Page 119 of Bloom: Part 2

“I don’t like that we have to leave, but because it’s you, I’ll do it.”

“This is your last chance to turn me down, Bloom.”

“I’ve never turned you down for anything. What makes you think I can do that now? I’ll miss everyone, but I would miss you more if I didn’t go with you.”

“Thank you.” Logan gently pressed his lips to mine. “I’m thinking.”

“You really oughta stop saying that, Logan. I can’t tell if it’s about something good or bad.”

“Something good this time. Why don’t we host a dinner and invite everyone? That way we’ll get to make a few memories before we leave for good. What do you say?”

“That sounds good.” Usually, parties weren’t my thing, but I couldn’t turn down the chance to be together with my brothers for one of our final moments.

Would they miss me when I was gone?

35

LOGAN

The slot machines in the casino were silent, the flashing lights dimmed, leaving only the soft glow of chandeliers casting warm light across the room. Crisp white linens covered the tables that would normally host high-stakes games. Deep red roses and black candles acted as centerpieces on each table, their scent mingling with the faint trace of cigar smoke. Ideally, I’d wanted to host our pre-wedding dinner at a restaurant, but the only decent restaurant in town wasn’t available on short notice. Not even the absurd amount of money I’d offered swayed their minds.

Laughter and the low rumble of voices weaved around the clinking of bottles and the shuffle of boots on the carpet. The bikers were in their element, filling the room with life—as usual. Crowe sat at a table with Grimm and Saint, and whatever they were talking about had them roaring with laughter.

Others milled around, balancing plates of food and bottles of beer, their leather cuts blending with the dark, rich decor. It was a strange mix of elegance and grit, but somehow, it fit. These were my people now, and a pang hit me deep in the chest. I wasgoing to miss this—the camaraderie, the noise, the unfiltered chaos of it all.

To think I hated these men.

“You’re really doing it!” Sven, the only one I invited from the hospital, shouted. His cheeks were flushed, and he looked like he’d already had one too many drinks. I couldn’t blame him. Working at the hospital was such high pressure that I understood the need to let his hair down.

“Doing what exactly?” I folded my arms and smiled.

Despite everything, I was happy. This time last year, I was working my ass off, only to go home alone. Now I had someone in my life who was in love with me and his weird, loving but dangerous family as well.

“Marrying Bloom,” he said. “Kinda fast, but anyone with eyes can see you’re crazy about each other.”

“Does this mean you no longer have a crush on him?” I teased.

“I never had a crush on him!” he cried. “And for your information, I’m going on a date soon.”

“Yeah? With whom? Not a doctor from the hospital.”

“Nah, they work awful hours. I need a man who has time for me.”

“And this lucky man is?” When he remained silent, I chuckled. “Wait a minute. It’s not that cop who gave you his number, is it?”

“May…be. I just need to work up the courage to call him.”

I unfolded my arms. “So let me get this straight. You’re telling me you’re going on a date but you haven’t actually called the man yet? Real smooth.”

“I’ve been super busy, you know! Things at the hospital have been interesting since you left. And Dr. Simms’s dismissal yesterday was the icing on the cake.”

“Wait…what? Dr. Simms got dismissed?”

“Well, of course. Turns out when Jamie brought up the things he’d said to Bloom, admin was quick to contact patients andfound out Bloom wasn’t the only patient he was inappropriate with.”

My head reeled with this information no one had told me. So that was the real reason Bloom had gone to see Jamie. Why hadn’t he come to me? I scanned the room. Bloom was at the bar in deep conversation with Bay. He told me everything, didn’t he? Why would he hide this from me?

Exactly what the hell had happened during that session when I was outside?

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