He closed the door and sat with his back leaning up against the door.
“I told you to watch her.”
“I am watching her. She’s inside, asleep. Curled up on the sofa, waiting for you. I gave her a hot chocolate.”
“Did you drug her?”
“No. She’s out cold because of exhaustion. Don’t worry, I won’t hurt her.”
“No, you won’t, and neither will I.”
“Is this the reason you’re out here and not in there?” Hunter asked.
Logan stared at his friend. “You hated him.”
“I know.”
“Did you ever suspect him of doing this?”
“No.”
“You didn’t?”
“I can hate men without them being rapists, Logan.”
“What was it about him that you hated?”
“I don’t know. It was the fact he was always there, breathing down your neck, trying to get you to do something, anything he wanted you to do. It was like he had this hold, and he knew it as well. What I didn’t know was what he’d done.”
“Ava told me.”
“She did me as well.”
“Did you believe her?” Logan asked.
Hunter paused. “I … I didn’t outright believe her, but I also didn’t think she was lying. I know this is complicated.”
“No, it’s not. She was telling the truth the whole time, but the sheriff, Luke, his parents, they’re the ones who ruined my life.”
“You got them both now. You made up for it.”
“What if it’s not enough?”
“I don’t understand.”
“I don’t know if I can face her. How can I marry her and keep her, when I forced her to be naked in a room with Luke? To come while he watched? I didn’t believe her. I thought the worst, and look what happened. She was the main victim.”
“Logan, after everything that has happened tonight, you need to step into that room, talk to her. At least, do that. She deserves it after everything. Don’t do anything rash or stupid. Just take your time with all of this. There is no reason to do anything right now.”
“You’re being the voice of reason.”
“You’re the one who taught me not to go breaking down walls that didn’t need to be broken. Ava needs you right now. Even if it is just for a hug. You’ve got to give her that chance.”
“I don’t know if I can be all that she needs.”
“She needs the man who just killed in front of her to hold her. To put aside whatever mess is between you two. Did you take the pregnancy tests?” Hunter asked.
“Fuck, I didn’t even think about them.”
“You were the one who wanted them. You’ve got to make this right. I’ll be right outside if you need me.” Hunter shuffled out of the way, and Logan got to his feet.
“I don’t like you right now.”
“Don’t need to like me,” Hunter said. “Besides, you and I both know I’m loyal to you and only you.”
Entering his penthouse suite, Logan closed the door.
He took each step slowly, removing his jacket and entering the sitting room. Sure enough, Ava was curled up on the sofa. She looked so peaceful.
He walked toward her, sitting down on the edge of the coffee table, watching her. She was so beautiful. Age had only deepened that beauty.
He reached out, tucking a strand behind her ear, and smiling as she moaned a little. It was a soft sound but oh, so sweet.
“Hey, beautiful,” he said, when she opened her eyes.
“Hey.” She didn’t smile.
He saw the tears in her eyes. “Are you afraid of me?”
“No. How are you?” She sat up but didn’t make a move to hold him.
He wanted to touch her so badly.
“I’m fine. Believe me, this is in no way a new experience for me.”
“What is it then?” she asked. “I’m sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“I’m sorry,” he said.
“What do you have to be sorry about?”
He stared at her, and hoped she saw it.
“Logan?”
“I should have believed you.”
“You didn’t know.”
“But you told me, and I laughed in your face.”
“I’m a little fuzzy about everything,” she said.
“Luke had a hold on me up until twenty-four hours ago.”
“And now?”
“He’s dead.”
“Do you miss him?” Ava asked.
“No. I couldn’t miss someone who treated me like that. His death, it was a long time in coming, and it was way too easy for him as well.”
“Logan, he was still your best friend.”
“Who raped you. If he didn’t know how I felt about you, he’d never have been given the chance.”
“You don’t know that. He was a monster.”
“And I’m the worst one there is. This is all based on lies.” He saw the tears fall, and he reached out, gently swiping them away. “At least you’re not afraid of me after everything I did to you.”
“We can’t change the past, Logan.”
“How can you even bear to look at me?” he asked.
“You saved me.”
He shook his head and got to his feet. “Everything is a fucking mess.”
Ava grabbed his hand, pulling him down so he collapsed beside her on the sofa. She wrapped her arms around him and held him tight.