Page 82 of Consuming Logan

As soon as Logan’s swallow of bourbon took effect, she’d packed her suitcase.

“Friend didn’t come to mind. She’s a blocker,” Ava said, her voice loud and clear. If she’d had extra uniforms in the office, she never would have taken a suitcase.

“And, she’s standing right here.”

Mac, as she told Ava to call her, was tall for a woman, maybe five nine or ten, with cocoa skin and twisted locks that hung past her shoulders. Standing with one shoulder resting on the wall by the door, the unassuming pose belied the detective’s speed and strength. Before Ava had reached the Jeep, MaKenzie Young had carried out a stealth approach to secure Ava’s upper arm in a sure grip and commandeered her belongings.

“And, you’re angry why?” Mac retorted her face amused. “What was I supposed to do?”

She narrowed her eyes on her would-be savior. “Let me go.”

Mac pointed at Tyson. “He flew me here from San Diego. You got a complaint, talk with the man who pays my fee. I’m out,” Mac said, heading for the door.

The billionaire didn’t ask. Mac didn’t tell where she was heading.

Tyson plopped down in the chair in front of her. “I get it,” he sighed. “Logan’s an asshat, no question about it. I’d bail on his ass too, if he weren’t family. But Ava,” he paused, “why the middle of the night?”

She still hadn’t told Tyson the reason she left. Yes, he was family, but Logan didn’t trust him, so she wouldn’t betray him in this.

“Logan and I need some time apart.”

Even in the low light, Ava could see the change in Tyson’s expression. His large hands curled around the arms of the chair, squeezing tight until all the color had drained from his knuckles. Beyond the door, she could hear the front desk staff arriving. Hear the click and hum as computers were turned on getting ready for a long day of checking in patients.

“What did he do?”

She probably should’ve kept her mouth quiet, but she could tell by the strain in his face that Tyson was genuinely concerned, not just for her but also for Logan.

“You really do love him, don’t you?”

“My whole life I’ve known about Logan and Darwin. My father never hid the fact that we have brothers. In some ways, my stepfather felt the same as Maribelle. He married my mother and gave me and Maximus his last name. My father was furious. I can respect his position, even though he and my mother had gone their separate ways. I understand my stepfather’s perspective too. No man wants to share his kids with another man, but our mother wouldn’t have it any way but hers. When Robert Lee came to me after Randall had Logan’s research funding suspended, I jumped on the opportunity to make a connection with him. I know he’s angry, right now. I don’t regret it, Ava.”

“What if Logan never bends? What then?”

Tyson gave a tight smile. “Give him time.”

Ava glanced down at her round belly. Time had become her enemy. She wondered if she’d be around to see the reunion when it happened. This was life at a crossroads. She was afraid their previous actions would take them on very different paths.

“Yeah,” she whispered, not meeting his eyes. Tyson was being very kind, but she wasn’t family. She needed to figure out how she’d take care of herself and her babies. Tyson seemed to read her mind.

“Children need their fathers, both natural and acquired. A man needs his woman. I don’t want my brother to lose you, Ava. So,” he breathed, “what can I do to help?”

Surprisingly, she realized she didn’t need his help. With her salary and the money from her house rental, she could buy a house for her and the babies. It’s wouldn’t be Masters or O’Connor caliber, but it would be safe, and the babies would be loved. She heard her mother’s tear-filled voice then. Ariss had begged her to come home, but Ava needed to make a home for herself. She wanted Logan to be a part of her life, but if he insisted on pursuing his current goals, she couldn’t go back. Not now. Not ever.

“Nothing. I need to find a place that’s large enough for me and the babies. Just until my next set of orders.”

Tyson leaned forward in his chair. “Babies are a blessing.”

“Yes,” she smiled, “Logan might think differently,” she corrected.

“He was drunk and stupid. He’ll regret every word. You’ll see.”

But would she regret her choices if she accepted the life plan ala Masters. “Can’t promise I’ll be around to hear it.”

“Are you leaving Shell Cove?”

Was she? Caring for the babies were her priority. Her job provided the means, so she’d go where she had to. If the Navy transferred her away from Shell Cove, family, and Logan—she’d figure it out. Did she want to leave him behind, no. But would she leave to provide for and protect her children?

“I think it might be best…yes.”