Refusing to use a wheelchair, Logan helps me make my slow trek down the hall to Sofia’s room. I’m so excited to finally get to see her. The last time I laid eyes on her she was a bloody beaten mess on that basement floor. I remember not knowing if she was even alive. When I woke up after being in the hospital for three days, one of my first thoughts was of Sofia. I’d felt so much relief when Logan told me they had gotten her out of that house and she was safe, right here in the hospital. When we walk into her room, she is so engrossed in the iPad she’s holding. It takes a minute for her to register we’re even here. “Bella!” Sofia beams.

“Hey sweetie,” I exclaim. Offering me his hand, Logan helps me sit on the side of Sofia’s bed. “How are you feeling? The guys treating you good?” Quickly nodding her head, Sofia affirms.

“Yes, everyone has been really nice to me. Logan brought me this iPad, and Quinn brings me ice cream every day.”

“That’s great, I knew they’d take good care of you.”

“How about you?” Sofia asks. “Logan said you get to go home soon.”

“Yup, we sure do. I’ll have one of the guys come help you get all your stuff together tomorrow.” It’s all I can do to be nonchalant. I bite the inside of my cheek to keep from smiling. It only takes a few seconds for her to catch on to what I said.

Snapping her head up from staring at her lap. “What do mean help me get my stuff together?”

“Well, we are going home tomorrow.”

“Home? We?” She asks confused.

“Yes, sweet girl, you’re coming home with us tomorrow.”

“Really!” Sofia screeches. I can’t help but bust out laughing at her excitement. I ignore the way laughing causes my body to hurt.

“We’re going to go so you can get some rest. We have a long day ahead of us tomorrow.” I announce, patting Sofia’s leg.

“Okay, Bella, thank you so much.” she hiccups, trying to hold back her tears.

“You’re welcome, baby girl.”

I’m utterly exhausted after Logan helps me get settled back in my hospital room. I hate how a short walk down the hall leaves me worn out and breathless. Dr. Evans told me that was to be expected. She said to not overdo it, to give my body a chance to heal properly.

Then there’s Logan. He’s been nothing but patient towards me, even though I know it kills him I won’t let him help. I can’t help it though. The thought of him seeing me, seeing what my body looks like under my clothes. I cringe at the thought of what he will think. Will he be disgusted? Will he still want to be with someone who’s body is covered in scars?

“Whatcha thinkin’ about, babe?” Logan asks, bringing me out of my sulking thoughts. “Nothing really, I’m just tired.” By the look on his face I know he doesn’t believe me but decides not to call me out on it. “Okay, you get some rest. I’ll call the guys and get shit straight for tomorrow.” Walking over he gives me a light kiss and I close my eyes breathing in his scent, letting it comfort me.

* * *

The next day is a bit of a frenzy. I’m so over being in this damn hospital. Finally, Logan has Quinn round up one of the nurses to bring me my discharge papers so we can go. Demetri is flying us home on his plane, which I’m grateful for. I’m not in the mood to be stuck in a car for a couple of hours. Alba and Gabriel left yesterday, so they could get the house ready for us. We needed groceries and some things for Sofia. My sister was ecstatic at the mention of shopping, but poor Gabriel looked like he’d rather take a bullet. When Alba sassed off saying she would do it herself, the big guy quickly shot that idea down.

A minute later Quinn strides back into the room followed by a nurse pushing a wheelchair. I don’t want to ride in that damn thing, but it’s hospital policy. Sucking it up, I sit my ass in the chair. I’ll do anything if it means getting the hell out of here and going home.

Walking into Logan’s house...our house—I still haven’t gotten used to saying that—we’re met with silence. Logan said everyone was anxious to see me. He refused, telling them to let me get settled first. When I was ready, they could come for a short visit. I’m thankful to have him looking out for me. I’m definitely not up for company right now, with the exception of my sister. She’s the one I need. “Come on,” I say grabbing Sofia’s hand from beside me. “I’ll give you the grand tour.”

Her eyes go big as she takes in the house. After making our way from room to room, I bring her outside showing her the lake. “Oh my god,” she gasps. “Is this real? Do I really get to live here?”

“Yes, sweet girl, you get to live here.”

Standing at the edge of the water for a moment, I close my eyes embracing the wind on my face and breathe in the fresh air. Turning my head, I look at the young girl beside me to see her doing the same. I squeeze Sofia’s hand, “Come on, let’s go inside.”

“Would it be okay if I stay out here a few more minutes?” she asks.

“Sure, you come in when you’re ready.”

Back inside, I find Logan in the kitchen making tea. “Hey, babe, you get Sofia settled?”

“Yeah, she’s out by the lake. She’ll be in soon.”

He nods his head, motioning toward the table. “Come sit, I’ll fix you a cup.”

“I need to use your phone to call my sister,” I tell him as I pull a chair out and sit. “I want to ask her what time she’ll be home.”

Peering at me with a tight jaw he grinds out. “If you need help with something, I’ll do it. You’re my woman, no more pushing me away.”

I flinch slightly when he slams the spoon he’s holding down on the counter.

“Logan—” I start before he cuts me off.

“Fuck no, I’m sick of this shit. You need help changing your bandages, I’ll change them. You need help taking a shower, I’ll help.” He states with conviction.

Feeling rage bubble up in my gut, I stand up from the table. “You know what, Logan, it’s not really up to you, now is it.” I calmly challenge, not taking my eyes off his. If he thinks he’s going to take over telling me how things are going to be, he’s got another thing coming.

“Angel,” he says. His face softening.

Bracing my hands on the table, I hang my head. “I’m not ready,” I whisper.

In seconds Logan is beside me holding my head in his hands. I notice the defeated posture of his body as he uses his thumb to brush away my tears, then kisses my lips. “I’ll call your sister,” he murmurs with a sigh.

I wake up in mine and Logan’s bed a while later to see Alba lying in the bed next to me. After our little feud earlier, I told Logan I needed a nap. “How long you been here?”

“About thirty minutes,” my sister replies as we engage in a stare off.

“Just say it,” I huff.

“He loves you. You have to let him in. I know you’re afraid.”

I shake my head, “You don’t understand.”

“I may not understand what you went through, but I understand being afraid.”

My eyes soften at her declaration. Alba, thankfully came out of this whole nightmare unharmed, but she does indeed understand my feelings on some level. “I need more time, that’s all I’m asking.”

Climbing off the bed she walks over to my side. Taking a hold of her hands, she helps me stand. My stitches don’t feel as tight, just sore. The doctor said I have another week before they can be removed and I no longer have to keep them bandaged either. Walking into the bathroom with my sister I refuse to look in the mirror as she starts the water for my shower. I’ll be glad when I can take a real shower, five minutes just isn’t cutting it, and my legs needed a razor like four days ago. Alba catching the horrified look aimed towards my legs and giggles.

“Sit,” she commands, pointing to the closed lid of the toilet. “I’m going to shave those hairy beasts you call legs.” I hear her snicker when she catches me flipping her the bird.

It feels so odd having the sister roles reversed. My whole life I’ve been the one taking care of Alba, so much so it sometimes felt as if she were my own child. Now the table has turned, and my baby sister is taking care of me. The first time she saw my cuts, it seemed as though it was harder for her than me. She tried to hide her sadness, but Alba has never been able to mask her feelings very well, especially not from me. Still, she took a deep breath, held the tears back, and became the strong one. In that moment she did me proud, she knew that’s exactly what I needed from her.

Walking downstairs, feeling somewhat human again, I’m hit with the smell of Chinese food, causing my stomach to rumble. “Hey, you two hungry?” Logan questions, when Alba and I walk into the kitchen.

“Yes,” we both spill in unison. I smile when I walk into the kitchen and find Sofia helping him set the table. Sitting down, I immediately dig in while Logan grabs us a couple of beers, and the girls a coke. Conversation flows freely, mostly about the guys and how things are at the shop. Alba tells me how she talked to Mom the other day, but didn’t tell her anything that had happened. No one has mentioned Lee, or what’s happened to him. The only thing Logan said was it was taken care of. That’s good enough for me. The bastard is an afterthought at this point. I hope he’s rotting in hell, although even that would be too good for him. When we finish eating, Alba and Sofia excuse themselves to go upstairs. I insist on washing the dishes. I told Logan I need some sort of normalcy.

Once I’m finished I let him lead me upstairs to our room. “I’m taking a shower, then we’re going to talk.” Logan insists leaving no room for argument.

Not in the mood for being forced into doing something I’ve voiced I wasn’t ready for, I decide to ignore him. If that man thinks I’m going to roll over at his demands, then he’s sorely mistaken.

Hours later I’m woken by someone shaking me and calling out my name. When I open my eyes, it takes me a moment to register where I am and who is holding me. My heart is racing, my body aching, and I’m drenched with sweat. I then notice Logan is holding on to me. He has several bloody scratches on his face and chest. I gasp at the realization. I did that. Oh my god. A sobbing noise has me cutting my eyes over to the bedroom door. My sister is standing there, with a tear-streaked face and her hand covering her mouth.