Chapter 16
You haveto have balls to accuse Damien of something like that, Andrea says to Logan.
Her gaze become furious, proving again that inside her there has been a fierce beast resting, ready to pounce at the slightest hint of a threat.
Her hands are clenched into fists and her hair is pulled back into a ponytail that has loose strands flying every which way. There’s a contrast between her anger and her appearance that makes her appear much younger than she really is.
But I know that the innocence inside her has been broken long ago. She was forced to break.
Logan looks at her blankly, and I wonder if he’s only pretending not to understand whats going on. Dont give me that shit now, he snaps at her.
The way he talks to Andrea makes me want to break his jaw, but I restrain myself.
Instead, she jumps on the attack. No, dont YOU give me that shit! she bursts out. Her eyes are wide to hide the tears I know shes struggling to hold back as she slams her fists on the table. You have no right, Logan, no right at all to pretend that youre the good guy here!
I was trying to protect you, damn it! yells Logan.
Then start by leaving me alone yourself!
Something in Andreas tone of voice makes me realize that theres more to this fight than I realize.
I place a hand on her shoulder and push her slightly away from the table. Andrea, tell me what youre talking about.
Her gaze becomes briefly nervous, and I realize that she’s hiding something from me.
Logan immediately bursts out laughing. You havent told them, have you?
She bites her lower lip, clearly apprehensive.
For a moment, I fear the worst. Images come into my head, and I think of my past.
I remember Natalie’s face when Ethan and I confronted her. She had the same expression of fear and guilt.
I turn to look at Ethan. He seems to be remembering the same thing.
Andrea, I demand. Tell me whats going on. Now.
Its not what you think, she quickly says.
Ethan...Damien...Its not what they think! Natalie’s voice cries out in my head.
Talk. Now. I command.
The pitch of my voice pitches up in what I know is an impertinent demand on my part.
Andrea tries to speak quickly. Damien... Im sorry. I didnt tell you because...
Andrea and I still correspond, Logan interrupts her.
Silence fills the room. I don’t know what to say.
Is that true? I ask, ignoring the overbearing smile Logan wears.
Its not what you think, Andrea assures me.
Shit, no, not this again....
Damien... Whats going on is... Andrea breathes in and then lets the air out. She’s trembling, her eyes budding with tears she doesnt shed, she confesses. Logan just wont stop writing to me. He wont leave me alone. Ive told him to stop, but he doesnt seem to understand that were done.
Its because we aren’t done.
We broke up months ago! shouts Andrea, her face red from anger. When are you planning to leave me alone? Damien, Im sorry. I didnt say anything to you before because I knew you had a contract with Logan for your club, and I know how temperamental you are. I feared the worst.
My hand automatically reaches out to her. My body feels cold. Show me the messages.
She looks at me, hurt, her mouth hanging open. Dont you trust me?
Why should he, if youre cheating on him? Logan scoffs.
The messages, Andrea, I order.
I know she’s hurt, but I’m grateful she hands me the phone anyway. Fine, help yourself, she says dismissively.
Once I have the phone, I start looking up her conversations with Logan to verify that what she’s saying is true. Logan is stalking her in a way, just not in a way that’s as sickening as her other stalker. It’s still unacceptable.
She snatches the cell phone out of my hands. Happy?
The sad expression on her face has become anger again. But fuck it, Im upset too.
Why didn’t you tell me before?
I told you already. She sniffles, wiping her tears with the sleeve of her jacket. I feared the worst. I knew you were going to beat the shit out of Logan.
Its not like he doesnt deserve it, I say.
My eyes land on him and for a moment I think about bridging the gap between us and crumpling his face with punches, fulfilling the promise I made to myself weeks ago.
Ethan stops me.
Placing a hand on my chest, Ethan takes a step forward and looks at Logan with a determined, cold expression. Mr. Channing, our contract is cancelled. Due to the evidence that has come to light this morning, I must ask you to speak with your representatives and attorneys to sign the agreement that will dissolve the contract.
And what if I dont? taunts Logan.
You will face a serious lawsuit. I promise you. We have enough evidence to put you behind bars for a good while.
You dont know who I am if you think you can threaten me, Logan sneers, which makes me lose my patience.
Youre the one who doesnt know who I am, you fucking asshole. Get out of my sight and leave Andrea and my club alone. Get out of the country tonight, or I promise that youll know firsthand what happens when someone becomes my enemy.
Logan doesnt seem afraid, but something in his eyes lights up. He probably knows the rumors. Hes heard it said elsewhere that Im not a person that you want to get in trouble with.
After a heavy silence, he gets up very slowly from the chair. Is this how you want things to end between us, Andrea? he asks her.
She wipes her eyes again with her sleeves and gives him hateful look. It was over between us a long time ago, Andrea promises.
Logan looks hurt. His fists clench. As you wish. Youre not worth it anyway.
He leaves without another word.
The sound of the door closing echoes throughout the room. Andrea shakes her head and looks me in the eye. I hope youre happy, Damien.
What are you talking about? I inquire, looking at her with genuine confusion.
You may have gotten your way with Logan, but you proved that you dont trust me.
You proved that first by keeping this whole situation hidden from me, I remind her.
She shakes her head. You know, sometimes you can be a jerk. She walks away without giving me time to reply.
I think about following her, but Ethan places a hand on my shoulder. Give her time, he asks.
Bullshit, I spit.
I know what Im saying. When a girl is this upset, you have to give her a little time unless you want things to break down more. Find her later and talk it over. Im sure youll work it all out.
His words, though incoherent to me, do get me to pause. All I want right now is to go after Andrea, but I understand that I cant do that.
In desperation, I look at my best friend. I screwed up big time, I say.
We all do eventually. Ethan shrugs.
I also understand that this situation affects more than just Andrea and me. About Logans contract...
Ill take care of that, Ethan states.
Ethan, I understand if you and the guys want me to stop being part of Lux.
My words are strained, but I keep my tone even. Ethan looks at me as if he doesnt understand what Im talking about.
Ive caused too much trouble for the club, Ethan. I understand if you wish me to quit.
No one said that Damien.
Maybe, but they may be thinking about it.
After a moment, Ethan sighs. Thats the problem with you, buddy. Eventually you always end up believing everyone is going to abandon you. He pats me on the shoulder. You can be sure we wont kick you out. Get your shit together and deal with this situation like you always have. Well be here for you.
I look at him, and a wave of gratitude washes over me. I nod. I will, I promise.
Ethan nods and puts his hands in his pocket, walking towards the door. Lets get out of here then, he says.
I follow him, and deep inside I feel that Ethan may be right.
I have always been abandoned by those who claim to love me, or by those who are supposed to be my family.
Except for my boys. They’re my real family. And so is Andrea, now.
No matter what happens, I’ll always protect what matters to me.