When I finally emerge from the shower, I am feeling far calmer than I was when I got in. There's just something about washing dried blood from your hair that really perks up a girl.

Tori and Logan are sitting at opposite ends of the room, exactly where I left them when I stormed off to shower. Whatever truce they have struck is uneasy as they wait for my decision on what to do next.

It's impossible for them to understand what I am feeling. Sometimes it feels like no one will ever get it. That I'll never feel normal or safe again. The fear of someone else getting hurt because of Grayson? I'd never forgive myself.

I might not have known Logan long, and god help me, I'm not known for my excellent taste in men, but I know a good man when I see one. Logan and the people at his club are good men. They don't deserve the hell that Grayson could bring. His family connections, lack of limits, and lack of consequences for his behaviour have created a monster. One that is ever escalating.

Tori looks upset and I feel that twinge of guilt I always do when I realise the impact my poor decisions have on those around me. I don't remember a time before we were friends, and I know she has always been worried about me. From my dare devil antics on the playground as a kid, to the far bigger mistakes of now.

Logan looks... I don't even really know how he looks. His body is relaxed, leaning forward and surveying the room with an emotionless expression.

I am quickly realising that is his default setting, and I can't help but wonder what made him that way. Murder of crows echoes in my head and I pray I'm not wrong about him.

He spots me first and says nothing as his eyes move slowly up my legs to the navy shorts. His swallow is the only sign I might be having an effect on him as his eyes drift up the rest of the way, over my white t-shirt before landing on my face.

He looks hungry. Like a starving man before a buffet.

Neither of us moves or speaks, and it isn't until Tori clears her throat and breaks the moment that I snap back to reality.

"So?" she asks quietly, eyes flicking back and forth between us.

"So?" I repeat, letting out a breath.

Tori rolls her eyes. "Are you coming to stay at mine, or staying with mister tall, dark and scary?"

I bite my lower lip between my teeth as I think and note the darkening of Logan's eyes.

"I'm not willing to risk yours or Zak's safety." I sigh, shaking my head. "I don't particularly want to bring Grayson's attention to your club either, Logan."

"Stop." He says softly, standing and taking a step closer to me. "Stop thinking about keeping other people safe and start thinking about you. I'm not gonna sugarcoat it, darlin'. From what you've said, you're in a fuck ton of danger. The club has dealt with enough of these pricks before that. I know we will be fine. I also know enough that if I leave you here, you won't be."

I fold my arms over my chest and stare him down. "There's no need to scare me into an answer you like. I know exactly how dangerous he is, and that's why I'm trying to protect you."

A dark chuckle escapes him. "You don't know me, Foxy. I don't need your protection."

"Ok, if we could dial down the sexual tension for a minute." Tori snorts, stepping between us to break up the crackling atmosphere between us. "I know your club has supported domestic violence victims-"

I raise my hand to interrupt, but she cuts me off.

"-No, you are a victim, Gem. You might not like to believe it, but you are. He fucked with your head and you know it. Logan, if your club can keep her safe better than I can, I won't stand in the way of that. But I also need to know that you're not just interested in sleeping with my incredibly hot best friend and then going to leave her high and dry." She steps towards Logan, pressing a finger to his chest. "Because I will be there to pick up the pieces, without hesitation, but I promise you, you'll regret it. I know a hundred ways to kill a man and have the knowledge to not get caught too."

I frown for a second. Trying to wrap my head around the mix of compliment and threat. "Firstly, thanks babe. Secondly, to anyone who doesn't know what you do for work, that sounds fucking terrible." I flick my attention to the silent Logan. "She works in forensics."

Something flickers in his expression, and he almost seems to retreat into himself. "I see."

I'm not sure what it is he sees, because it certainly isn't what I thought he would. "She wouldn't actually hurt you." I reassure, "She talks a big game, but she knows I'm an adult who is perfectly capable of choosing who I have consensual relations with." I shoot Tori a glare and she rolls her eyes.

"What I am saying is, you keep her safe and we won't have an issue." She explains sweetly.

"You have my word that I won't let anything happen to her whilst I am around. Whatever happens, she will have my protection," Logan vows.

I glare at them both. "Are you making decisions for me?"

"To protect you? Hell fucking yes, we are making decisions to keep you safe." Tori snaps, hands on her hips.

It's a look that reminds me far too much of our overprotective mother's and I raise a brow.

"Gem, you need to report him for breaking the restraining order." Her mama bear act deflates a little and I see the genuine worry in her gaze. "The call logs will prove he contacted you, and the cameras outside the building will prove what he did to Logan's bike. This could be just what the police need to catch him for this. It could mean that in a couple of days, this all blows over and you're home and safe again."

I look around the apartment I loved so much. It doesn't feel like it will ever be safe again. It feels wrong. Tainted by Grayson's voice in my ear and his proximity to my home.

"I'll call them." I promise, my shoulders slumping in defeat.

"Does this mean that you're coming with me?" Logan asks quietly.

There's an uncertainty in his eyes that is oddly endearing. "If you're sure it will be ok." I wrap my arms around myself as I wait for his reply.

"Of course." He clears his throat. "If you'd like to pack a bag. Someone from the club is downstairs to collect my bike, and he's going to give us both a ride back."

I quirk a brow. "You assumed I'd say yes?"

"He was coming to get me anyway, but I hoped you would," Logan corrects, with a small smile.

A smile that does funny things to my insides and has me biting my lower lip between my teeth. Logan's eyes are fixed on the movement, and I'm focused on him.

"Go pack." Tori snorts, giving me a little shove towards the bedroom, effectively breaking the spell over us.

My cheeks flush with embarrassment and I hurry into the bedroom, closing the door behind me and pressing my back to it.

What the hell has got into my libido?

I grab a bag and start mindlessly through in clothes. Enough to last a couple of days. A couple of days and this will all be over. Hopefully.

It needs to be over. I need to discover myself and my normal again because of this? I'm only half-living, half-afraid. Changing cities, moving house, changing careers. Nothing has deterred him or broken his obsession, and I'm so fucking tired of it all.

Toiletries land on top of t-shirts and I zip the bag shut quickly, hefting it onto my shoulder. I take a deep breath at the door before fixing my smile on my face and heading out.

It's a smile that's not really a smile. It's so fake it hurts my face to hold it, but I got really good at pretending to be ok and I know a smile is a big part of that. My bruised face fights against the happiness, trying to remind me that we are in pain, but I refuse. Pain is forgettable. Nothing more than a reminder that we are still here. Still fighting.

Besides, no one believes you're broken if you're smiling.

"You ready?" Logan asks in a growly voice as soon as I'm back in my living room.

Tori's raised brow tells me she noticed and studiously avoids meeting her eye. "As I'll ever be."

He frowns, and for a second I think he sees through my overly bright voice, before he shakes his head and makes his way to the door. It's strange, locking up and not knowing exactly when I'm going to be back.

Tori fills the silence as we take the lift down, with meaningless chatter about her work, and I'm grateful. Her hand squeezing mine, reminding me she knows me better than I know myself sometimes.

The space feels too small with all three of us there, and Logan darts out as soon as the doors slide open. Disappearing out onto the street before we can say anything.

"It's not forever." Tori whispers, pulling me into a hug before we follow.

"I know. I just hate that he's doing this again. That he can still mess with me after all this time? Just shitty, you know?"

"I know. And any time you've had enough with those bikers and want out, my door is always open, ok?" Tori squeezed me once more before we followed Logan.

He was standing by a white van, with a similarly tall, broad-shouldered guy. Like Logan, tattoos covered his arms, but unlike him, he was grinning like he was having the time of his life. Through the open doors behind, I could see the remains of the bike they had already loaded in.

The guy let out a low whistle when he spotted me. "Fuck, I hope you're going to tell me the other guy looks worse."

I shrugged, "Maybe not, but I bet he feels it, knowing a girl kicked his ass."

Logan's lip twitched as though he were repressing a smile. Or perhaps trying to avoid pointing out that he stepped in to assist.

"Glad to hear it, girly. I'm Sin. It's a pleasure to meet you." He took my hand with a wink, pressing a kiss to the back of it.

"Sin?" I gave him a doubtful look. "Great to meet you."

"Sin as in, forgive me father, for I have sinned." He pressed his hands in mock prayer.

I found myself smiling. "You don't strike me as the type to ask for forgiveness."

"Oh, I don't, but I love to sin!" He laughed out loud and then, for the first time, seemed to notice Logan's stony faced expression at our exchange.

His eyes darted back and forth between us for a minute before clapping his hands. "Oh hell yes, this will be fun. I just know the guys are going to love you." He said slyly, guiding me towards the van.