Page 307 of Sin Bin

Logan swallowed hard, his chest aching as he stared out the window for a long time. “She exploded like a supernova,” he whispered.

Hunter frowned at him. “What?”

“That day at your house when we were meditating together. I saw Jupiter in a vision. She was glowing so brightly, like a beacon in the dark. I started running toward her. Faster…and faster. Just as I reached out my arms to hug her…she burst into stardust.” Logan swallowed tightly and closed his eyes. “It must have been a sign. Our relationship…what we had was too good to last.”

Hunter said nothing more as he drove to Dunwoody’s. Reid and Viggo parked beside them.

When the four of them entered the diner, Mrs. Dunwoody took one look at Logan, clucked her tongue and gave him a soothing hug. “It’s gonna be okay, baby. Trouble don’t last always.”

Logan was too depressed to argue with her.

They piled into their booth and placed their orders, not talking much. When the food came, the guys made him eat every last morsel on his plate, their eyes fixed on him with grim, watchful intensity. They radiated menace, leaving no doubt in his mind that they would deliver a no-holds-barred beatdown if he even thought about not complying.

When their plates had been cleared away, Reid leaned forward across the table, his blue eyes lasering into Logan. “So here’s what’s gonna happen at morning skate tomorrow. Before we hit the ice, you’re gonna stand up before the guys and apologize for putting yourself above the team.”

“I can do that,” Logan mumbled.

“Damn right you can. And you will.” Reid rapped his knuckles on the table. “First thing tomorrow. Got it?”

Logan nodded sullenly.

Reid finished his drink, set the glass down and folded his hands on the table. “Look, man,” he said gruffly, “I’ve been in your shoes before. You guys remember how I fucked up with Nadia and almost lost her. I know what it’s like to make a split-second dumb decision that you immediately regret. I was in bad shape when I thought Nadia would never take me back, so I definitely understand how you’re feeling right now. But you’ve gotta hold it together, man. Self-destructing won’t change anything. Give Meadow time to work through her feelings. If you guys are meant to be together—which I think you are—then she’ll forgive you when she’s ready.”

Hunter and Viggo nodded in agreement.

Logan crossed his arms, leaned back in the booth and stared broodingly out the window.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Dunwoody brought them generous slices of her famous caramel apple pie. “Just wanted to give you boys a sweet sendoff and wish you good luck on tomorrow’s game,” she said with a twinkling smile.

They thanked her enthusiastically and dug into their warm slices of pie, groaning in appreciation. Even Logan managed a few delicious bites.

Mrs. Dunwoody beamed and patted his back. “When are you gonna bring your pretty little girlfriend around again? Ambrose and I really enjoyed meeting her.”

An awkward silence fell over the table.

Mrs. Dunwoody looked around at everyone’s downcast eyes and then nodded wisely, rubbing Logan’s back with gentle, soothing motions. “Do you know what I saw when I looked into Meadow’s eyes? I saw goodness and warmth, such a beautiful spirit. I also saw an old soul. Life has brought her so much pain and sorrow. Trust doesn’t come easy for her, and she probably thinks happiness is reserved for everyone but her. But God brought you together for a purpose. You’re each other’s miracles. So you need to nurture her soul, Logan. Be a rock she can depend on. Be that safe harbor she needs. Water her like a precious flower, and when she blooms, she’s going to make you happier than you’ve ever imagined. And you’re going to do the same for her.”

By the time Mrs. Dunwoody finished speaking, Logan wanted to put his head on her lap and bawl like a baby. Even the guys looked visibly moved by her words.

She wrapped her arm around his shoulders and hugged him close. “Don’t give up on her,” she whispered into his hair. “Don’t give up on yourself. And don’t ever, ever give up hope.”

Mrs. dunwoody’s affirming words were like a lullaby to his battered soul. When he got home and crawled into bed, he was able to fall asleep for the first time in two days.

But all too soon, he was dragged out of the dark cocoon of slumber by an annoying sound.

The doorbell. Someone was ringing his fucking doorbell like the building was on fire.

Groaning and cursing, he rolled out of bed and scrubbed his hands over his face, then trudged out of his room and down the hall.

When he yanked the door open and saw the Duchess standing there, he scowled. “What the hell do you want?”

She smirked. “Hello to you too, grumpy.”

“I was taking a nap, and now I probably won’t be able to get back to sleep. Thanks a fucking lot.” He looked behind her, saw the Louis Vuitton suitcase and gave her a bleary glare. “What the hell are you doing here?”

She rolled her eyes. “What do you think? I talked to Mom yesterday morning and she says you’re not returning her calls. Her bestie Trish told her all about the shitstorm in Canada and now she’s worried sick about you.” Cynara smirked. “Just be glad it wasn’t Meadow’s father on your doorstep. From what I hear, he’s not too happy with you right now.”

“Coño.” Logan left Cynara standing at the door and stalked off toward the kitchen. “How the hell’d you get up here anyway? You don’t have a keycard.”

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