Page 54 of Three Hearts Hideaway

“Babe, I’m here to apologize. Let’s go up to your place so we can talk.”

“We have nothing to talk about.” Ava’s voice sounded timid.

“Of course we do.” Sebastian stepped toward her and Roman instinctively closed in at the same time as Logan did, presenting a united front. “You’re my one and only, Ava. We need to work through this…little hiccup.” He gestured to the men at her sides.

Her sigh was heavy. “You said you were done with me, Sebastian.”

“I didn’t mean it, babe, you know that. You upset me, remember? How else was I supposed to react to you running away and living with two strangers?”

She shook her head. “Not like that.”

“So let me take you upstairs, and we can talk. One-on-one. I’m the only real, honest person left in your life, Ava. You don’t want to turn your back on that, do you?”

“I think that’s enough,” Roman said, stern but calm, keeping the rising anger out of his voice.

Ava’s ex was a bigger jerk than she let on. Sebastian’s attempt to manipulate her was painfully obvious. Roman tucked her behind him, and Logan followed suit, removing his hand from hers and standing in front of her as well.

Sebastian glared at him, hands clenched at his sides. “I wasn’t talking to you, meathead.” He peered between Roman and Logan, trying to lock eyes with Ava. “You can’t be serious about these two piss-flaps, babe.”

“Wanna insult us again?” Logan taunted.

“I’m warning you, babe.” Sebastian still refused to meet his or Logan’s gaze. “I’ve given you a lot of second chances. This is the last one. Come with me now, or else.”

Logan’s humourless laugh filled the lobby. “Or else what, fuckface? You’re gonna send another bitch-boy voice message to her family and co-workers? You’re gonna air her dirty laundry to her clients?”

If life was a cartoon, steam would be pouring from his best friend’s ears. But it wasn’t. Instead, life had pricks like Sebastian who took advantage of sweet women like Ava. He knew Logan’s patience was wearing thin.

“So, this is your choice? Two losers from the middle of nowhere instead of the man who has loved you for the past two years?”

Roman let out a bitter scoff. “How you treated Ava is the furthest thing from love.”

Sebastian shook his head. “I thought you were better than this, babe.”

“You’re right. Iambetter than this. Better thanyou, Sebastian.” Ava’s voice wavered, but the quiet resolve in her tone was unmistakable.

“I think it’s time for you to leave before I make you leave.” Logan invaded Sebastian’s personal space, daring him to make a move.

Finally, Sebastian made eye contact with Logan. A sneer spoiled his once-handsome face, contorting his features to show the true beast underneath.

“You want her? Do you even know her? What her perverted little mind thinks about?” He laughed, a cold sound that didn’t meet his eyes. “Of course you know.” He lowered his voice. “Does she take both your dicks at once? Do you pass her around? What a fucking slut?—”

Logan pinned him against the nearest wall. The breath left Sebastian’s lungs from the force of being knocked against the marble tiles. Logan’s hand wrapped around his throat while his knee pressed against his groin.

Sebastian’s eyes bulged.

“You don’t call her that,” Logan growled an inch from his face. “No one does. Except me—and strictly when I’m fucking her so good, she’s screaming my name, begging for more.”

A wheezing sound came from Sebastian’s constricted throat. His hands desperately tried to pry off Logan’s chokehold.

“That’s enough,” Roman said. “He’s had enough.”

Logan remained lost in his rage. And Sebastian’s face was turning an ugly shade of purple.

“Logan—enough!” Roman yelled, his voice echoed off the walls.

Ava clutched Roman’s arm. “Logan!”

At the sound of her voice, Logan released Sebastian. He sagged to the floor, doubled over, coughing and retching.

---