Chapter 87
Last time, logan had helped her escape the media’s ambush; now, again, he was her shield.
Their meetings seemed always entangled with the press, fate laughing at them through the chaos.
He gave a bitter smile, pulling off his baseball cap and casually draping it over her head.
His tone was sardonic, teasing: “Honestly, I shouldn’t have saved you. You deserve to be swarmed by those pests p>
Lexi’s gaze dropped, eyes shadowed with guilt.
“I’m sorry, Logan p>
“Enough. I get it. Stop apologizing. Tell me the truth—do you like Sebastian Blackwood p>
His voice cut through her murmurs, sharp and impatient, eyes fixed on her with an intensity that made her pulse skip.
There was something about Lexi—stubborn, bright, defiant—that drew him in like a moth to a flame.
Logan still couldn’t quite define what they were to each other.
Perhaps in Lexi’s mind, he was just a nuisance, a prankster in a world where she had no reason to trust anyone.
“I… I don’t know p>
Her chest tightened at his question, and she hesitated, the truth weighing heavy on her.
She knew the chasm between her and Sebastian, the unspoken barriers that should never be crossed.
Any seed of forbidden longing had been suppressed long ago.
Love, she realized, was always so clear to outsiders but a blur to the one caught in it.
“Are you… how are you and your mother?” Lexi asked after a pause, careful with her words.
She had promised Logan’s mother she wouldn’t see him again, yet here she was, breaking that promise in mere days.
“I told you—don’t mention her in front of me p>
Logan’s smile froze, his pale face now ghostly, eyes cold and sharp enough to cut steel.
He glared at her, then stood, every motion radiating controlled fury, ready to leave.
“Even if she’s done a thousand wrongs, she’s still your mother. Do you know how many people long for a mother’s love, only to find it impossible?” Lexi’s tone was calm, but each word carried weight and fire.
For someone who had lost her own family, she understood the priceless value of kin.
“You’ve been bought, haven’t you?” Logan snapped, whirling to face her, jaw tight, chest heaving.
“You’re defending her after everything she’s done p>
Lexi softened, drawing a deep breath.
“Hate is heavy, Logan. Especially when it’s someone closest to you. You’ll only hurt yourself carrying it p>
Her clarity and resolve had an effect—Logan’s clenched fists relaxed.
With a cold snort, he turned and strode away, leaving Lexi drained but resolute.
She watched him retreat, the weight of their complicated history pressing down on her.
Before she could rest further, Connor, Sebastian’s right-hand man, approached.
“Miss Lexi, Mr. Blackwood wishes to see you p>
Lexi tilted her head, skeptical.
They had only just parted, and yet here was Sebastian again.
Had he seen the leaks?
Maybe he could use his influence to bury the scandal… that would be a mercy.
She nodded and got into Connor’s car.
Instead of the sleek Blackwood Industries office building she expected, Connor brought her to a lavish, private French restaurant.
The entire space was booked, a violinist playing among tables adorned with fresh flowers.
The melody floated in the air, a reflection of Sebastian’s calm yet commanding presence.
Lexi’s chest tightened.
Another one of his elaborate schemes… but for what?
As she approached, Sebastian’s eyes narrowed slightly, watching her with that intoxicating mixture of mischief and command.
His face, half-shadowed by the dim lighting, made it impossible to look away.
“This dinner is my way of returning the favor for the other night,” he said smoothly, adjusting his tailored suit.
A faint, enigmatic smile tugged at his lips.
“And don’t worry… it’s all paid from your acting fee p>
Lexi’s gaze flicked over the steak and vintage wine set before her.
The wine was rich, complex—bitter at first, then sweet—a reflection of life itself.
Setting down her glass, she leveled a sharp look at Sebastian.
“You’ve seen the photos, right? If you don’t want your girlfriend Lauren making trouble for me, I suggest you handle this quickly p>
Sebastian’s lashes brushed his cheekbones as he studied her.
Truth revealed, his first thought was Lauren.
Years of loyalty and sacrifices tied her to him… he couldn’t just erase that.
“I’ll handle it. You just… make sure you stay out of trouble. No more reckless entanglements, understand?” He cut a bite of steak, voice calm, deliberate.
But the truth was, he already knew where his priorities lay—he’d always give Lauren the first chance.
Then, a long, slender hand reached for her.
Startled, Lexi stepped back, knocking her chair with a thud.
Pain shot through her foot, and she hissed, glaring at Sebastian.
“What are you doing? You’re supposed to move quietly p>
Sebastian didn’t flinch.
One hand lifted her chin, the other dabbing the caviar from the corner of her mouth.
Their eyes met, and heat flooded her cheeks.
He was a master at this—an expert in pulling her heartstrings without effort.
Her pulse surged, swinging from dizzying heights to the depths of vulnerability.
“Lexi p>
A shout cut through the charged tension.
Her mind snapped back.
Dominic had arrived, furious at the perceived intimacy between her and Sebastian.
“Dominic, what are you doing here?” she asked, flustered.
Her unease made her look like a schoolgirl caught in a crush.
“I came because if I didn’t, he’d steal your soul!
Lexi… wake up.
This man belongs to Lauren.
You have nothing to do with him p>
“I’m telling you, nothing’s happening!” Lexi insisted, stepping to Dominic’s side.
Sebastian’s jaw tightened.
This meddler… he would pay for interfering.
“Mr. Dominic, you barged in first. You tampered with my contract; don’t expect me to ignore that,” Sebastian said, arms crossed, regal and unyielding.
Dominic’s stomach lurched.
Did Sebastian know about his deal with Lauren?
The young woman had brokered a contract to buy his loyalty and deflect Sebastian’s suspicion.