Page 115 of Unspoken

It's been some time since I took a bullet for Logan. Since those arseholes kidnapped me and held me captive just for being a Solovey. The bruises have faded, but the memory lingers like a wanker who can't take a hint. Sometimes, dark thoughts cloud my mind and I have to try my hardest to push them away.

"You alright there, Sasha?" Logan's deep rumble jerks me from my brooding. "You're looking a bit pale."

"Yeah, no worries. Just thinking about my last therapy session. Shrink says I'm making progress, but I still feel proper fucked in the head most days."

Logan's eyes soften with concern. He hesitantly pats my knee, a small gesture of comfort. "It'll get better. Just give it time. You're one tough guy."

I flash him a smile. "I said most days. Today is not a shitty one."

"Is getting us a limo your way of telling me you feel good?"

I laugh. "Bet you're rather embarrassed."

Logan chuckles, the sound like whisky—warm and rough. "Nah, it's all good. Just not used to this kind of posh life, you know? Might give the wrong impression."

"Bollocks to that. We can afford to splash out a bit now, can't we? Besides, maybe I want them to think I'm your nice, fit, rich, boyfriend." I waggle my eyebrows suggestively.

"Well, you're definitely fit and rich. The nice part...jury's still out on that one." I nudge him with my elbow.

Sasha feigns offense. "Oi! I'll have you know I’m the nicest bloke in all the Vegas."

Before Logan comes up with a witty response to my quip, the limo slows to a stop, and the driver announces our arrival. I take a deep breath, readying my mask.

Time to face the world again.

The door swings open and I exit the dark cocoon into the bright chaos, praying I don't shatter under the weight of watchful eyes and expectations. Being true to himself in public, for someone who’s been in the closet all his life is hard. But with Logan by my side, I might just stay in one piece. Might.

I’m assaulted by a clamor of voices and laughter. I blink rapidly, adjusting to the dazzling lights illuminating the hotel's entrance. A sea of people mingle about, dressed to the nines in tuxedos and gowns. Mostly folks in their thirties. A few younger faces scattered about, likely spouses or dates. No one my age, though.

And before I chicken out and crawl back to the limo, Logan offers his arm to me and murmurs with a smile, "Shall we?"

I slip my hand around his muscular biceps, relishing the solid warmth beneath my fingers. As we stride toward the doors, I feel the weight of countless stares boring into my back. Judging. Speculating.

I lean in close to Logan, my lips nearly brushing his ear. "They're all gawking at us," I mutter.

Logan glances around, a wry smile playing on his lips.I love seeing him happy."Pretty sure it's the limo they're staring at, not us."

"Oh, cheers for that. Here I thought we were causing a scandal, two blokes together and all."

He chuckles, low and deep. "Well, okay, maybe it is us. We are way too hot for this crowd."

Some of my anxiety dissipates. Trust Logan to put me at ease with a bit of playful banter.

As we walk inside, a few people call out to Logan, waving and smiling. He greets them by slowing his pace to quickly shake extended hands and exchange pleasantries. I hover awkwardly at his side, trying to match names to the unfamiliar faces.

We retrieve our name tags from the registration desk in the lobby, then Logan guides me toward the ballroom entrance. I take a deep breath, steeling myself. The room is awash in golden light, with ornate chandeliers spilling a soft glow over the assembled flock of strangers. A poppy tune plays in the background, filling the room along with the buzz of conversations happening here.

Logan places a hand on the small of my back, a gesture of reassurance. "Ready?" he asks, searching my face.

I nod, mustering a smile. "As I'll ever be, I suppose."

"We can leave," he murmurs. "If you’re not comfortable doing this."

"It's your reunion. I'm not going to be that wimp of a boyfriend who’s so selfish he makes his other half back out at the last minute."

"Okay. But remember I’m just as scared as you are. I haven’t seen these people in ages."

"You’ll be fine, mate."

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