Page 94 of Broken Prince
“Logan told me everything. He was fucked up about what happened with Stacy and Benny. Then he’s confessing that he messed up suggesting the friend’s only thing because he’s head over fucking heels for you and doesn’t want to stay away anymore.”
I swallow hard, gaze lowering. But he doesn’t let me, grabbing my chin and forcing me to look at him. “What do you want me to say?” I ask in a whisper.
His eyes search mine, nausea swirling around in my belly. I might not be able to tell Logan the truth, but would Owen understand that I’m doing what needs to be done?
“Why are you running?” he finally asks.
“Because.” I deflate. “It’s what’s best for everyone.”
“Is this your way of letting my brother down? Running away instead of telling us you're no longer interested in us? Because we damn well know the stepbrother bullshit isn’t a good enough reason at this point.”
“No.” I shake my head. “The last thing I want to do is hurt Logan, to reject him. It’s just...” I close my eyes. “Fuck.” I open them again. “I have to do this.”
He narrows his eyes and curses. “She’s behind this, isn’t she?”
I lick my lips, looking away.
“I fucking hate that crazy bitch!” He pounds his fist against the car. “What did she do? What did she say?”
“She was going to take Benny away from Logan. I did what I had to do to keep that from happening. That’s all I’m going to tell you.”
“I want to say there’s another way, I really do. But I know her, I know her family, and she is so damn spiteful she would do anything just to get her own way.”
“Tell me about it,” I mutter.
Owen sighs heavily. “We don’t deserve you, Laney. You don’t owe Logan anything, but here you are willing to give things up so it lessens the bullshit with his baby mama.”
“I’d do anything for Benny. And I’d do anything to keep him with Logan.”
It scares me how true that is because that means not only do I care so deeply about this little boy, but I feel for his daddy, too.
“Whatever she asked you, please at least tell me you’re safe?”
“I am.” I nod.
“I’m going to find a way to bring that bitch down, mark my fucking words,” he snarls.
“I’d love to believe you, Owen.” I give him a sad smile. “But something tells me the only way to be rid of her is if she dies.” I let out a humorless laugh. “And she would fight tooth and nail to make sure she doesn’t. The way she makes it seem, it’s like her dad is just as unstoppable. Tell me otherwise?”
His jaw ticks as he takes a step away.
“Thought so.” I sigh. “I’ll see you around, Owen.” I go to open the car door, but he grabs my chin and holds me still. He kisses me deeply until my knees go weak and my head spins.
“Everything will be okay,” he whispers against my lips. “I won’t let her hurt you.”
Little does he know I’m already hurting.
***
It’s been a few days since I moved into the dorms, and I’ve managed to avoid all three guys. Not Winter, though. She refused to let me stay away.
After inviting her over to my dorm, I ended up spilling the entire story to her. The secrets are like acid in my soul, and I needed to vent before I exploded.
She went into a rage, rampaging in my honor. I was glad to see she wasn’t mad at me or trying to talk me out of it.
I feel guilty, though, because she said she wouldn’t tell Elijah anything if he asked. I don’t want to cause any issues between the two of them, but right now, I need this distance to give myself time to think.
I’ve begun upholding my end of the deal, moving out and staying away from the guys. Now there's the little fact that she wants me to get a damn boyfriend. The idea makes me sick.