They are lying on the couch together. Scorpia has her head on his chest and runs her fingertips over his tattoo. He strokes her back and tells her about the night out. "Three of the guys took someone home. Dino with two girls, Ricardo with one and Ciro... with a guy."

"What? How do you find a guy to take home there? Unless... bouncer?"

"Yep. According to Bruno he is erm... well not picky I guess."

Scorpia giggles and says: "Yes, age, skin color, gender, it really doesn't matter to him. But Ricardo took someone home too? I'm glad."

"Bruno yelled at him to take the girl inside first because it was cold outside."

Scorpia bursts out in laughter.

"What did you think of it all, Logan?"

"Bruno invited me over to look at the pictures behind the bar and when I recognized you, I looked at them closely. Frank showed me a photo album with pictures of the monthly winners. Welll, winner."

Scorpia blushes and says: "Yeah, that made me feel uncomfortable. And some girls hated me because of it. But it's not an issue that I worked there?"

"No, Bonnie. Why would it be? I just wish I went over there when I moved here. I could have stared at you back then. Frank shared his expensive whisky with me by the way."

"What? The one he keeps in that locked cupboard?"

"Yes, that one. And he said if I ever wanted another one, I should come over."

"Wow, Logan. He never shares that with anyone. Not even Brad."

"Bruno praised me a little. Frank obviously noticed the tattoo when we took out shirts off. So we explained what Bonnie means. And Bruno said I was the only man for you."

Scorpia looks up at him and sees the slight blush on his cheeks. "No lie there, handsome Scot." She kisses him deep and slow and climbs on top of him. He moans and runs his fingers across her sides. "Mmm Logan. I hope you're not tired because we're not sleeping any time soon."

Logan grins at her and smacks her ass. She squeals and puts her hands on his chest to push herself up. She licks her lips and moves her hips.

"Oh hell."

──────

She wakes up in bed the next morning and with an arm tightly wrapped around her waist. A warm breath brushes her ear and a smile forms on her lips. She keeps her eyes closed for a little bit longer, enjoying this relaxed, protected feeling. She puts her hand on top of his and strokes his brace and fingers. 

She hears his croaky, sleepy voice and gets goosebumps all over.

"Morning, Bonnie." He pulls her close and kisses her shoulder.

"Mmmorning Logannnn."

He chuckles and softly says: "I love it when you stretch my name out." She turns around to face him and kisses him slowly. He looks at her with loving eyes and asks: "Do you have to go to work early today?"

She kisses him again, before answering. "No."

Logan pushes her onto her back and kisses her neck. "Mmmm, so there's time for a full breakfast?"

"Mmm yes."

He bites her neck and she lets out a startled yelp. His mouth moves to the skin right above her collarbone and he sucks on it.

She pulls his hair and moans: "Logannnnn."

He chuckles and says: "Nothing beats a warm breakfast in bed."

Scorpia laughs and says: "Yes, a big, warm breakfast in bed."

Logan kisses and licks his way down her body. He puts his hands on the inside of her thighs and pushes her legs apart. He stares down with a hungry look in his eyes and Scorpia holds her breath, until she feels his warm mouth on her most sensitive spot.

"Logannnn."

───────

She's sitting at the kitchen table, wearing high waisted pants and suspenders. Under it a white bustier with a red bow. Her short, black jacket hangs on the back of the chair and she wriggles her feet into bright-red heels.

Logan walks into the kitchen with a cappuccino in his hand and her bra over his arm. "Look what I found in the cafe."

Scorpia chuckles and points at her jeans and shirt in the corner.

"Bonnie, you're looking way too hot again. You really can't keep going to work like this. Ciro might jump your bones. Not that he's picky."

Scorpia laughs and looks at the picture of Logan with her brothers on her phone. She sends the picture to Lexy and asks her to turn it into a canvas. Or a poster. But without their faces on it.

She drinks her cappuccino and feels Logan's eyes on her. 

"You won't take that jacket off at work, right?"

"Why not?"

Logan swallows and looks into her eyes to see if she meant that.

She tries to hide her smile by taking another sip of her coffee. She shoots him a questioning look over her cup.

"Erm..."

"Would you mind if I took it off, handsome Scot?"

He nods and says: "I'm relieved that the other guys didn't see your pictures at Frank's bar. I don't like sharing you. I know how beautiful you are..."

She smiles wide at him and says: "No, my dear. I will only take this jacket off at home. That's also the reason why there's only a bustier under it, it would be too warm otherwise." She finishes her coffee and says: "I'm curious to see if my brothers are awake yet. And Ricardo."

Logan says: "Oh how I wanted to be a fly on the wall there. Ricardo was getting lost in that girl. I just hope they ended up in his apartment and not outside, against the wall."

Scorpia laughs and feels her phone vibrate. It's a message from Lexy.

Holy Mother Mary!
Hot picture!
It will be done.
I'll bring it over this afternoon.
Last night was a hit, right?

Scorpia laughs at her phone, sends a thank you back to Lexy, and says last night was a big success.

Logan asks: "What's so funny?"

"Lexy's reaction to last night's picture of you guys. She said 'Holy Mother Mary'."

Logan chuckles and says: "Yes. She always says that when she's impressed."

"It was fun to find out we both had the same job."

"Yeah, but you had it better with Frank. Lexy's boss was a creep." Scorpia sends him a questioning look and Logan says: "Let's say that protecting the girls wasn't his priority. And he liked testing his own merchandise."

Scorpia shivers and says: "Yeah, I was really lucky with Frank in that regard. But make no mistake. He's Italian if you know what I mean."

"Hmmm, that explains why he hoped you would end up with an Italian."

Scorpia laughs and says: "He's traditional. He doesn't like it when Italian blood gets mixed. He's always been annoyed by the fact that I wasn't interested in Italian men."

"Yes, Bruno said something among those lines. That you weren't into them."

"I was when I was really young. But after Salvatore..."

"We never spoke about ex-boyfriends Bonnie. Only about my ex."

Scorpia looks up at the ceiling and says: "Yeah, your ex. Was she the only one Logan?"

"She's not an ex really. I don't have any exes."

Scorpia says: "If you look at it that way, I don't have any exes either. Sex, not ex."

Logan nods and says: "Yes that's the best way to describe it. But haven't you ever been in love, Bonnie?"

Scorpia stares at the wall over his shoulder. "I have." She gets up and puts her jacket on. She buttons it up and avoids Logan's gaze.

"Bonnie?" She looks into Logan's eyes and he sees pain in hers. "I'm sorry. I shouldn't have asked."

Scorpia says: "I stopped working in Frank's bar because one of my classmates spread pictures of me. I told him where I worked and he came by for a drink a couple of nights. He didn't seem to mind. Even Bruno liked him. I..."

Scorpia rubs her arms and sighs, "I was deeply in love with him. A tall, blonde guy. Smart and sweet. But I caught him in the dressing room in the bar with my rival. He broke my heart but thought I was being overly dramatic because guys saw me half-naked every weekend. He thought I would still go home with him. I didn't of course. And the next morning I found the school walls covered in topless pictures of me and I was called into the principal's office."

Logan sees the tears in her eyes and pulls her into his arms. "They gave me a speech on how someone like me could never be a kindergarten teacher. I got suspended for it, he didn't. I eventually took it to the board and honestly told them my story. They gave me a final chance and that's how Miss Pia came to be. And she was so amazing during her internships that they couldn't ignore me."

Logan strokes her cheek with his hand and says: "What an asshole. And the principal too. You know you're gorgeous as yourself, right? Inside and out? All your different sides make up the woman I love. And your heart makes you the best kindergarten teacher ever."

"I have to admit that I was a bit scared yesterday when you were out in the bar."

Logan kisses her softly and says: "Oh Bonnie. That only made me love you more. A strong, beautiful woman, that even Frank still has a weak spot for. He told me how you made it safer for the girls there. And the fact that everyone thought you were the prettiest, only makes me proud. Cause I've known that all along. And you're mine." 

He kisses her forehead and feels the struggled tension coming from her.

"I'm just scared, Logan. Scared that all those things have made me weak in my head. I immediately assumed that you and Dani... I was unreasonably angry about Dino and Ciro... I'm unreasonably jealous and have a short fuse and after everything with Salvatore... What if the shadows win someday?"

"My sweet Bonnie, that's impossible. You couldn't even go back into the shadows when you wanted to. That big loving heart is always going to win. Especially now that more people see and feel that heart of yours. Look at how the kids behave when you are around. Four completely different kids in age and background and they all love you. Think about the hotel full of people, young and old, willing to walk through fire for you. Think about your brothers. Not the most softhearted men in the world with impressive reputations. But if you're in trouble, they will drop everything and come running. They do their best to make you happy every day."

She smiles carefully and Logan adds: "Think of that damaged, stubborn Scot, who would give his life for you. Who even fought for you during his psychosis. I will love you and fight for you till my last breath. With all your jealousy, short fuse, and hottest ass."

She smiles and he squeezes her butt. They kiss and she relaxes in his arms. 

"Mmm Logannn. I have to get to work."

"Are you sure? You're the boss, right?"

She chuckles and says: "Yes, I'm sure. Besides this body needs time to recover after last night and this morning. And if I stay here, this body won't get any rest."

Logan's eyes roam over her body from head to toe and says: "Mmm, yes rest is not happening when you look like that Bonnie."

"As if it matters how I look."

"I meant the way your body looks."

She laughs and shakes her head. "Have a good day, handsome Scot. I'll see you later."

They kiss and Logan walks her to the door. He watches her get into the Charger and waves at her as she drives off.

She arrives at the hotel and walks in with a wide smile. "Good morning Annette!"

"Good morning! Erm, maybe you should..."

Scorpia is about to check on Ciro when the door to his office opens. She looks into Dani's eyes, who at least has the decency to drop her gaze to the floor. Scorpia pretends not to see her and looks at Ciro. 

"What is she doing here?"

"Coming over unannounced, after I told her that I didn't want to see her."

Scorpia sees Bart from the corner of her eye and it's clear to see that he is about to throw Dani out.

She turns around and calls for Dani. "Dani? Do you have a few minutes to spare for me?"

The lawyer turns around with a shocked look on her face and nods.

Ciro turns pale and shoots Scorpia a fearful look.

Scorpia says: "Go make yourself useful somewhere else brother. I'll borrow your office for my talk with our lawyer."

Ciro gets up and slowly makes his way out of the office, his whole body expressing how worried he is.

Scorpia sits down at Ciro's desk and waits for Dani to come in. "Close the door behind you and sit down Dani."

Dani closes the door and sits down without a word. Scorpia folds her hands, leaning her elbows on the desk. "Look at me, Dani. You had the guts to come on to all of the men I love and to lick the love of my life. So don't pretend to be shy now."

The lawyer lifts her head and shoots Scorpia a feisty look. 

"Ah good, the fire is still there. Dani, you're a true bitch. Not because you came onto my single brothers or best friend. That's your business and theirs. But you also tried to seduce Bruno. And what's even worse, you tried to break me and Logan up. I have done a lot of bad things in my life and for the right cause I can take it very far."

She leans forward and her tone is softer when she continues. "But hurting someone that bad. Someone you claim to love is something I have never done. And I never will. My love is forever. Even if the love is not reciprocated anymore. So sweetie, this means you don't know what love is. You don't love Logan."

Dani stares at Scorpia with her mouth open and Scorpia adds: "You are a selfish bitch, who's ruthless and that's exactly why you're still my lawyer. Because you're the best in the business and I respect you for it. I'm just waiting for the day that you will find some self-respect. Enough respect to no longer bend over a desk while a guy who sticks his dick in every willing hole, fucks you. Or even fuck several guys a day, to fool yourself into thinking you have power over them. Because in the end, it makes you nothing but a whore. And you lose a bit of the respect you've gained as a lawyer with every fuck."

Scorpia gets up and walks out of the office and straight into hers, feeling all eyes on her. She greets Manon and sits down at her desk. 

Ciro comes in and Manon asks if he has an appointment. 

Scorpia laughs and says she can send him over. 

Ciro sits down on the chair in front of her desk and asks: "Why is Dani crying in my office?"

"Because I poured my heart out and I touched a sore spot." 

Ciro looks at her a bit confused and she asks: "How were things last night? Did you see any girls at all?"

Ciro blushes a tiny bit and Scorpia chuckles.

"It was fun last night. And satisfying."

"Wow, Ciro. An honest answer. Sadly you completely missed the reason why you guys were there. Thankfully the love of my life did discover it."

Ciro cocks his brow and says: "He sat at the bar all night with Bruno."

"Yes brother, because the prettiest woman is there, behind the bar."

Ciro blinks and is lost for words.

"Okay, Ciro. Back to work. Do you know more about the orphanage already? And the movie theater?"

"Erm, I think Dani was here to bring me the info on the orphanage."

She sends him off with a wave of her hand and he gets up. He drags his feet on his way out of the office, while Manon and Bart stare at Scorpia.

Scorpia smiles at them and asks: "Coffee?" Manon gets up and walks over to the round table with two thermoses on it. Scorpia gets up too and sits down at the table. She nods at the empty chairs and Bart sits down on one. Manon hands her a cup of coffee. Scorpia takes a sip and says: "Well, is one of you going to ask or are you going to keep staring at me like that?"

Bart clears his throat and asks: "What happened between you and the lawyer?"

Scorpia smiles at him and says: "I've decided to stop being angry at someone like her. Because that doesn't help at all. So I gave her a piece of my mind. I told her that she's a very good lawyer, but that her behavior with men causes her to lose the respect she built up as a lawyer. I might have used slightly different words, but that's the jest of it."

Bart chuckles and asks: "What did you mean when you said you knew why I was in the cafe last night?"

"Because you were there for me. You knew my brothers and Logan wouldn't be there. You hardly drank anything and kept an eye on everyone and everything all night. So thanks again."

"You're welcome. I didn't know you were that sharp. But it was a lot of fun to see you draft beers. And to see you in jeans and sneakers."

Manon looks at Scorpia, who says: "Yes Manon. I have a lot of hidden talents."

She looks into the lobby and catches Dino guiding two girls out. She gets up quickly and follows him. He helps the girls into a cab and waves at them. He has no idea that Scorpia is there until she opens her mouth. 

"Are you not taking them home yourself? You gave them a shirt though, right?"

"Shit."

Scorpia bites her lip, clearly sensing how uncomfortable Dino is. He turns around slowly and looks at her. Scorpia asks: "Well?"

"Yes, I gave them a shirt. And no, they wouldn't let me take them home, because they didn't want me to know where they live."

Scorpia laughs and asks: "Did you have fun? And more importantly, did the girls?"

Dino grins and says: "It was a lot of fun. And you wouldn't know, but I always make sure that the girls have fun too."

Scorpia says: "Good. As you should. But I bet you didn't have a lot of time to look around the bar. Because you missed an important clue. A clue as to why you were there, in that particular bar. A clue Ciro and Ricardo missed too by the way."

Scorpia laughs and says: "But I'm glad you guys had fun. Have good day brother. I'm back to work."

She walks back to her office, chuckling softly. 

────────────────

That was chapter 54.

Scorpia finally confronted Dani. Probably not in the way you hoped...

But let me hear what you thought of it. 

I think this was it for the weekend.

Enjoy your Sunday and til next time!

XO Hankie