More Than A Favor

Chapter 7 Logan' expression stiffened, and for a moment, he didn't say anything. Then, finally, he spoke, his voice low. "We're just friends." Friends? He must have noticed my disbelief because he continued, his tone quieter now. “Liam is gone. Before he died, he held my hand and askedto take care of Selene..." His voice trembled slightly, and I noticed his hand, hanging by his side, was trembling too.

Logan always got emotional when he talked about Liam's death. It wasn't the first tI'd seen him like this, but it didn't make it any easier to watch.

I felt my heart sink as I looked at him. "I didn't mean anything else," I said softly. "I just noticed how much Selene seems to rely on you." "She..." Logan hesitated for a moment before sighing. "She's pregnant. Maybe that's why she feels insecure being on her own." His dark eyes met mine, steady and sincere. "Elaine, I'll be more careful in the future." He was trying to reassure me, and I appreciated it. But I still had to say what was on my mind.

"Even if you're taking care of her for Liam's sake, you should remember that men and women are different," I said quietly. "Boundaries matter." Logan nodded. "Okay. I understand." Just as the conversation ended, the sound of squeaking wheels echoed down the hallway.

I turned my head and saw a group of doctors and nurses rushing toward us, pushing a stretcher. Before I could step aside, Logan grabbed my arm and pulledcloser to him.

"Watch out," he murmured, his voice low but firm.

09:11 2.41% Get B The group rushed past us, the air around them charged with urgency. I barely noticed. All I could hear was the pounding of Logan' heartbeat beneath my ear as I found myself pressed against his chest.

Menu The sound brought back memories-of the tI'd fallen during a school event shortly after moving to the Mercer Estate. Logan had been there, rushing to catch me, holdingclose as he carriedto the infirmary. His heartbeat had been just as frantic then, and it was the first tI'd realized how much I cared for him. Now, standing here in his arms, his heartbeat still racing, I felt a flicker of that sfeeling.

I closed my eyes, leaning into him, unwilling to think about anything else in that moment. "Let's go home," I whispered. "I'm tired." "Okay," Logan said softly. He releasedgently, his lips brushing against my forehead. "Lettell Selene first." I waited outside the ward as Logan went in. I didn't hear what he said to her, but a few minutes later, I heard the faint sound of Selene sobbing.

When Logan returned, we left the hospital together.

Back at the Mercer Estate, his parents were still awake, sitting on the couch in the living room. They weren't speaking to each other, just silently watching TV.

"Mom. Dad," Logan greeted them.

"Tessa. Ethan," I added, addressing them by their first names as I always did.

Logan' mother, Tessa Monroe, turned to us with a warm smile. "Have you two eaten? There's still food in the kitchen if you're hungry." "We've already eaten," Logan replied. Then, turning to me, he asked, "Are you sure? You didn't eat much earlier." I shook my head. "I'm fine." "All right, then. You two should go upstairs and get srest," Tessa said, 09:11 2.27% < Chapter 7 her smile lingering. "I'll have the staff bring you smilk later." Get 5* Meny Something about her smile felt... off. But I didn't dwell on it. Instead, I followed Logan upstairs.

The moment I opened the door to my room, I froze.

Logan, standing behind me, noticed my reaction and frowned.

Before we could say anything, Tessa's voice cfrom behind us. "Oh, Elaine, I forgot to mention. We need to clear out Logan' room to prepare it as your shared bedroom. For now, Logan will stay in your room." "Mom," Logan said with a hint of exasperation. “Elaine and I are moving out after we get married. Why bother preparing a shared bedroom here?" Tessa waved off his protest. "Just because you're moving out doesn't mean you won't stay here sometimes. Holidays, late nights-it's practical to have one room ready." She turned to me, her tone light but pointed. "Elaine, you don't mind, do you?" Suddenly, Logan' words to Caleb echoed in my mind, leavingmomentarily speechless.

"She doesn't mind," Logan unexpectedly answered for me.

I looked up at him as he slid his arm around my shoulder, guidinginto the room.

"Goodnight, Mom," he said, closing the door behind us.

The silence that followed felt heavy, almost suggestive. The large bed, with its elaborate bedspread, made the room feel like it was meant for a wedding night.

My face heated. "I'll... change it," I stammered, breaking free from his hold.

Before I could move, Logan caught my arm. His deep eyes held mine, and my breath hitched. His hand slid my from my arm to my shoulder, then to the back of my neck as he leaned in closer. 0 09:11 2.39% < Chapter 7 Get 5 #Menu "Logan..." I whispered nervously, clutching his hand, but my words were sw allowed by his kiss.

It was fierce, unlike the brief kisses we'd shared before. His tongue grazed my lips, seeking entry, but my nervousness made my teeth chatter.

Logan pulled back slightly, his breath warm against my ear. "Relax," he murmured, liftingeffortlessly and placingon the bed.

My heart raced as his fingers began unbuttoning my shirt. I closed my eyes, anticipating what was to come, but just as his lips brushed my neck, his phone rang. Startled, I clutched his arm. "Logan..."