Chapter 11: Chapter 11

- We arrived...

Logan's soft murmur was the only thing that roused her from her stupor. Surprised, Missy realized that she had spent the entire drive lost in her own suffering, barely noticing that they had entered a beautiful condominium and stopped in front of a gigantic, but still very nice looking house. Welcoming was a good word too. Were it not for the circumstances, she would certainly be beyond delighted.

Still hugged to herself, huddled as close as she could in the seat, Missy took a few deep breaths, trying to calm herself down enough to get out of the car with what little dignity she had left, but Logan, again, was faster. At first, she thought he'd gotten out of the car just to wait for her outside, but to her complete surprise, he simply opened the passenger door and, before she realized what he was doing or Couldn't protest, Logan took her gently in his arms, cradling her like a baby as he carried her inside, as if she weighed nothing.

At first, Missy felt herself blushing and thought about asking him to let her go. However, weakened by the pain inside her, with her eyes swollen and her head heavy, she found that she could find some comfort in being held like that, feeling the warmth of his body against hers and the care that that sweet gesture conveyed. It was such a comforting sensation that, quickly, Missy decided she just wanted to drown in it. Closing her eyes and letting her head rest against Logan's shoulder, she only became aware of what was happening around her again when she found herself lying on an extremely soft bed.

Opening her eyes, she saw Logan sitting in a chair beside the bed, the room completely dark lit only by the moonlight coming from a nearby window, watching her with deep regret.

- Thanks. – was all she could whimper, curling up again between the sheets, assuming a fetal position again.

- No reason to say thank you. Especially when you're not well. – He sighed heavily, before getting up from the chair – Please, try to rest a little. I'll be right back.

Looking almost as haggard as she did, Logan left the room, leaving her alone in the silence and her own thoughts. Something that, to be honest, Missy was grateful for. After all, at that moment, all she wanted to do most was cringe and simply cease to exist, hoping that would make that tormenting feeling disappear. In fact, several other times in her life she had already felt out of place, inferior: her mother had criticized her tastes since she was born; her classmates had already said rude things to her and that still weighed heavily on her chest when she remembered; and, even if she tried hard not to let herself down, it was still a little painful to notice the looks of people who judged her clothes, the things she liked, her choice of profession, her body... But she had always tried to think that that it didn't matter so much. Many other people led worse lives. She had her father's love and even today she could count on all the affection and support from her older sister, not to mention the affection of the Knights, which was also something very precious. Other less fortunate people didn't even have it. Therefore, she tried to face those little discomforts that sometimes appeared in her chest as something common. Everyone felt insecure in various aspects of life, right? It was inevitable.

That night, however, was very different. Never before had she felt so exposed, so terribly humiliated. Because, as if the words she'd heard weren't enough to torture her completely, her mind seemed to be making a point of reminding her of the expression she'd seen on her boyfriend's face that night. Not just in that footage, but also right there, right in front of her. An expression that made it clear he wasn't sorry, just embarrassed that he'd been caught. Heavens, he hadn't even apologized. On the contrary, before that irrational spurt of anger overtook her, he was justifying himself. As if she was to blame for everything he'd said. Making it seem like if she hadn't worn the clothes she liked, if she'd slept with him, if she just hadn't been herself...

Then she would not be worthy of being betrayed and humiliated.

And, heavens, there was a part of her that was angry with him and Suzan, of course. They had been low, despicable, disgusting... And that terrible video proved that they were also cruel, even with Suzan insisting that only she had done it. Liam had been the one to say those words that would haunt her perhaps forever, so to her, he too had been nothing more than a rogue. However... Still...

There was a part of her that had shattered, maybe for good too, with the realization that Suzan and Liam truly believed in every word they said. And they weren't the only ones.

All her life, she had heard so many people say the same thing... That she was too weird, that her tastes were too ridiculous and childish, that she should take better care of her appearance, that she was too shy, too gangly. ... too frigid...

And she couldn't help but wonder if that didn't mean they were right.

That didn't give them the right to be cruel, of course, but... Would she really ever have someone who would truly love her? Would all other men be like Liam? Would they consider her cold, without passion? Would they despise her or keep her out of “pity”? As long as she remained herself, would no one ever consider her worthy of love and respect?

Would she spend the rest of her life wondering if she really meant all those horrible things they said?

- Missy? - Logan's whisper, yet soft, startled her, making her jump on the bed before facing him, standing beside the bed with a steaming mug in his hands.

Trying in vain to wipe her eyes swollen from crying, Missy searched for her voice, but her tight throat did not allow her to say anything as Logan continued to watch her sadly, almost as if seeing her in that state was getting to him too.

- You know that none of what that shit said is true... Don't you? – He asked hesitantly, as if he was afraid of the answer.

Immediately, Missy felt as if that cut in her chest had opened up a little more, and before she even realized what she was doing, she cringed even more as a sob escaped her throat.

- Please... - she begged, almost desperate, while her tears soaked the sheets below her - Please, I don't want to talk about this...

With a deeply tormented sigh, Logan squeezed his eyes shut, wearing that agonized expression for so long that Missy began to worry what could be wrong with him. But finally, after several minutes that seemed to drag between the two of them, he collected himself a little, returning to sit in that chair near the head of the bed, while he held out to her the mug he was carrying.

- Here, it will help you sleep. he offered gently.

- I... I don't think I can. she murmured weakly. Not just because she knew the thoughts in her head wouldn't let her find any peace that night, but also because she suspected she would have nightmares if she actually managed to fall asleep.

- Please, try. – he remained offering her the mug – You need to rest at least a little.

Hesitantly, she rose slowly, thinking there was no point in arguing with him. She would continue to feel bad anyway, so there was no reason to refuse his kindness. Carefully, she took the warm mug, feeling her fingertips brush his in the process. And, to her surprise, the tea inside was actually very nice, sweet and smooth on her tongue and comfortably warm in her throat as she drank it, heat radiating through her chest. Finally, once the mug was empty, she slowly handed it back to Logan, feeling shy to see him staring at her closely, now kneeling beside the bed.

- Thank you, Logan… – she sniffed, pulling the sheets of the bed until they covered her completely, almost like a cape – For everything.

- You really have nothing to thank me for. – he reaffirmed, low and melancholy – Please, try to rest a little, okay? I'm leaving now... - he got up, hesitating - Because I know you must want to be alone. But... Call me if you need to, okay? – he asked with a sigh, almost pleading.

Still without much strength, Missy just nodded slightly, sinking back into the thick, soft sheets as she watched Logan remain almost a full minute longer in the room, just looking at her, before giving another melancholy sigh and slowly leaving. from room. Once alone again, Missy just laid her heavy head back on the pillow and, even though she didn't want to, she couldn't stop herself from crying again, as all Liam's words came back to bombard her in her mind. Not just tonight's, but Saturday's too, replaying in her mind so clearly and vividly that she seemed to be living them over and over again as they grew more terrible, more painful, more real, louder. ...

Until, at some point, her ex-boyfriend's voice became so real that she let go of the bed, in a panic... And she realized that it was already dawn and that several rays of sunlight were illuminating the surroundings. her. Environment that was definitely not her room.

Massaging her temples to dispel the remnants of the nightmare that was still making her head throb, Missy glanced around the huge room she was in. All The room had sober tones of brown, gray and black, with ample space occupied by the biggest and most comfortable double bed she had ever slept in, as well as two bedside tables, a shelf full of books, a huge television that practically filled one of the walls completely and, finally, a huge wardrobe with mirrored doors, which seemed to serve to precede a room without doors inside the room – judging by the several jackets that she could see from where she was, Missy thought it was dealing with out of a closet.

That's when she finally remembered that she was in Logan Knight's room.

And most of all, she was reminded of how much he had helped her during the chaotic night before.

Damn it, Megan must have been panicking, not knowing where she was. She needed to call her sister urgently and...

That's when Missy finally noticed the small silver tray on the bedside table right next to her. In it were a small pill and a glass of water, as well as a note written in an elegant hand. Taking it, Missy couldn't help but give a small grateful smile.

“Missy,

I thought you might wake up feeling a little sick, so I left this headache pill in case you wake up before me. Don't hesitate to contact me if you need anything else. And I also left a new toothbrush in the bathroom for you. It's right next to the wardrobe.

P.S. Things will get better, I promise.

Ass.: Logan.”

The Knights had always told her that Logan was usually very attentive to the people she had some affection for, but she never really thought that one day she would experience that kind of care from him. Though her spirits were still far from improved, Missy couldn't help but appreciate the gesture. After taking the medicine, she got out of bed slowly and headed for the bathroom, while looking at her own condition: her dress was wrinkled and, at some point during the night, she had tossed and turned so much that her coat became a tangled tangle of fabric trapped in it. only on your wrists. Arranging it around her, she opened the bathroom door, deeply glad Logan had been kind enough to get her a toothbrush…

But the happiness dissipated as soon as Missy stared into the huge mirror in front of her.

And just the mere sight of her reflection made her freeze.

The aversion wasn't as desperately strong as the night before, but still, she looked quickly away from her haggard image, her eyes puffy and her cheeks red from crying. Feeling the discomfort inside her chest inexplicably increase, Missy struggled to maintain her composure, trying her best not to slip back into the wretched state she'd been in last night. As quickly as she could manage, she washed her face and brushed her teeth, refusing to even look back at the huge horizontal mirror that ran the length of the wide, dark marble sink.

Once out of the bathroom, Missy couldn't contain the long sigh of relief that escaped her, even though that overreaction to her reflection had her a little worried. Okay, probably nothing she was feeling right now was healthy, but that was a little too much. Megan would certainly say that...

That's when it hit her: her purse had been left at the Newtons' and heaven knew she'd rather die than have to go back there to get it. Which meant she was without her cell phone and unable to call her sister right away…or maybe Logan could help her with that too.

Timidly, Missy walked out of that beautiful room, moving fearfully down the hall as she took in a few portraits of the Knight family pinned to the walls, before finally reaching the end of it, stopping in what appeared to be the dining room, judging by the glass table littered with of places there. However, what really caught his attention was the sound of something being fried that came from very close. Advancing a little further, she only had to dodge one more wall before coming across a beautiful kitchen, where Logan was standing in front of the stove, with his bare back facing her, while stirring something inside a frying pan.. Bacon, she realized, as the delicious smell reached her, making her stomach, empty since the previous afternoon, growl with hunger.

The sound was apparently louder than she expected, as Logan immediately turned to face her, flashing a gentle smile. That's when she noticed that, on the counter behind him, there was a tray full of utensils such as a plate of fried eggs, a small china teapot, a basket of rolls, cups and fruit...

That's when Missy realized he must be planning to bring her breakfast in bed.

And just that prospect made her blush fiercely.

That and because he was shirtless... In addition to wearing pajama pants with the waist a little Too low. Low enough to allow her to see the V-shaped path there, before quickly looking away, not just from there, but also from his bare and disconcertingly well-defined chest. It was a little obvious that, having been one of the most successful male models in history, he would be in excellent physical shape, but still... Seeing this right in front of her was a little... Awkward.

Warmly awkward.

- Good Morning. – he greeted her gently, watching her carefully for a few seconds, before asking – How are you feeling?

- I think... A little better. – she sighed, trying to be optimistic – A little calmer, at least.

- I'm happy. – Logan gave a sad smile, almost as if he knew she wasn't being completely sincere – Would you like some breakfast? He waved at the appetizing-looking foods spread out on the counter.

- I think I'd better call my sister first. – Missy bit her lip – She must be very worried...

- I already called her. – he revealed serenely, taking the bacon out of the pan and placing the four slices next to the eggs – I made it just yesterday. Megan was really worried that she didn't know where you had gone, but I explained that she had brought you to my house and that you were fine. She wanted to come here, of course, but then she realized that you needed some time alone before you talked. – he said calmly, as he took the small teapot and poured two cups – I'm sure she and Devon will be here soon, don't worry. – He smiled towards her, making her blush even more – Oh, and I think you'll like to know that she took her purse and all her other belongings that were still… There. He muttered that last word coldly, looking as averse to the Newton name as she felt.

- That's great. – Although the wound in her chest throbbed a little with that mere mention, Missy felt relieved to know that she wouldn't have to go back to that place – Logan ...-she swallowed, embarrassed as she stared at him-Thank you very much. Really. - Although shy, her thanks was also deeply intense.

- You know you don't have to thank me. – He gave another sad smile – I just did the least I could.

- But it was all I needed. – She smiled back, as crestfallen as he was – I don't know what I would have done yesterday, if it weren't for you… – she sniffed, distressed just imagining – So… Thank you very much once again. For everything. Especially for tea. – she tried to make the subject a little lighter, as she approached the counter and sat down in one of the chairs there, trying at all costs not to stare at his chest – You were right, it really helped me to rest a little. Besides being delicious.

- I think my mother deserves most of the thanks. - He opened a smile so beautiful that it almost stole Missy's breath - I just boiled the water. - Logan shrugged, clearly proud to be able to talk about Gwyneth Knight, who was one of the kindest women he had ever met - She is the only one who grows these herbs at home and makes these mixtures that are almost miraculous. This one is from... Chamomile, Lavender and Passion Flower. – he quoted, quickly picking up a glass pot full of herbs that was in a crystal box on top of the counter, alongside several others, which seemed to contain other mixtures - It works more than any sleeping pill... Well, at least it works for me, when I have insomnia. – he praised absently.

- You have insomnia? she asked, before she even realized that she had opened her mouth in surprise. Logan had always seemed so powerful and unattainable to her. It was almost astonishing to know that he suffered from such trivial problems.

- Sometimes. Especially on bad days... When I end up seeing what I don't want. – he muttered in a low voice, turning his back to her so he could get butter and juice from the fridge, putting them next to the other foods quickly, but his face stopped being stormy when he moved one of the cups closer to her – This is another one of my mother's teas. It is a mixture of Rosemary, Lemongrass and Aniseed. It's really nice to relax.

- Sounds great, thanks. – She brought the cup to her lips, being immediately enchanted by the sweet taste – Wow, remind me to compliment Gwyneth the next time I see her. – Missy smiled – It's just wonderful!

- She'll be over the moon with the compliment. – He laughed fondly – Gardening has always been her favorite hobby, but producing these tea blends has become her passion in recent years… – he commented, while moving the tray full of food closer to her – Breakfast? He smirked as he heard her stomach growl again.

- Hmmm... Yes, thank you. She picked up one of the buns, chewing on it more greedily than he intended after the tasty mass dissolved on his tongue.

They ate in complete silence for a few minutes, especially since, despite his enormous kindness the day before, Logan still wasn't exactly close friends with her and Missy had no idea what topic would be appropriate to discuss with him. But more than ever, she wanted to be able to talk to him. She wished that they could become closer and that she could get to know more of the generous and kind man who had helped her last night. Maybe she could start by mentioning something about the agency and...

That's when she realized a second thing, which literally made her want to throw up.

Liam and Suzan worked in the same office building as her.

How could she step foot in there again?