“Greed. And because he hated women. It was a way of always having control of them. If not here, then at least there.”
“He told you all this, and you didn’t share it with us?”
Brice arched a brow. “Do you feel any better knowing?”
He had his answer, but Brice was right, it didn’t help. If anything a very small piece of him felt bad for his father. “This is two generations of some fucking serious abuse issues. Don’t you worry about what you might do?”
“Every fucking day. Then I look at Lena and my children, and I remind myself that I am not and never will be James Henderson.”
“Brice, I don’t get it. He hated us. Why have us?” It was something that had always haunted him. Never being loved, but never let go of either. It was more of a prison than a home.
“I know it’s hard to believe, but he wanted us. He just didn’t know any other way. And he didn’t have anyone to show him. We’re the lucky ones, believe it or not. We have people in our lives who love us unconditionally. I honestly don’t know where I’d be without Lena and my children. I don’t even want to think about it.”
Logan understood that. He’d wondered that for years but without a woman or family by his side to fight for. Now he had Cori. She didn’t need to know this new development. Brice was right, no one did. “I won’t tell anyone. But there’s something you need to know.”
“Go on.”
“Our father killed Cori’s grandfather years ago.”
“Damn it. Does she know?” Brice asked.
Logan shrugged. “I haven’t brought it up yet, but I need to.”
“No, you don’t.”
“Brice, I love this woman. I can’t ask her to... I won’t live a lie with her. That’s not the relationship I want with her.” He couldn’t believe he almost said ask her to marry him. Was that his intention? He knew he loved her but were they ready for that? I know I am.
“Are you willing to risk losing her?”
“I’m not willing to risk her finding out and hating me for it later. I’m done paying the price for James. I’m... just done.” He downed the second glass and got up, heading to the door. Then he turned and said, “Did Bennett tell you about my mother?” Brice nodded. “And my sister?” Brice nodded a second time. “Then I guess there’s nothing left for us to discuss.”
He walked out of the office, feeling like shit for many reasons. He normally would be pissed that Bennett shared information with Brice that he shouldn’t have, but right now none of that mattered. All Logan wanted to do was see Cori tonight and tell her where he was when she thought he was sick in bed. I won’t lose her. She loves me.
He got into the limo and leaned back, resting his head against the seat. His head was spinning, and his stomach was churning. He couldn’t remember how long it had been since he’d had anything to eat or drink, and those two glasses of bourbon were catching up with him. Pressing the intercom, he told the driver to take him home. I need to pull myself together first. Then see Cori.