Chapter 12: Chapter 12

- Missy? Missy! - the way Logan's exclamation sounded made her think that it wasn't the first time he was calling her, however, to her complete disbelief, he lifted his hands and cupped her face gently, making her face him - Missy , what happened?

- N-nothing... - she stammered, still distressed - It's okay.

- Obviously not. - he watched her attentively, desolate - I know it's hard to talk about this, Missy, but please don't close yourself off like that. Let me try to help you.

Swallowing hard, she remained silent for a while longer, pondering whether to share that concern with him or not... Until Missy realized that, after everything he had done for her, Logan certainly deserved all the honesty in the world.

And she truly found herself not wanting to worry him for nothing.

- It's no big deal... - she sniffed, trying to ease the situation, even to herself - I just... I hadn't stopped to think that I'm going to have to see... See both of them, if I go back to my office. - avoiding saying their names out loud didn't help lessen the pain inside her - But, it's okay. I'm just going to stop going there. It is not a big deal.

- But of course it is. - Logan disagreed, looking dismayed - You love that office, Missy! They were the ones who got it wrong. You shouldn't deprive yourself of your work environment because of two complete imbeciles. Besides, you can't work from home and I saw how excited you were to finish your project. It will end up delaying you further.

For a minute, Missy could only wonder how he knew she couldn't be very productive around the house—Did my sister tell you about why I need the office? - she questioned him, curious, wondering in what kind of situation the two could have talked about that kind of thing...

- She mentioned it one time or another. - Logan explained, still looking aloof - But that's not what we're talking about.

- I know, but... - she sighed desolately - Please, Logan, understand... I couldn't see them every day anymore, after everything that happened... I just couldn't bear it. Needing to wrap her arms around herself due to the pain and vulnerability she felt, Missy whispered her confession, hoping Logan could understand her…

- Would you like me to fire them?

Her question, calm and determined, made her look up immediately, not being able to believe what she had just heard-What?!

- Would you like me to put them in the street eye? - he seemed strangely satisfied with that prospect.

- But... What would be the reason? she stammered, still completely stunned that he'd even suggested that.

- People get fired without cause all the time. He shrugged, clearly not the least bit flustered.

'I think they would know it was because of me…' Missy mused, a little disoriented.

- This is a problem? Logan raised an eyebrow, still looking good-natured.

- They wouldn't spare comments about how unethical you were. - She sighed heavily, almost being able to hear Liam's revolt screams when he was fired - Believe me, I know.

- Both already say a lot of stupid things normally. - With an irritated snarl, he left behind the counter, coming to sit beside her, so close that she felt herself blush - It would be a pleasure to finally give them a reason to talk. – he growled softly, before biting into an apple.

- But... I don't understand... - she swallowed, disconcerted - Why would you do that?

- Because I don't want you to harm yourself because of two people as horrible as they are. - Logan stated, without any hesitation - You love your office and it's not fair that you lose it. So I'm going to do everything in my power to prevent that from happening. - The intense way those green eyes watched her made her skin crawl, but not in an unpleasant way.

- Oh, Logan, thank you... - she smiled sadly, more and more touched by all those kind gestures of his - But, even so, I don't want you to end up being harmed. - Missy sighed, feeling uncomfortable with just that possibility – The agency has an impeccable reputation, especially in HR matters. Or even worse: I know that they would also be able to even invent lies, just to try to affect you and the agency.

- I wouldn't go out...

- And it wouldn't be fair. - She interrupted him with a painful sigh - They were horrible, it's true, but none of that has to do with their work. – Trying to control the tears that were starting to fill her eyes, Missy leaned over the bench, hiding her face between her arms – And I… I don't want to be like them.

– You would never be like them. – he assured her vehemently, and she was surprised to feel his gentle hand running through her hair, apparently trying to comfort her a little with those soft caresses.

- Thanks. – she sniffed, raising her face a little between her arms so she could smile shakily at him – For everything. Even for suggesting it.

- Still a good plan. – he leaned over the counter, so he could look at her better, with an amused and sweet smile on his lips – I could find a way to fire them for just cause, if that makes you feel better.

“Logan, I'm trying to do the right thing. – despite all the sadness, she couldn't stop a little laugh from escaping her – You could try to help me.

- Just do the right thing and leave the wrong thing to me. – With a sweet smile, he gently removed a lock of her hair from her face – I have enough grudge to share between the two of us, believe me.

- I think I have a lot too... - she confessed, feeling that feeling of humiliation and inferiority returning to involve her - I don't know if I'll ever be able to forgive them, especially... - She swallowed hard, trying to control the new wave of crying she could feel coming on.

- Especially what? Logan asked carefully, running his thumb gently across her cheek, wiping away a tear she hadn't realized had already fallen.

- I... I just keep wondering... Why. – she confessed, anxiously trying to wipe away the new tears that started to flow freely – Why do all that? If I'm really such a bad, such a cold, such a shameful, such a ridiculous girlfriend... Why not just break up with me? I would be sad, but I wouldn't be depressed like he said... - She defended herself between gasps - I would be understanding with him, as I always tried to be. All he had to do was be sincere! Or even if I made up some stupid lie, I don't know, but anything would be better than… - she stopped for a moment to take a deep breath, almost suffocated by the feeling of tightness in her chest – They just didn't need to humiliate me like that. way. – she sighed, in agony – So: why? Why are they so cruel? Even if I really am all those things he said... I didn't deserve this... Did I?

- Oh, Missy... - he let out a deep moan, before moving forward to wrap her in his arms, in a tight hug - Of course not. You deserve all the best in the world, never doubt that. – he consoled her, depositing a small pressure on the top of her forehead that she thought was a kiss – And nothing, nothing, of what they said is true, Missy. Absolutely nothing. – He stated with such determination that his voice became even deeper.

"I don't even know anymore..." She sniffed, feeling so fragile that she simply allowed herself to sink into his embrace and the warmth of his bare skin against her cheek... But then embarrassment hit her and she straightened up quickly. , trying to compose herself, although Logan still had his strong arms around her waist, making her feel warm... With embarrassment, maybe. She couldn't quite place it. “But even if I don't think I'll ever be able to forgive them… Still, it doesn't seem right to make them lose their jobs just to get back at me. - Missy concluded with a sad sigh, trying to remain calm.

- And you honestly don't think about it, even after everything? Logan narrowed his eyes, as if he was assessing her.

- On what? Missy questioned, not understanding what he was referring to.

- Revenge. he clarified, his expression livid.

- Oh... - she widened her eyes in surprise and swallowed hard, before answering - Well... No. I'm really hurt and angry, don't get me wrong, but... I haven't really thought about it. – she pondered, uncertain – The truth is that I never did that kind of thing. I wouldn't know where to start. – she shrugged, clearly putting that matter aside quickly; it was a ridiculous thing to think about anyway – and I would hate to get someone involved in all this and threaten to harm them, like you do.

- And... - For some unknown reason, his low and husky tone made her skin crawl in that heady way again – If there was no risk of me harming myself?

- Like this? – she stammered nervously, fidgeting in the chair and between their arms.

- Liam and Suzan are selfish and self-centered people. – he hugged her tighter when he felt her shudder – The only way to make them swallow their words is to hit them directly, where it hurts the most. And if you're not willing to leave them without a job... How about proving them wrong? Her green eyes took on a dangerous gleam as he glared at her. – Hit them at their weakest point: the ego.

- What do you mean? – more confused than ever, she tried to sustain that intense gaze, despite feeling herself blush more and more.

"If they're so sure you could never find another man by being yourself…" he growled darkly. "We'll prove them wrong." In fact, we'll do better: we'll force them to watch, every single day, how much happier you are in the arms of a man who loves and wants you just the way you are. May you respect and idolize the beautiful, intelligent, kind, cultured and adorable woman that you are.

- Are you suggesting that... I make them jealous? - she tried to understand what exactly he was talking about.

"Jealousy isn't a word I'd use, since you're not even going to talk to that little shit Newton again, if I can help it." Much less try to get back at him. – His tone was so stern that it sounded more like a threat to Liam than anything else – I think the right word for what I'm suggesting, taking into account the types of people Newton and Foster are, would be envy. – Logan clarified – You and I know how superb they are. I don't doubt that one of the reasons that motivated that idiot to continue his relationship with you was the fact that he liked to put you down, to feel that he was superior to you. And Suzan is just as self-centered. Imagine how they would ruminate when they realized that you are infinitely better than the two of them. That they didn't hit her the way they wanted. That you are at peace, happy, professionally accomplished... And that you are being loved more than they could ever dream of, by a man who truly deserved you and who was superior to Newton. Not that that last part is difficult. - Logan growled, but she interrupted him.

- So... You want me to find a fake boyfriend to deceive them, pretending I'm fine? – she asked slowly – Like in the movies?

- Partly… – Logan seemed to think about what she had said – But I don't just want to look good. I want you to really try to recover from everything they've done to you, Missy. I want when I finally realize how terribly low and mean people they are both, who love stepping on other people and hate to see other people's happiness, to realize how nothing they said was true. They were cruel lies to try to keep you from realizing how you are better and more important than them, in every way. And if seeing her with a man they also consider superior is going to bother them in any way, then yes. I want you and your new beau to show off in front of them until those two snakes writhe with envy so intense they can barely fit inside them. I want to see their expressions of anger that they couldn't take you down. Because you found a happiness they will never have. But mostly, I want you to feel vindicated. I want you to be able to look at those two and feel powerful and extraordinary, as you truly are, rather than sad or hurt. I want her to recognize how unworthy they are of people to make her think such terrible things about herself, to hurt her this way. And I want this man to be able to prove all of that to not just them, but especially to you. – during all her speech until that moment, she had been hypnotized by the intensity in those green eyes and, for a moment, she could have sworn she saw him staring at her mouth – I want him to help her to see herself as she really is: a special woman, smart, beautiful, cultured, funny... And extremely desirable.

Even though he didn't even directly mention the subject of sex, Missy immediately felt her blood run cold, pulling out of that addictive, magical atmosphere that seemed to have enveloped them since he started spouting all those enchanting compliments... As if there was no doubt. that she was all that.

But unfortunately, she knew the truth.

"Logan, please…" she started to ask, but he cut her off.

- Missy, don't be fooled by what they said. – He pulled her closer to him, even dragging the chair with him – Believe what I said before: all that was nothing more than an attempt to reach you, to make you feel humiliated.

Well, they had, but Missy hadn't confessed to him. Instead, she confessed something else, knowing her face must have been almost bright red.

- I... I really don't... - she stammered nervously - I mean... He told the truth. I suck at...intimacy.

- Oh, Missy. – he sighed heavily, green eyes sadder than she'd ever seen – That's just another lie. I know the kind of man Liam Newton is. He insisted on sleeping with you, didn't he? Did it make you feel uncomfortable, vulnerable? Forced her to do only the kind of thing he liked?

Frightenedly surprised that he'd guessed all of this, Missy just nodded, even though a part of her was cowed to tell him that she was still a virgin, even after all her ex-boyfriend's insistence. No doubt that would be the biggest testament of all that she was frigid, wouldn't it?

- Don't you see, Missy? – he argued, still looking tormented – Of course you are perfectly capable of feeling and giving pleasure. The only truly bad person is that bastard who dared to lay his hands on you! – His growl was now choleric – But he doesn't matter anymore! – even though it was obvious that he was still troubled, Logan gave a deep, irritated sigh – All that matters now is that you understand that there is nothing wrong with you, Missy. In fact, I have no doubt that I could easily seduce any man I wanted. He gave her a crooked smile, almost as if he was telling her a secret.

- No need to be kind. – she murmured, looking away – I know it's not true. Someone like me would never be able to seduce a man. – She grimaced at how silly that phrase sounded – I don't even know if I'm capable of… – She hesitated immediately, deeply embarrassed, but, unfortunately for her, he seemed to know perfectly well what she was talking about.

- Of getting turned on? Logan asked matter-of-factly, though she could see a hint of a smile in his tone.

Mortified, Missy just remained silent, not daring to look at him again.

- You're wrong. No, that big son of a bitch is wrong! You were just the victim who believed his lies. – Logan whispered, looking a little aggressive, but also resentful, before his finger gently touched her chin, bringing her gaze to him again – I don't know what he did to you… – Logan's teeth seemed clenched with so much ferocity they could grind diamonds – But intimacy, sex and pleasure... I can assure you that all these things are very different from what he showed you.

-II… – Missy stammered anxiously, not knowing what she should answer – I don't think there's any reason for us to have this discussion, as I really don't think it would work. There's no way anyone can be jealous of me. – Missy gave a wry smile – Unless I got the most powerful, rich and handsome man in the world. Maybe only then would Suzan and Liam even bother to look at me again. - She shook her head, wondering in what world that could happen - But, frankly, where could I find a man like that? She laughed, embarrassed.

He spent a minute in total silence, before opening a tiny crooked smile - Do you think I would be a worthy candidate?

- You?! She gasped, more bewildered than she had ever felt in her entire life.

- I'm the founder and director of the agency they work for, so I guess you could say I have some power. – Logan quoted, with a small malicious smile – I pay their salary and a few hundred more employees and agents spread across the country, in the branches, so I believe I have enough money to be considered rich. And, well... - he gave her a smile that left her breathless - My former employers and most magazines used to find me very personable.

- Y-you... Do you want to be my pretend boyfriend? – she felt stupid just saying that. Of course it was a misunderstanding, there was no way Logan Knight would want...

- If you accept. – He gave another one of those overwhelming smiles – It would be an honor to help you get revenge on those two scoundrels, Missy.

- Oh, so that's it? – Her shoulders dropped, when she finally realized why he was offering to do that; there was no reason for her to feel so disappointed, as it was obvious that there was no way Logan could really want to be her boyfriend, albeit a fake one, but still… She was, stupidly, disappointed – You want to help me for… Pity? She forced the word out of her lips, cringing at the memories it brought back.

- Of course not, Missy. – he quickly denied, stunned and also hurt – I'm sorry if I gave you that impression, but it has nothing to do with it.

- Why else would it be then? – she questioned, confused when realizing that he really seemed to be being sincere.

- First because I really would love to help you make them eat those words. – With an arrogant smile, to her astonishment, he approached her even more, placing his hands on either side of the chair, leaving their faces dangerously close – But, mainly… – he whispered in an even deeper voice. , thick and... Sexy? – Because I would love to enjoy your company.

- H-how... Friends? Missy gasped as her chest rose and fell rapidly as she began to hyperventilate as she watched him get closer and closer.

- As your friend… – he smiled in that seductive way and leaned his forehead gently against hers – And as a man who desires you. His breath tickled her lips, making her shiver.

- What?! — now, decidedly, she was hyperventilating. And possibly delusional too.

- Do you think you would be able to feel something for me, too? – he caressed her chin between his thumb and forefinger, lifting her face a little towards him – At least attraction enough for us to make the plan work? Because I know it will be easy for me to make them believe that I'm in love... - he put his lips inches from hers - And burning with desire for you.

- Logan... - The more his scent and heat enveloped her, the more Missy felt as if her mind had separated from her body, leaving room only for that confused and delusional feeling that had affected her since the first moment she saw him. had seen, but which now seemed to have returned in full force. She had probably placed her hands on his bare chest with the intention of pushing him away, but at that moment, her fingers seemed to have taken on a life of their own, causing her to run her nails and fingertips slowly over the warm skin, feeling the his muscles under her touch. Every inch of her skin prickled as she felt him place his hands on her waist, his long fingers almost touching her ass as the fabric of her dress rode up a little, leaving most of her thighs bare as she parted them so he could get in. put between them, desperate to increase that closeness...

That intimacy, she realized.

- You told me you weren't good at this... - She felt every movement of his chest as Logan laughed sensually and softly - So why can I feel that you want this as much as I do? – he murmured, before finally closing that minimal distance and pressing his lips over hers.

At first, he was shy and hesitant, exactly how Missy felt at that moment. She could feel how gentle he was being, allowing her to be the one dictating the pace of the kiss, tangling her lips gently with his and tasting his mouth for countless minutes, until the sensation building inside her seemed to explode. Even without knowing very well what she was doing, Missy threaded her fingers through his hair, bringing him even closer, eager to deepen the kiss even more. Their tongues tangled as she opened her mouth for him and Missy whimpered as she heard him moan, a thick, needy sound that inexplicably made her want to spread her legs even wider, especially when he lowered his hands to her thighs, squeezing the tender flesh with passion, before running his fingers down to the edge of her panties, eliciting a long, loud moan from her, even against his hungry mouth...

- Missy! - Megan's unmistakable voice, even in the distance, made her literally jump away from Logan, panting.

God, she had kissed Logan Knight. She had kissed Logan Knight and he had kissed her back. Kissed her back and told her he wanted her. He wanted her and wanted to be her fake boyfriend just to help her with a revenge that wasn't even her idea.

And, as if all that wasn't enough, she couldn't help noticing that, at that very moment, he still had his hands on the edge of her panties.

Panties that, for the first time in her life, she could feel were soaking wet.

Petrified and with all the blood in her body coloring her cheeks, Missy watched the man who was kissing her, and who also happened to be the most beautiful and sensual man she knew, take a few deep breaths before pulling away from her, depositing a last quick chaste kiss against her lips.

- Just promise me you'll think about what I proposed. – Logan muttered that request against her hair, taking a few deep breaths, as if he was smelling her – I don't want this revenge to be about those two idiots. I want everything to be about you: I want you to feel that we've done justice for what you've been through... I want you to realize, in my arms, the depth of the lies he told. – Her lips were so close to his ear that she could almost feel them move over her lobe, like a caress – I want to help you finally realize how sexy and irresistible you are.

When you feel him wrap her ass in both hands and queezing her without any qualms, Missy thought a scream would come out of her throat, but all that escaped her was a needy moan, almost as if she was silently begging him to continue, before Logan quickly pulled away. her, back to the other side of the bar... But not before Missy noticed the gigantic evidence of her desire lifting the fabric of her sweatshirt to its maximum height.

- Missy! – disoriented, Missy weakly turned her head to see her sister running into the kitchen right after, enveloping her in a tight hug – I was so worried… I know you needed some time alone, but I didn't I was able to avoid leaving the house as soon as the sun rose. I know you were safe here, but still... - Megan turned her head, looking suspiciously towards Logan, who still had his back to the two of them, washing dishes in the sink with Devon at his side, while the two they whispered inaudibly to each other - Anyway, it doesn't matter now. Let's get you to your apartment, okay? We need to talk about so many things... I stayed up all night, still not being able to believe what those two sons of bitches had the nerve to do to you! I'm so sorry, little sister… - Megan sniffled, loosening her embrace just enough to be able to assess Missy's face – How are you feeling? Are you okay?

Still out of breath, Missy tried to gauge how she was feeling. Her heart ached like it had been shattered, her self-esteem was reduced to dust, she was feeling like she was nothing, her mind was airy, her skin was crawling, her prickly nipples were aching inside her bra and her pussy was slippery. . Oh, and there was also a completely insane part of her that was still wondering how it would feel to pull down Logan's pants and wrap her hands around that massive monster inside them.

No, she wasn't fine.