opposite side. A floating tabletop with hovering seats occupies the center space. My eyes almost bug out of my head adjusting to the strange sight. Glancing behind me, I note the slim corridor that stretches to the rear of the property, leading to the bedrooms and bathrooms, I assume.
Logan moves around the room removing filmy sheets. “No one ventures out here anymore, so the risk of detection is minimal, but I think we should be smart all the same. Shutters aren’t to be opened, and only venture outside at night. Never leave without a weapon. Don’t use any of the communications devices in case the signal is detected.”
He walks toward me, taking the boxes from my hands. Piling them on top of the floating table, he turns and faces us, gesturing with his hands. “Make yourselves at home. Bedrooms are through there.” He points to the corridor. “There’s a small gym upstairs.”
Win and Dali set their boxes down in the kitchen and wander off toward the bedrooms. I help Logan unpack the food supplies. “Is this your place?” I ask, reaching up and attempting to store some items in an overhead cabinet.
Logan reaches over me, plucking the boxes from my hands, easily sliding them into the press. I scowl, hating being small. “Stick to the base units,” he suggests, fighting hard to contain his smug smile.
“Jackass,” I mutter under my breath. Crouching to my knees, I unload a few more things.
He chortles. “This house has been in my mother’s family for years. We used to come here often when we were little, but after she died, my father refused to return. I found ways of sneaking out here, and I’m the only one who uses it now. I’m sure my father has long since forgotten this place. He would never dream of checking here.”
I stand up as Dali and Win walk into the kitchen with matching awkward faces. Purplish-red stains sweep under the surface of their skin. “Logan?” she asks. “There are only two bedrooms?”
“Yep. Is that a problem?” He stretches back against the counter, crossing his ankles at the feet. A huge smirk covers his mouth, and I kick him in the shins. It doesn’t even register a response, an involuntary twitch, nothing.
“I’ll share with you, Dali, and the boys can room together,” I offer.
Her face visibly relaxes. “Tha—”
“Sorry, babe,” Logan says, carting me into his arms. “No can do. I’m not sharing you. Not now. Not ever. You’re with me.”
I beam up at him like a lovesick fool, and it’s not as if I’m going to protest after that proclamation. My eyes return to Dali, and I’m instantly guilty. She’s biting her lip, shifting self-consciously on her feet. “The couch looks comfy. Perhaps Win can sleep there?” I propose.
“Or you two can room together? We won’t tell. Scout’s honor.” Logan smiles slyly. This time I elbow him in the ribs. I detect a slight tremor. Very slight. Barely noticeable. But it’s something.
“Come on.” I scrunch a handful of his shirt. “Let’s go claim a room.” I want to give them some privacy to talk. Logan smirks a bit more as we walk toward a clearly uncomfortable Win and Dali, and this time I punch him full force in the stomach. Securing my wrists, Logan hoists me up in one swift movement and throws me over his shoulder. “Logan!” I squeal. “Let me down!”
“Not until you promise to stop hitting me.” He naughtily swats my butt, and I squeal again.
My head kicks up and my eyes meet Dali’s. She’s trying hard not to laugh. “I promise, now let me down.” I waggle my brows at her, and she coughs out a giggle.
“No chance,” Logan says, slapping my butt again.
“You promised!”
“I lied. Suck it up!” He stalks down the corridor, flings open the door on the left, and walks into the bedroom, shutting it closed with his foot. He throws me onto the bed and climbs slowly up my body, hovering over me with gleeful abandon. All my lady parts swoon. “Hitting is very naughty, Ms. Owens. I believe some punishment is in order.” There’s a devilish glint in his eye.
My chest heaves with nervous excitement, and my breathing is labored when I speak. “So punish me then.”
Fire roars to life in his eyes as he maneuvers his body down on top of me until we’re lined up perfectly. His body hums and trembles against mine, and I twitch as every cell cries out in rampant need. I lift one knee, and Logan dips lower into the bed, the fire burning brighter in his eyes. I don’t know who moves first, but our lips are suddenly devouring one another as inner heat intensifies to boiling point. I curve my body into his while I paw at his shirt. His hands delve into my hair, moving my mouth even closer. His kisses consume me, and I give into it, nipping and biting as desire takes full control of my body, and my senses are firing on all cylinders. My clothes feel damp and redundant.
My lips trail a path from his lips to his neck, and I suck on his skin like a vampire in training. Logan moans, tilting my head up and owning my mouth again. Delicious tingles feather skin-deep, and an unfamiliar ache sears me from the inside. The undeniable urge to feel his naked skin against mine unravels me. My hands fumble with his shirt, releasing it from his pants, as I shunt it up his torso. Ripping his lips momentarily off mine, he tugs it over his head, tossing it on the floor. My hands explore his perfectly formed torso, persisting on his defined abs. His fingers splay on my hips, and his touch seeps into my bones through the thin fabric of my dress. My back bows off the bed, and I emit a needy whimper. Quick as a flash, he flips onto his back, whipping me up onto his lap, as his lips latch on my swollen mouth.
I grind against him, a mass of writhing hormones ready to combust, and he groans. His fingers creep under my dress, and a slow burn kindles low in my belly. My skin sizzles with every caress, and I never want to stop feeling this. I want a lifetime of touches and kisses and more. This feels unbelievably good, and my body trembles with powerful want. I want this with him. I need it. I need him.
But we can’t do this. There are far too many risks.
Once again, I’m the voice of reason, and I hate it.
Logic powers through the hazy cloud of desire, and I hop off his lap, flopping down on the bed beside him.
Neither of us speaks. We lie there, chests rising and falling in unison, breath oozing out in raspy spurts. He threads his hand in mine. “Sadie.” My name is a prayer on his lips, and it does funny things to my insides. “I’m so weak. I’m sorry.”
I prop up on an elbow and turn to face him. “Don’t be sorry. I want this with you so badly too.” I squirm, aching and uncomfortable, and unsure how to give my body what it seems to need.
He looks at me with observant eyes, and a naughty grin slips over his mouth. “Maybe we’ve been going about this all wrong.” I shoot a quizzical look his way. “Instead of focusing on what we can’t do, we should concentrate on all the things we can.” He slithers down the bed. Blood thrums faster in my veins as he gently clasps my ankle, his fingers teasingly creeping up my leg.
I flop flat on my back and bury my chin in my neck, slyly watching him. He holds my gaze as his hand continues its experimental journey up my leg. My harsh breathing echoes in the quiet room, and he smiles roguishly. I squirm uncontrollably, clammy and impatient under my clothes. His fingers reach the hem on my dress as a boisterous thump on the door causes me to practically jump out of my skin. I shriek a little.
“Sorry to interrupt, eh, whatever,” Win says from behind the door. “But we should do a perimeter run, Logan. To be on the safe side.”
> Logan curses, rocking back on his heels. “I’ll be right out,” he yells. Playful Logan is gone, replaced by his more serious alter ego. “Rain check?”
I emit a hankering sigh, submerging farther into the bed. “Sure.” He chuckles as he stoops down to give me a chaste kiss before he leaves.
I take a few minutes to calm my rampant hormones before I join Dali in the sitting room. Melodious tunes tickle my eardrums as I plop down on the couch opposite her. She hands me a bottle with some type of clear liquid in it and a plate of sliced fruit-like items.
Uncapping her bottle, she takes a quick glug. “That sounded like quite the reunion,” she says with a soft teasing smile.
I flush fire engine red. Who knew the walls were paper-thin? “Oh my God. That’s so embarrassing.”
“I’m just jealous.” My eyes flick sharply in her direction, and she almost gags on her drink. “Not about Logan!” she rushes to reassure me. “I meant Win. I wish I had that with Win,” she adds quietly.
“He’s the one you love?” She nods. “Did you tell him?”
“There hasn’t been time.” She sits in a cross-legged stance.
“We’re here for a couple of days. You should tell him then. You might not get another opportunity.” I pop a purple-colored piece of fruit in my mouth, puckering my face at the burst of ripe bitterness that smothers my tongue.
Dali laughs. “Try the yellow one; it’s not as sour.” I pick up a yellow piece and inspect it. “What if he doesn’t feel the same way?” All laughter has gone from her expression.
I put the fruit back on the plate and walk over beside her. “I’ve seen the way he looks at you, cares about you, I think he probably does.”
“I’ll look like a fool if he doesn’t.”
“No you won’t. He’ll at least be flattered.” I pat her knee reassuringly.
She snorts. “I’ve known him a long time. He won’t feel that, believe me.” She chews on the side of her lip.
“Did you know him before he became your bodyguard?”
“Yes. His family have worked for the Royal family for generations. He lived on our estate with his family, and because we were close in age, we used to hang out together all the time. We’ve been practically inseparable from the time we could walk. All my childhood memories include him. For as long as I can remember, it’s always been him and me.” She stares off into space, no doubt recalling cherished moments.
“Wow, Dali. That sounds so romantic, like you two were always meant to be. Did you ever make out or date or anything?” I twirl a strand of my hair around my finger.
She snaps out of her memory. “My father wouldn’t share your view. And to answer your other question, we did make out this one time.” A dreamy faraway look takes over her face. “It was a year before he assumed his role as my bodyguard. We were fifteen, and we’d snuck out of the annual Independence Ball to attend a party in one of Win’s friend’s houses. I remember how excited I was to be going to a normal party, like a normal girl.” Her fingers skim over the fabric of the couch. “It started out amazingly well. We were dancing, and hanging out with his schoolmates, and generally having a great time. At the end of the night, on the walk home, he kissed me. And it was the most incredible kiss ever.” She strokes her lips. “Until Win’s father showed up, screaming at both of us. He dragged us home, and the next day, Win told me it had been a mistake and we couldn’t ever do anything like that again. That was the first and only time I was a normal girl. My first kiss.”
“His father must’ve scared him off.”
She shrugs. “Maybe, or perhaps he got caught up in the moment, and in the cold light of day he realized that it wasn’t what he wanted.” She spreads her fingers on her thighs. “The thing that scares me the most is the prospect of ruining our friendship. What if I tell Win that I love him, that I’ve always loved him, and he’s the only one for me, and he doesn’t feel the same way? It might destroy the friendship we have, and I can’t lose him. I just can’t.”
An embarrassed cough startles us both. Dali’s eyes pop wide in fear. I look up, noticing Win and Logan standing in the doorway. I don’t know how long they’ve been there, or how much they heard, but judging from the shell-shocked look on Win’s face, I’m guessing he heard the most important part. Dali is frozen on the spot, totally rocking the “deer in the headlights” look. I press into her ear. “It’s in the hands of the Gods now. Be brave. Tell him exactly how you feel. Good luck!”
I traipse toward the boys, carefully watching Win. He stands ramrod straight, equally frozen, an awestruck look on his face. A faint pink hue tinges his skin, and I discreetly smile. I bet he hasn’t realized he’s showing his true colors. I’m glad. It should give Dali the courage she needs to open her heart and her mouth. I subtly nudge Win in Dali’s direction as I snatch a jacket off the hook by the door. Taking Logan’s hand, I haul him outside. I bounce up and down, squealing and clapping my hands together the minute Logan pulls the door shut behind us.
He gives me a lopsided grin as he rolls the sleeves up on my too-big jacket. “You’re awfully excited.”
“They love each other! It’s so sweet.” A soft breeze billows around us, and I tug my zipper up to the collar. I take his offered hand, and his heady warmth heats me up in a nanosecond.
“Don’t go jumping the gun.”
“I saw the emotion on his face, and I’m sure Dali did too, so he can’t get away with pretending he doesn’t share her feelings. I’m sure they can work through the rest.”
He stops abruptly. Curious eyes penetrate mine. “What do you mean you saw his emotion?”
“I see the colors swirling underneath their skin, and Dali explained it to me.”
He stares at me in amazement. “Is there no end to your talents?” I blush scarlet and he barks out a husky laugh. “Mind out of the gutter, Angel.” Embarrassed, I shove his arm, and he chuckles again. “How much time do you think they’ll need?” he asks, deliberately changing the subject.
“A lot.” I rise on tiptoe and plant a quick one on him. “Give me a tour?”
He kisses the tip of my nose. “Sure. I know just the place.”
We set out in the opposite direction. Logan flips on a torch-like gadget and competently leads the way through the woods. We talk quietly as we walk. I express concern over my sister and our friends in New York, and Logan assures me he’s been in regular contact with Haydn and everyone is okay. After a bit of pestering, he sends a telepathic message to Haydn to relay to Ella on my behalf. I sag in grateful relief. At least she won’t be as worried now.
After a couple of miles, Logan leads me out of the forest to the edge of a very steep mountain. We sit down, feet dangling over the ledge.
I emit a low whistle as I look down, absorbing the astonishing view. A large crystal-clear lake is spread out underneath us, stretching all the way to a heavily condensed city in the distance. “That’s the new district up ahead,” he confirms. Dazzling multi-colored lights sparkle radiantly as the city pulses with vibrant life. A multitude of slick high-rises of various sizes and shapes sprawl in all directions. Hovercrafts and small ships line the space over the city, weaving in and out of the dark night sky.
A huge, glistening structure to the far north of the district captures my attention. I strain my eyes, stretching my vision as far as it will go. The building is mounted on an elevated site overlooking the city below. Three peaked spikes coil majestically upward at a slanted angle, a large five-pronged star-like object occupying prime position on the highest center spike. The entire structure looks to be constructed of mirror or glass or some similar type material. I extend my hand, pointing a finger. “What’s that place?”
“That’s the palace. My home,” Logan says sheepishly.
I splutter. “Wow.” I’m at a loss for what else to say. Ostentatious and grandiose don’t even do it justice. Our upbringings could not have been more different. Despite the obvious distance, I tremble with barely contained fear. “You’re sure the
y can’t see us from here?” Tilting my head back, I drag my gaze over the empty calm skies above us.
“Relax, Angel.” He envelops me in his sturdy arms. “We’re safe.”
“It’s such a contrast. It’s so quiet up here and so manic looking down there.”
“That’s part of the reason why I like to escape here whenever I can. It’s soothing. And I like to feel close to my mom. Apart from a few trinkets, this place is my only remaining connection to her.”
I wiggle out of his arms, sitting forward on my knees so I’m directly facing him. “What happened? How did she die?”
He clenches his jaw as he curls into me. Our knees brush sending a burst of lovely warmth skin-deep. “I’ve only ever spoken with one other person about that day.” His brows knit together. “I’ll tell you, but you might think differently of me afterwards.”
I take his hands in mine. “No way.” I shake my head. “I know you. I love you. No matter what.”
He takes a steadying breath. “Mom is dead because of me. I killed her.”
CHAPTER 16
Okay. Definitely wasn’t anticipating that. I stare at him wordlessly, and he scrutinizes my reaction, his face slowly crumbling. He looks so vulnerable, and despite my shock at his statement, I hold solid to my promise. I squeeze his hands. “Tell me what happened. Please.”
He looks away, knotting his hands in his lap, transparent heartache marring his beautiful face. “I was seven, and my mother had escorted me to the Annual Heir’s Summit. It was the last day, and we were getting ready to go home. I was hanging out with Dali and a few of my other friends while Mom organized the return trip.” He bites down hard on his lip.
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