Indestructible (7 page)

“Hey, what’s wrong?” I asked softly.

Oliver glanced from my eyes to the bandages and back, then bent down and whispered in my ear, “Daddy said that you’re not sick, but…you have more Band-Aids. I don’t want you to get hurt no more. ’kay?”

I struggled to hold my smile for him. Logan stepped closer, watching with a hint of wariness on his set features.

“Your daddy is right,” I replied. “I’m fine, and I’ll try really hard not to need any more Band-Aids.”

Oliver smiled softly, satisfied with my response, then walked toward the door.

“Thank you for looking out for me, Oliver. Your daddy’s raising a perfect little gentleman.”

His smile grew when he looked back at me. “Yeah, I know. Uncle Jax says Daddy raises hell, too, in his bedroom. Weird, huh?”

My uncontrollable laughter spit out, and I watched as Logan ushered a confused Oliver out of the room.

“Cassandra needs to get some more sleep. Go put on your coat and shoes. I’ll be down in a minute.”

Oliver waved goodbye from the hall before disappearing. I slouched back into the bed, a grin covering my face as Logan sat beside me.

“So,” I drawled, “what else does Uncle Jax have to say?”

Logan rolled his eyes—literally. I wanted to ask him to do it again, because it was one of the funniest things I’d ever seen.

“My brother has trouble censoring himself even around children.”

“Mm-hmm. I’m sure that was as clean as he could have put it.”

He grabbed my arms and slid me further down the mattress, his weight hovering over me. I giggled until I saw that look of his: the one I’d never be able to resist again.

“You’re gonna sleep, my sweetheart, and tonight…” His lips placed a feather-light kiss to my chin, his body pressing down over mine. “…I’ll show you exactly what I can do in the bedroom.”

“Ah. I’m intrigued.” My leg rubbed up his thigh, forcing him completely atop me, where I folded it over his body.

He rose up and nipped my lips. “You should be. But first, tell me, how are you feeling? You sleep harder than anyone I’ve ever met.”

I laughed. “I’m better. I should say thank you for sharing your bed with me.”

“No need. I enjoyed it, myself.”

“I can’t believe I slept the whole day yesterday.” I couldn’t hide my embarrassment. “And I’m even more surprised you didn’t try to wake me to get me to eat or bathe.”

“You looked too peaceful.”

I kissed his lips with one short peck. “So now you’re gonna tell me what I can expect tonight. I wouldn’t mind seeing what hell you have to raise in the bedroom.”

Without warning, his head dipped low, mouth clamping over the sensitive peak of my breast hidden under my T-shirt.

“Soon. I like to keep you on your toes.” His words ignited a spark that needed fanning now, not later.

“Is that so? Not even a hint?” I ran my finger down his stubbly cheek as his teeth grazed my pebbled nipple. “Ow.” I writhed under him, and his nip softened to a gentle suck. My flames grew hotter and wilder, my sex grinding in urgent fervor against his swelling cock.

He released my finger. “I was thinking of something extra special—something that will have you holding on for dear life.”

“Mmm.” I liked the sound of that. It was what we needed: normal relationship sex. Nothing sounded better.

He breathed his thick, husky voice into my ear. I closed my eyes, my skin buzzing in anticipation. “How about…a horror flick? I remember fondly how handsy those make you.”

“What!?” I pushed him away, although I had to admit I had enjoyed cuddling close to him on the sofa. Still, I feigned a pout. “You’re joking, right?”

Logan chuckled, running his thumb over my bottom lip. “Depends on how good you are today.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning you better not leave this house. Promise me.”

“Will I be rewarded?” I bit my bottom lip, hopeful.

“Oh, yeah. You’ll be rewarded.”

Exactly what I wanted to hear.
Smart man!

I pulled him back down to me and pressed my lips against his, my tongue intruding inside his mouth and dancing with his. He tasted of melon and mint, and it was heavenly.

Logan moaned into the kiss, his arms sliding under me as I dug my hands into his damp hair. Damn. He’d already showered, and I’d missed it.

“Daddy!” Oliver called, his voice echoing around us. “I can’t find my book bag!”

Logan’s lips fell away and his forehead dropped against mine, his breathing rapid.

“Better go. I’ll see you tonight,” I said with a knowing smile.

“Yes, you will.” After one more kiss, this time to the tip of my nose, he was up and crossing the room. “And help yourself to anything in the kitchen. We have plenty, but I can have groceries picked up if you need anything specific.”

With that, he walked out, shutting the door behind him.

I knew the moment I stepped out of Logan’s bedroom that I should’ve gone back to sleep. Being alone in his house was unsettling. Loneliness hit me in an unexpected wave; I missed him. Still, I showered, found the duffle bag full of my clothes, and pulled on a grey track suit. After skittering down the hall and descending the stairs, uncomfortable being all alone in such a big house, I came to a stop at the sound of a guy’s voice.

Seemed I wasn’t alone after all.

“This is stellar! I can’t wait to tell all my buddies how good you are. Never thought I’d leave another dude’s bedroom so satisfied.”

I cringed, not wanting a run-in with Jax to ruin my perfect morning. I wanted to hide, but it was too late. When I peeked back, I realized I’d been seen—and judging by the look on Jax’s solemn face as he followed behind the young frat boy wearing an enormous grin, I could sense he wasn’t thrilled about my presence. He seemed almost nervous, which was unlike him.

After giving them both a friendly smile, I continued to the kitchen while Jax showed the guy out. I needed something to eat before I could sleep any longer.

“Cassandra. I heard you were here,” Jax said a few moments later as he strolled into the kitchen.

“I’m just staying a few days. Having some repairs done on my house.”

He huffed out a chuckle. “Relax—I heard about Kurt. Most of the town knows about it…or at least think they do.”

Fabulous. Just freaking great
.

“I’m, uh, sorry,” Jax added, watching me.

I attempted to blow it off with a flip of my hand. “It’s fine.”

Of course the town knew. I inhaled a breath and released it slowly, reminding myself it didn’t matter.

I stood next to the stove, my muscles tight, as Jax opened the fridge and ducked inside.

“Don’t you worry about the douchebags. Logan will set it right. Trust me,” Jax said, still hidden by the fridge door for another moment. As he stood up straight, he brought the pitcher of orange juice to his lips and finished it off.

There goes my after-school glass with Oliver.

“Have you had any luck finding Scout?” I asked, desperate for his answer but knowing it wasn’t going to be the one I wanted. If he’d found him, the little pup would be running around.

He set the empty pitcher on the counter and smiled over at me. “Not yet, but no worries. He probably found himself some stray bitch to hook up with out in the forest. I bet he’s having a hell of a time with some freedom.”

“Right,” I mumbled, shuffling my feet. Despite how crudely he’d put it, I hoped that was the case.

Jax interrupted my silent pleas.

“So I got the rundown this morning—you know, all the things I can and cannot say to you if you break free of his sex den.”

“Gross! And I’m only here a few days. I’m sure you can control yourself that long.”

“No promises, baby, but I’ll try my best.” He threw me a salacious wink.

“Thanks…I guess.”

“Don’t thank me, thank my big brother. His threats were extreme this morning. Shit! You must have some magic in those panties of yours, huh?” He grinned. “Good for you.”

Maybe I wasn’t that hungry. Logan was right: Sleep was what I needed.

“Hey, don’t go. I didn’t mean to offend you, I swear. It was a compliment.”

“Relax. I won’t rat you out to Logan,” I called back as I left the kitchen.

“No, seriously, come back. Have you had any breakfast? I make some killer omelets, no joke!”

I stopped and inhaled deeply.
I was going to regret this.

“Okay, but they better be amazing.”

“You got it.” A satisfied grin curled his lips. “So, what you want?” He strolled back to the fridge and started pulling items out. “We got turkey, ham, a few kinds of cheese, every vegetable you could possibly want. Logan’s always pushing for the little man to eat the greens.”

“You decide. I’m not picky.”

“Obviously—you wound up with Logan.”

“Ha ha.”

“Kidding.” He held up his hands, chuckling. “So how are you doing? I mean, after yesterday...”

“I don’t really know, to be honest. It all feels like a bad dream.”

What was I saying? It just came out. He was way too easy to talk to. I blamed the charm that he exuded off him as easily as it did Logan. Oliver was going to have it easy when he grew up.

“I get that.” Jax pulled out a bowl and began cracking eggs into it. “You know, Logan’s crazy about you. He won’t let that ass fuck get away with what he did.”

I didn’t say anything. I just sat at the table watching him whisk the eggs, then take down a skillet from a rack hanging over the island.

I was afraid to ask what exactly Logan was capable of. Would Jax even know? The thought of Kurt getting roughed up in prison at that point didn’t sound so bad.

I recoiled.
I’m a horrible person for thinking that.
What was wrong with me?

“Can I help with anything?” I asked after a long pause.

“Nah, I got this. You just sit back and prepare your pretty mouth for what it’s about to devour.”

“Funny.”

He chuckled. “You say that now, but one taste and you’ll be begging for more.” He cocked a brow while chopping a green pepper with a swift hand.

“Begging for what, exactly?” Natasha asked, startling me when she rounded the corner and stopped in the doorway.

Ugh, I knew I should’ve stayed in bed—the king-sized, comfy, Logan-scented bed.
I twisted in my seat and pretended to be distracted by something out the window as I blew out a breath.

“Natasha.” Jax’s smile was all ice.

“Jax,” Natasha replied with a grin as she strode forward. “Would you mind losing the death ray, little boy? You know you love me.”

“Nope, really don’t,” he fired back before refocusing on breakfast, pouring some egg mixture into the searing skillet.

“Mmm, now I know what you two were talking about. Smells divine.” She turned to me, offering a smile I wished I could believe was genuine. “Jax here is almost as good in the kitchen as Logan. Not
quite
up to par, though.”

Jax’s back was to us as he sprinkled in the fillings, but he took her insult in stride and didn’t miss a beat. “So, how was your trip, Natasha? Hope you didn’t get too
lonely
up there in the mountains.” He peered back over his shoulder, a smirk on his lips. “I can assure you, Logan sure as hell wasn’t.”

Natasha held his gaze, unspoken threats flowing between them until his head snapped back to the pan and hers shot to me.

I held her gaze, not batting a lash.
Bring it on.

The smile returned to her lips. “It was eye-opening, and turned out to be quite beneficial for me, actually.” She walked over and pulled out a chair beside me. “Jax has a way of annoying me like only a kid brother can, and it brings out the bitch in me at times. Sorry.”

I raised my shoulders. “Not my business.”

Her smile grew, and I mimicked it with my own. Both were fake and strained.

“Look, I think—” She sighed. “All right, I
know
you and I got off on the wrong foot. I’m sorry if I had anything to do with that.”

“Honestly, I don’t know you, so we haven’t really had a start,” I replied, trying to keep it light.

“Right, but I’m sure you know I came to Harmony with every intention of repairing my family.”

I remained silent.
Yeah, I’m aware.

“I know you probably have questions: Why am I back now? What might I still want? And I’ve seen you and Logan obviously getting…close.” The words didn’t come out easily.

The predator in me needed her to understand ‘close’ didn’t accurately describe Logan and me. It was time to mark my territory. If that made me a bitch, so be it, but I didn’t trust her.

“He loves me,” I stated with easy confidence.

“He sure does,” Jax chimed in, setting a perfectly folded omelet in front of me. “Enjoy.”

“Well, I’m happy for Logan,” Natasha said after a brief pause, watching me slice through the dense, gooey mini feast. “He’s a good guy. You’re a lucky girl.”

“Yes, I am.”

Slowly, I pulled my gaze from hers down to my plate. That thing had everything in it, sending my stomach into a pleading fit. I took a small bite.
Oh, good God, yes!
After another bite, I could see that the West men had a lot more than charm and good looks on their side.