30
LOGAN
W hen Bloom walked out of Dr. Simms’s office thirty minutes later, the sight of him hit me like a sucker punch. His face was pale, his eyes red-rimmed, like he’d been crying, and he looked utterly drained. Also devastatingly young. How could someone so young have been through so much?
Protective instincts kicked into gear. I jumped to my feet to meet him across the threshold. Behind him, Dr. Simms watched me, his lips tight. I didn’t blame him. There was no excuse for bursting into his office the way I did. Except that hearing Bloom’s heart-wrenching cry from where I’d been sitting in the waiting area had torn through me like barbed wire. The need to comfort him had been too strong.
“Don’t forget I expect to see you in another week,” Dr. Simms said to him. “It’s important that we have consistency if we hope to make a breakthrough. You did well today, Bloom, and that’s something to celebrate.”
“Thanks, Doc.” Bloom brushed his hair back from his face, avoiding the doctor’s eyes.
“You ready?” I asked him softly.
He nodded. “Let’s go. You wanted to go shopping for our wedding outfits.”
I placed a hand gently on his back and led him down the hallway. “Yeah, but now I’m having second thoughts. We should probably get you back to the clubhouse where—”
“I’d rather we follow through with our plans.”
“Are you—”
“Please, Logan. There’s a lot—a lot I discovered just now. I need to do something normal.”
“I understand. Shopping it is.”
Outside, Ben waited in his car. Gunner’s bike was gone. Ben wound down his window. “Everything good?”
“Yeah. We’re heading to the store now.”
“Sounds good. I’ll follow.”
I opened the door for Bloom. When he sat, I leaned in to kiss him on the lips, but he turned his head and my mouth landed on his cheek. I frowned. Was his gesture deliberate or accidental?
I didn’t press further. Whatever happened inside was between him and his therapist. As much as I longed to know, I didn’t want him to think he needed to tell me everything they discussed.
“You’ll definitely enjoy the store I chose.” I reached for my seat belt. “I’ve been shopping there for—”
Bloom leaned across the center console and wrapped his arms around me. I dropped the seat belt and pulled him close. He burrowed closer, burying his face in the crook of my neck and shoulder.
“Sweetheart…”
Maybe I should have listened to him and not insisted on him returning to his therapy appointments. He seemed so stressed about everything that had happened. But this was just growing pains, right? He would be okay.
“Just hold me, Logan,” he murmured. “Just for a minute. I’m feeling a little lost.”
Jesus.
That just about ripped my heart out.
“Take all the time you need.” I held him tightly against me, ignoring the throbbing of him pressed up against the area where he’d stabbed me with his knife. A tremor ran through him, and he let out a soft moan like he was in pain.
“I hate them,” he said. “I hate them so much for what they did to me. If only they weren’t dead, so I could kill them all over again.”
I rubbed his back. “Your parents?”
“Don’t call them that.”
“I know. I’m sorry.”
He heaved a sigh and shuffled back, so I released him, even though I wasn’t ready to let him go.
“I’m not going to let them ruin my life still,” he said. “They’re dead. They can’t hurt me anymore.”
“And even if they weren’t, I wouldn’t let them.” I squeezed his hand. “You’re safe with me. You know that, right?”
He gave me a small smile that eased some of the compression around my heart. “I know. And that’s why I want to marry you, not just for you to give me your name. You love me in spite of everything.”
“Then let’s get our suits for the big day, right?”
“Right. Let’s go.”
He secured his seat belt, and I followed suit. The ride to the store was silent, except for the soft hum of the radio, so low we couldn’t hear the words, but it filled the space enough. Every few minutes, I checked if he was doing all right. He seemed lost in his world, staring out the window, but I would bet he wasn’t seeing anything we passed.
The store was nestled in the high-end streets of Smoky Vale, its windows filled with displays of sleek, modern suits and elegant wedding attire. We found street side parking, and I helped Bloom out of the car.
“If you don’t mind, I’ll be just across the street.” Ben gestured at a café. “Call me when you’re ready to leave, and I’ll meet you inside.”
“Sounds good.”
I waved him off and then turned to Bloom, who was staring up at the store’s sign with a blank expression. “Bloom, we can do this another day, you know.”
“No, it has to be today. That’s the plan, right?”
He squared his shoulders, determined, and marched toward the entrance, and I followed him inside. The boutique was one I visited frequently. Every corner was filled with polished mahogany and glass showcases. High-end fashion mannequins stood scattered across the room, displaying the latest trends.
A tall woman with silver-rimmed glasses and dark curly hair approached us almost immediately. She wore a metallic dress just below the knee that flattered her trim shape.
“Ah, Dr. Collier.” She smiled and leaned forward for her usual double air kisses, but I took her hand instead.
“Elise, how good to see you again.”
“I haven’t seen you here for a while, but I’ll forgive you. I see you’ve brought me another customer.”
“Yes, this is my fiancé, Bloom. We’re here to find outfits for our wedding.”
“How wonderful! Congratulations to you both. We’re so honored you’ve chosen us to be a part of your special day. Are we going for very formal or…?” Her gaze drifted to Bloom, who was checking out a monochrome suit tucked away in a corner.
“A bit more on the casual side—modern but elegant. It’s a small wedding with just close friends, but we still want to look our best when we remember the day.”
“Understood. Let’s get your fiancé measured up. We already have your size, Dr. Collier, but we’ll also do a quick check. It’s been a while.”
“Sounds good.”
One of her assistants, a young woman with a buzz cut, led us to be measured. I stayed close to Bloom, who looked skeptical with all the touching but endured it. When she was done, he sighed with relief. Mine went quicker, confirming my size, then they rolled out options for us to consider.
“Do you like any of these?” I asked Bloom.
I’d already spotted the suit I intended to wear—a traditional black tux. Not as casual as I was sure Bloom would go for. Although I had two back at home, I wanted something new for our wedding.
“Not really. Something edgier would be nice.”
“Let me see what I can find.” Elise zipped away, leaving me alone with Bloom and two racks of rejected outfits.
“What about you?” Bloom walked over to a mannequin wearing a black leather jacket with silver studs. “What are you going to wear?”
“A tux.”
“You’re dressing that fancy?”
“Of course. It’s our wedding.” I picked up the jacket. “You want to try it?”
“We’re here for a wedding outfit.”
“Doesn’t matter. If you want it, I’ll buy it for you.”
“You know, I still haven’t used the money the state gave me.” He shrugged on the jacket and walked over to a standing mirror. “This is badass. I love it. What do you think?”
“Looks great on you, though you could do with a size down. I’ll ask Elise. And you don’t have to touch that money if you don’t want to. I’ve got you.”
I lowered my head to kiss him, remembered his reaction in the car, and pulled back. Bloom slipped a hand behind my head and tugged me down to kiss me. The last of my worries melted away at the feel of his soft mouth against mine.
Elise returned with a new set of suggestions for Bloom.
“I like these two.”
Bloom pointed at a slim-fit suit in deep charcoal gray with subtle metallic pinstripes and a matching vest. The suit had an edgy, tailored cut with sharp lapels. He ran his hand over the fabric, his smile wide. “What do you think, Logan?”
“It’s perfect for you,” I said honestly. “All eyes will be on you for sure.”
“This one’s good too.”
The second option was a midnight-black velvet blazer with intricate silver embroidery along the cuffs and lapels. It paired with fitted black trousers and a sleek satin shirt in a deep, blood-red shade. The dramatic look went well with his usual gothic theme. His face lit up as though already imagining himself wearing the outfit.
“This is the one.”
“I figured you’d like it,” Elise said, pleased with herself. “But try on both before you decide.” She unzipped and unbuttoned the pieces, then passed them to Bloom. “Did you want this jacket as well?”
“Yes, please, but a size smaller,” I said quickly.
“Okay. I’ll be right back.”
I took the second outfit from Bloom. “Try the other and let’s see how it fits.”
Bloom slipped into the changing room with the gray suit in hand, while I studied the embroidery on the velvet blazer.
“How’s it going in there?” I called. “Need some help.”
“You just want to see me naked.”
I laughed, relieved to have him back. “Can you blame me, though? It’s your fault for being so sexy.”
What the hell? The unmistakable muzzle of a gun jabbed into my back.
“Don’t make a sound unless you want me to shoot him,” a voice rasped in my ear. “There’s a door in the back. Move.”
I swallowed hard, glancing at the changing room. If Bloom came out now, he would retaliate and put himself in danger. I dropped the clothes I had in my hands. “Okay. Just don’t hurt him. I’ll cooperate.”
“Start walking.”
The voice was familiar, but I couldn’t place it. I followed the path the man directed, each step away from Bloom filling me with dread but also relief that he didn’t have to get involved. Where were Elise and her assistant? Had he hurt them?
We reached the back door, and he punched in a code he shouldn’t know. Oh god, please don’t let him have hurt the women.
We stepped out into the alley behind the shop where a black van was parked. The doors flung open from the inside, and I was shoved forward. I stumbled, catching myself on the cold metal of the door. Then I was pushed the rest of the way in. I barely had a moment to take in the details of the empty cargo space with no seats before the man got in after me, letting the door slam shut. The driver revved the engine to life as the man turned to face me.
My throat went dry and years fell away. He’d aged. It’d been almost fifteen years after all, but I could never forget. One of my biggest regrets.
“Emil?”
My brother punched me in the gut, leaving me breathless and hunched over. “Son of a bitch. That hurts.”
“You want to talk about hurt, Keegan? Because that’s nothing compared to how much we’ve bled because of you. Now shut the fuck up before you piss me off and I end you right here.”
I rubbed my stomach and winced. He’d not held anything back from that punch. Emil studied me, his icy blue eyes flaring with resentment. His once vibrant blond hair had faded into a dull sandy shade, and the skin around his eyes was etched with hard lines. Of the three of us brothers, he had been the carefree, irresponsible one.
Looks like a lot has changed.
With our eldest brother dead and me gone, he would have had to take on the family responsibilities.
The van lurched into movement, making us stagger for balance. We both caught ourselves on the cold metal walls.
“What the hell’s going on, Bishop?” Emil yelled.
Bishop? He was my uncle’s right-hand man and confidant. If he was in town, then so was my uncle.
“We’re being followed,” Bishop said.
“Son of a bitch.”
Emil climbed to his knees and looked through the double windows. I did the same. My heart lurched. Ben’s car was following us. I could make out Bloom in the passenger seat.
“Lose them, Bishop,” Emil said. “Or else.”
He raised his gun. I shoved him away from the door. “Don’t you fucking dare.”
“Well, this is rich. Who would have thought you could be loyal to someone? What? Your family wasn’t important enough, but this boy you’re fucking is?”
“I don’t care what you do to me, Emil, but you don’t hurt him. I swear you’ll regret it if you do.”
“Wish I could say I’m surprised you’d put someone else above family.”
“You, of all people, know what I’ve been through with the family.”
Emil didn’t respond. The van swerved left, then right, tossing me against the metal sides. Emil managed to stay upright, bracing himself against the walls. His physique had changed since we last met, muscular now where he used to be lanky.
Minutes stretched by, minutes in which my heart lodged in my throat until Bishop shouted that he’d lost the car. I let out a deep breath. They could do anything they wanted to me, but they could not hurt Bloom. I wouldn’t let them.
Almost an hour later, the van raced down an empty street, turned along a dirt track, and screeched to a halt. I groaned as I hit my side against a metal box bolted to the floor. If they didn’t kill me, I would be all black and blue tomorrow.
“Out.” Emil opened the back doors of the van.
I squinted into the sudden sunlight and hauled myself out of the van. We were in front of a rundown warehouse—my father’s special place to carry out torture. I always knew this day would come.
“Move.” Emil shoved me in the back.
I entered the cold warehouse. Despite its dilapidated exterior, someone had recently made the interior functional. Strategically placed light bulbs hung from exposed wires, casting long shadows on the smooth concrete floor. An assortment of tools were on a metal rack at one side. My breath hitched.
A distinguished-looking man in a dark chocolate-brown pea coat over a black suit walked into the center of the room. As usual, his shoes shone with the high gloss of a careful polish despite how dusty it was. His silver hair was slicked back neatly, revealing a tense face with deep furrows around his mouth.
“Uncle.” I closed my eyes briefly as warm memories washed over me. I had always been close to my uncle—closer than to my father. Uncle Mickey was the one who made me love medicine, the area he’d wanted to pursue but said he wasn’t smart enough. The day I’d been given my residency, he’d cried. He’d bought me a brand-new medical bag. My father had reminded me how important it was to make contacts and not to ruin the Agosti name.
“Keegan.” His throaty voice echoed through the room. “No, it’s Logan now, isn’t it?”
“Yes. What are you doing here?”
“I had to come of course. Had to see with my own eyes that you’re actually him.”
I winced at the way he said him . “You shouldn’t have come. I’ve moved on. What’s done is done, and—”
“Do you think your father would ever forget what you’ve done?” Uncle Mickey shook his head. “You betrayed the family, Keegan. We became the laughingstock in our world. We had to fight tooth and nail to survive, and you can’t be bothered to even give an apology.”
I clenched my jaw, then released. “Because I don’t owe anyone one. You all put me in a bad position when—”
“There’s no excuse, Keegan! Don’t you get it? No matter what happens in families, we stick together.”
“I’m sorry, Uncle Mickey, but I couldn’t do it anymore. Pop killed someone just because I was sleeping with them. I didn’t have any control over my life anymore. Why couldn’t I at least take charge of my own private life?”
“Your father wanted to protect you from the criticism he knew you would face for fucking another man.” He looked at Bishop, then back at me. “It doesn’t matter if I understand your motive. Your father doesn’t, and now he knows where you are.”
I shifted my weight from one foot to the other. “What do you mean?”
“I know what you think. That I came here to harm you, but despite what you’ve done, I’ll always see you as the son I never had.”
I inhaled sharply, tears pricking my eyes. “I don’t understand.”
“Your father knows where you are and who the people you associate with are,” Uncle said. “He might be behind bars, but he’s still very much the one in charge of the family. I can’t remove the contracts he’s placed on your head. I can only warn you that if you don’t disappear again, you won’t live for much longer.”
A chill washed over me. “And you came from New York to warn me?”
“If I’d stood up to your father years ago, maybe none of this would have happened. I can’t stand aside and watch another attempt on your life.”
“But, Uncle—” Emil whined.
“Enough, Emil.”
I shook my head. “I don’t get it. Joel said you introduced him to Pop. He went back to New York to see you, Emil. Aren’t you supposed to be working with my father?”
“Joel works for our father. I don’t.”
I frowned. “And you question my loyalty?”
Emil’s nostrils flared, and he grabbed the lapels of my shirt. “I am loyal to the family, to the people who took care of me, and that’s Uncle Mickey. Or did you forget how our old man only doted on you? If not for Uncle, none of you would have given a shit about me.”
“Let him go now!”
Bloom burst into the warehouse, followed by a swarm of bikers, weapons drawn.
Shit.