Page 127 of Logan
I sigh, scrubbing a hand over my face.
“I broke up with Georgina, and she didn’t take it well. She got angry and told me she never loved me because it wasimpossible to love me, that I was incapable of love. That I’m distant, that I’ll be alone forever.”
I drop my gaze to my lap, my throat tight. “We broke up, and a month later, she came back demanding money, or she would expose the fact that I’m adopted.”
Sloane’s brow furrows. “I thought no one knew.”
“She found the adoption papers. She visited my dad’s house with me numerous times, and while I was sitting with my father discussing business, she snooped around.”
Anger sparks in Sloane’s eyes. “So, she’s blackmailing you?”
I shrug, feeling the familiar weight of guilt settle on my shoulders. “I wasn’t fair to her. I strung her along for months in a relationship that wasn’t going anywhere for no reason other than that I was wrapped up in myself.”
Sloane shakes her head. “Nothing justifies blackmail, and you shouldn’t feel guilty. Besides, you didn’t string her along. She wanted to be in that relationship, otherwise she would have broken up with you herself.”
I make a noncommittal noise, not convinced. “Anyway, I knew my dad didn’t want it to get out, otherwise he wouldn’t have kept it a secret from everyone. I wasn’t willing to risk her going to the media with the information. My parents were the only ones in this world who loved me, despite everything. Despite what I am. And now only Dad is left. I couldn’t do that to him.”
Sloane reaches out, her fingers grazing my knee. “He’s not the only one who loves you.”
My head snaps up, my heart stuttering in my chest. “I— What?”
She meets my gaze, her eyes clear and earnest. “He’s not the only one. I love you too.”
I shake my head, a sad smile twisting my lips. “No, you don’t. I’m unlovable, Sloane. No one ever stays for long because I’m fucked up. It was just sex, physical attraction. You love the sex. Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled about that because fuck, sex with you is amazing. And I’m willing to take whatever you’ll give me, even if it’s just sex. But you told me yourself that you could never fall for me.”
Sloane makes a frustrated noise, her hands clenching into fists. “I said that because I was hurt, not because I don’t want you. Damn it, Logan, maybe there is something wrong with you if you can’t see that. I’ve been in love with you almost from the start. It was never just sex to me.”
I stare at her, not daring to breathe. “Fuck, Sloane, don’t play with me. I can’t?—”
“I’m not playing.” She climbs into my lap, straddling me, her hands cupping my face. “I love you, Logan Valeur. Iamin love with you.”
I let out a shuddering breath, searching her eyes for any hint of deception, any sign that this is some cruel joke. But all I see is sincerity, a depth of emotion that steals the air from my lungs.
“Why?” I rasp out, not recognizing my voice.
She tilts her head, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Why do I love you?”
I nod. “Yeah. Why? I’m not a good person, Sloane. Everyone’s afraid of me. Why would you love me?”
Sloane’s expression softens, her thumb stroking over my cheekbone. “Who said you’re not a good person? When I wasin trouble, you rushed to protect me without thinking about the consequences, and that was when we barely knew each other. When you told me you protect what’s yours, I nearly came on the spot.”
My eyes widen at her confession, heat rushing through me.
“And you weren’t supposed to find out about this, but I saw you when you bought a meal for that homeless man on the street.” She looks down, a faint blush staining her cheeks.
I frown. “You were following me?”
“No! Yes, actually. I mean, not exactly. I saw you by chance on the street and then I kind of followed you to see what you were doing. But it wasn’t planned or anything, I swear.”
She takes a deep breath, rushing on. “You could have told Liam you had no idea who was in that video and come out squeaky clean, but you chose to confess the truth and face the consequences. You invest in products that will do good for humanity, not just products that will make you money. You care about the company and bust your ass just to make your dad happy. Should I go on?”
I squeeze my eyes shut, my muscles trembling with the force of the emotions I try to contain. No one has ever said such things to me, words that pierce straight into my soul. No woman has ever told me she loves me. Could it be true?
“Logan.” Sloane’s voice is soft and tender. “Look at me.”
I open my eyes, meeting her gaze. She looks at me like I’m something precious, something cherished.Like I’m worth loving.
“I love you,” she says again, each word ringing withconviction. “I love your brilliance and your drive and your passion. I love how fiercely loyal you are, even when you pretend not to give a damn. I love that when you care about something, you throw your whole heart into it, no holds barred. You’re not an easy man, but you’re an incredible one. And I’m so fucking lucky to be loved by you.”
