Chapter 229: NEW BEGINNINGS
Their breathing slowly calmed, though their hearts still beat wildly, echoing against each other’s chests.
Logan lay on his side, propped on one elbow, watching her with a gaze so tender it made Jean’s throat tighten. One of his hands traced idle circles over her bare shoulder, then moved to brush a damp lock of hair from her cheek.
Jean, still catching her breath, let her fingers rest against his jaw, feeling the scratch of stubble and the warmth of his skin. For a long moment, neither spoke. The only sounds were the soft hum of the rain still falling outside, and the occasional slowing thud of their hearts.
"You’re staring," Jean finally whispered, a tired smile playing at her lips.
"I know," Logan replied, his voice husky but softer now. "I can’t help it."
She bit back a laugh, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. "Stop... You are embarrassing me."
"Good," he murmured, pressing a slow, gentle kiss to her forehead. "You should know what you do to me."
Jean’s chest tightened... not from desire this time, but something warmer, softer. She shifted closer, her head tucking under his chin, breathing in the scent of him... rain-dampened skin, faint cologne, and something entirely Logan.
"Are you okay?" Logan asked, almost under his breath, as though afraid to break the quiet spell.
"Better than okay," she whispered, her voice muffled against his chest. "For the first time... I feel safe."
His arms tightened around her, and she felt him exhale shakily, as though he’d been holding that breath for too long.
They lay like that, tangled under the sheets, the world beyond the bedroom door distant and unimportant. Jean traced faint patterns over his chest with her fingertips; Logan kissed the top of her head, then her temple, unable to stop touching her... needing the reassurance that she was real, here, his.