Chapter 43: Literal Meaning

Chapter 43: Literal Meaning

Emma's heart jumped. "Sleep... as in sleep... or...?"

Logan glanced at her, a glint of mischief in his eyes. "If you prefer something else, that's fine."

Emma shook her head rapidly. "No, no! Just sleeping is fine!"

But even just sleeping was enough to give her a headache. Two hours were already nerve-wracking, let alone six. But she was at fault. She had no choice but to agree.

Lying back down, Emma suddenly realized Logan might have set her up, forcing her to agree because she felt guilty... And what about what Samantha said? Did Logan hear it?

She was still worrying when she saw Logan already asleep, his breathing deep and even. Huh, maybe she misunderstood something? Logan seemed to sleep well, not like he had a severe problem...

Emma initially couldn't sleep, but Logan's calmness eventually soothed her, and she found herself drifting off too.

Late at night, Logan woke slowly, like a satisfied beast, his eyes still sharp and cold. But feeling the unfamiliar softness in his arms, he looked down.

In the soft light, Emma was curled up like a kitten, sleeping sweetly. In an instant, the cold emptiness in his chest filled, his heart settled.

Logan stared at her, his expression complex. Since that night, she had become increasingly unpredictable... Though he liked her changes, these sweet temptations seemed fleeting. Like a traveler seeing an oasis in the desert, only to find it a mirage.

His phone, which he had placed on the nightstand, blinked with a new message. Logan opened it.

It was from Samantha Green: [Mr. Black, I visited Emma tonight. I tried to convince her, but she's still angry with you. Ethan was her fiancé, she can't forget him easily. I'm sure she'll see your good side one day.]

Logan glanced at it, then tossed the phone aside, his expression unchanged. Samantha's words were nothing but background noise now. His focus was entirely on the woman in his arms.

As his gaze softened, Logan's hand gently tucked a loose strand of hair behind Emma's ear. He leaned down and brushed his lips lightly against her forehead, feeling an unexpected warmth in his chest. This woman had managed to penetrate the fortress around his heart, and he found himself yearning for her more with each passing day.

An idea formed in his mind—a way to test the depth of her feelings for him and perhaps, their future together. He had six hours to explore that connection, and he intended to make the most of it.

Logan shifted slightly, pulling Emma closer, basking in the comfort her presence provided. The small gestures, the gentle touches—these were the things that made his life feel complete in a way power and money never could.

As Emma stirred, feeling his heat wrap around her, she snuggled closer into his chest. Logan smirked, satisfied with her unconscious acceptance. He couldn't resist trailing his fingers down her arm, eliciting a soft sigh from her.

In her sleep, Emma instinctively responded, her hand moving to rest against his chest, feeling the strong, steady beat of his heart. The simple contact sent a thrill through Logan, making him realize just how much he needed these moments, these glimpses of vulnerability and connection.

Morning came all too quickly. The first rays of sunlight pierced through the curtains, casting a gentle glow over the room. Emma blinked awake, feeling the weight of Logan's arm draped over her. For a moment, she reveled in the warmth and safety of his embrace.

"Good morning," Logan's deep voice rumbled, making her heart skip a beat.

"Good morning," Emma whispered back, slightly breathless from the intensity of his gaze. "Did you sleep well?"

Logan grinned lazily, his eyes never leaving hers. "Better than I have in years."

Emma blushed, unsure of how to respond. Their night together had been intimate yet surprisingly innocent, and she was still trying to process the emotional whirlwind.

Logan's hand reached up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing lightly against her skin. "Emma, I want more nights like this. I need you to trust me. Can you do that?"

Emma looked into his dark, earnest eyes and saw not just the cold, calculating businessman, but a man yearning for connection. She nodded slowly, her heart full. "I'll try, Logan."

A pleased smile spread across his face. "That's all I ask."

They shared a quiet moment, wrapped in each other's arms, knowing that their relationship had taken a significant step forward.

Finally, Logan sighed, reluctantly breaking the peaceful silence. "I have to go. But I'll be back. We have much to talk about."

Emma nodded, watching him dress with a mix of admiration and longing. As he buttoned his shirt, Logan's phone buzzed again with another message. He glanced at it, his eyes narrowing slightly.

After reading the message, he turned back to Emma, his expression serious. "Samantha will probably come back, trying to manipulate you again. Don't trust her."

Emma met his gaze, her determination solidifying. "I won't. Thank you, Logan."

He leaned down, pressing a tender kiss to her lips. "Take care, Emma. I'll see you soon."

As Logan slipped out of the dorm, Emma lay back down, her mind racing with thoughts of their future. Despite the challenges ahead, she felt a new sense of hope and purpose.

Later that day, Emma found herself walking through campus, her thoughts still lingering on Logan. She felt different, more confident, and ready to face whatever came her way.

Samantha approached, a bright smile plastered on her face. "Emma! How are you today?"

Emma greeted her with a calm yet distant expression. "I'm fine, Samantha. Just heading to class."

Samantha's eyes flickered with a hint of frustration. "Emma, I've been thinking about our conversation yesterday. You know I just want what's best for you, right?"

Emma nodded, but her eyes were cold. "I do, Samantha. And I think it's time we both moved on from the past." She walked away without waiting for a response, leaving Samantha standing there, stunned.

That evening, as Emma sat at her desk, a new message popped up on her phone. It was from Logan: [Dinner tomorrow night? I want to discuss our plans.]

Emma smiled, her heart fluttering with anticipation. [Yes. Looking forward to it.]

As she placed her phone down, Emma felt a newfound strength within her. With Logan by her side, she was ready to face anything. The future was uncertain, but together, they could weather any storm.