Chapter 19

Chapter 19
Logan's pov 

Can't get over how much I've enjoyed being with Brianna. After that one night together, I really just thought that I would keep to myself for fear of getting too attached again, because I knew it could wreck the fragile connection that we had going. However, as I'm getting to know her better, I've realized it's too late and I couldn't resist wanting her like I've never wanted anything or anyone before.

I made it my mission to take Brianna out on numerous dates so that she began associating what we were doing with happiness. I got her to her favorite restaurants and surprised her with little gifts. I listened to her talk about her dreams and aspirations. The layers of walls that she had built were slowly coming down with each passing day.

One of those nights, we were just sitting on a beach, enjoying the sunset, and suddenly, Brianna turned towards me, looking to me with her most vulnerable expression, very suddenly speaking aloud "Logan, can I ask you something?" in almost a whisper.

Of course, what is it? I said after taking her hand in mine.

"Why are you being so nice to me?" she questioned me, staring at my face with a weird mix of curiosity and suspicion. "You don't have to do all this. I'm not expecting anything from you."

With a smile that produced heat in my body from the middle of my chest outwards I said, "I'm doing it because I want to, Brianna." "I like being with you; you make me smile."

Brianna looked at me, searching my eyes for any sign of insincerity, but I knew that I was being genuine; I had never felt this way about anyone before.

As soon as that day turned to night and the sun slowly disappeared into the dark abyss, Brianna just leaned in and kissed me. She kissed me softly and gently, but oh man, that kind of kiss sent chills down my spine.

From that day on, Brianna and I hyperbonded. We took long walks, spoke deep words of meaning, and toured the city together. And with each passing day, I realized how much the fear and uncertainty in Brianna's eyes were fading.

One evening as we sat on the couch in my living room, Brianna turned towards me with determination in her eyes. "Logan, I need to tell you something," she said, her voice firm. "Something that could change everything." 

I looked at her, my heart racing with anticipation. What could she possibly want to tell me? 

But suddenly something interrupts her-the moment my phone rang. It was my uncle, Marcus by name. "Logan, we have a problem," a dark and urgent voice started. "George Conners has just taken his first action against us. Need to talk, now." 

I looked to Brianna, an unsettled feeling surfacing in me. What had her father done now, and how would it affect us? 

Step into my uncle's office, and trepidation fills me. I knew that he would be angrier when he gets to know about George Conners and the worst part, I was unsure how he was going to take news that I had fallen in love with Brianna. "Uncle Marcus, I need to tell you something," I said, taking a deep breath. 

"What is it, Logan?" he inquired, looking up from the papers on his desk. "I've been seeing Brianna Conners," I said, bracing myself for his reaction. 

The expression on my uncle's face turned to dark at that and the next thing was his fist slamming down on the desk. "Logan, what are you thinking?" he thundered. "George Conners is a dangerous man, and his daughter is just as bad. They're not to be trusted." 

I shook my head, feeling frustration. "You don't understand, Uncle Marcus," I said. "Brianna is different from her father. She's kind and gentle, and she doesn't deserve to be judged based on her family's actions." 

But Aunt Martha, who had watched everything play out quietly, spoke. "Logan, honey, we're just trying to protect you," she said. "George Conners is a ruthless man, and we can't let you get hurt.”

I exhaled, a memorialization of a sigh. "You know, it's for your good, but you're not really going to bother listening to me," I asserted. "I love Brianna, and I will not lose her to her father's name."

My uncle and aunt had given each other a looking and, indeed, they were disdainful of the relationship I had with Brianna. What I saw as important was that I knew what I was doing and was willing to fight.

"Logan, we will discuss that topic further," my uncle said in a firm voice. "For now, we must stick to the subject of George Conners and his schemes against our family."

Indeed, I nodded and took a breath of relief. At least my uncle agrees about my decisions but still isn't going to dive into the debate.

This whole scenario inside my uncle's office left me with a lump in my chest. Sure, a difficult road lay ahead in my relationship with Brianna. But it was something I was willing to face head-on. I only wished by the time I would have to present my new lover to my family, they would accept her in all her boldness-defying actions instead of judging her according to her family's name.

I pulled out my phone and called up Brianna's number. Excited and very nervous at the same time, I had to break it to her-my uncle's meeting. I wasn't really sure how she was going to take it today.

"Brianna, hey," I said, when she answered the phone. "I need to talk to you about something."

"What is it?" she asked, her voice curious.

"I just had a conversation with my uncle," I said. "He's not happy about our relationship, and he's warning me about your father's reputation.

"He might be your uncle, but I couldn't care less," she said. "I care about you, and I know that you care about me too. Together we'll face whatever challenges come our way.”

Looking at Brianna caused a jolt, an electric thrill running through my suddenly thumping heart. All I could think about was how badly I wanted to spend the rest of my life with her, and I could wait no longer to tell her.

"From the first time I saw you, Brianna, I knew something about you would always remain special to me," I told her, unable to keep the tremor of emotion out of my voice. "You illuminate my life in ways that I ever thought possible. You make me feel alive, and I don't want to spend even one more day without you by my side."