Chapter 265 #Chapter 13 Sleeping With The Flanco
Ella
As we exited the mansion, the gravel crunched underfoot, the sound reverberating in the otherwise silent evening. Logan led the way, his long strides confident and unhurried.
We approached a sleek black car with tinted windows. Its polished surface mirrored the moon’s glow, casting eerie reflections of our figures.
“Get in,” he instructed, not a command so much as a casual suggestion. But his clear blue eyes told a different story. They were always watching, assessing. I hesitated, eyeing the vehicle and then him.
“Where are we going?” My voice carried a hint of defiance, a touch of the suspicion I felt. Logan had an unpredictable streak that made him intriguing, but also undeniably dangerous.
“To eat,” he replied nonchalantly, as though it was the most obvious thing in the world. “I know a good place.” The guarded expression didn’t leave my eyes. “And why should I trust you? If you try any tricks, Logan, I swear, I’ll kill you.”
His response was swift and unexpected. With an amused smile playing on his lips, he tilted his head, fully exposing the vulnerable column of his neck. “Like I said before, you’re welcome to rip me apart, Ella. I’d consider it an honor to be murdered by someone as captivating as you.”
I scowled, taken aback by his audacity. “You’re full of shit.” Logan chuckled, a rich sound that held genuine mirth. “Perhaps. But aren’t you a bit curious?”
With a reluctant sigh, I relented, opening the passenger door and sliding in. As he took the driver’s seat, the scent of leather and a hint of his cologne filled the space, a strangely comforting aroma that lulled my heightened senses.
The engine purred to life and we began to move, weaving through the less-frequented roads. I realized we weren’t as isolated as I’d thought. The towering buildings of the city loomed in the distance, illuminated by a myriad of lights, a stunning backdrop to our journey.
It was beautiful, watching the city skyline from this perspective, a shimmering mirage against the dark tapestry of the night.
The drive was shorter than I expected. Before I knew it, Logan was pulling into a parking space outside a quaint burger joint by the water. The neon sign buzzed softly, casting its warm light over the exterior, and through the windows, I could see the lively hustle and bustle of patrons..
“Here we are,” Logan declared, a hint of pride in his voice. “Told you I knew a good place.”
I was surprised. This didn’t seem like the sort of place that someone like Logan would go to eat. It seemed like nothing more than a simple waterside burger joint. But then again, I supposed that this mobster had more to him than meets the eye.
“I still can’t fathom it,” I murmured to myself as I stepped out of the luxurious car. “Why am I always dining with this mobster?”
Logan chuckled from beside me, flashing a boyish grin. “For someone who claims to be such an independent spirit, you sure do seem to have a penchant for my company.”
My throat clenched. Dammit, I thought to myself. That was meant for Ema. “Sorry,” I said, clenching my jaw tightly. “That wasn’t meant to be said out loud.”
Logan just threw back his head and laughed, the sound echoing across the still night air. It was strangely infectious, and despite the absurdity of our situation, I found myself stifling a grin.
The waterfront’s cool breeze brushed past us as we approached the burger joint, its neon sign glowing invitingly.
The restaurant was an unassuming gem, strategically perched on the edge of the waterfront, almost kissing the harbor’s embrace. Picnic tables, filled to the brim with happy families and flirting couples, littered the front patio.
Inside the little restaurant, there was hardly even enough space to stand. Logan elbowed his way through the crowd, held up two fingers and said something to the cashier that I couldn’t quite make out. A few moments later, I was being ushered over to the end of the counter. It wasn’t long before two burgers, wrapped in paper, and a paper bag filled with greasy french fries were shoved into our hands.
“This way,” Logan mouthed, his voice lost in the din as he nodded his head toward a back entrance. I followed him hesitantly, but upon bursting back out into the cool night, I found myself breathless.
What really set this eatery apart was its breathtaking view. We were mere feet away from the ocean, its dark, velvety waters shimmering under the moonlight. Every so often, the gentle lap of waves against the shore would create ripples, making the water dance in a symphony of silver and blue.
Overlooking this serene spectacle was the city’s skyline, a beautiful juxtaposition of nature and urbanity. Skyscrapers, their glass facades illuminated in a myriad of colors, pierced the night sky, standing tall and proud. They cast their reflections on the water, creating a mesmerizing mosaic of light and shadow.
“I’ve seen way too many gangster movies, you know?” I said, glancing at the glistening water. “There’s always that ominous line about ‘sleeping with the fishes’. I’m not too keen on becoming part of that cinematic trope.”
Logan leaned in, amusement dancing in his eyes. “Before any watery farewells, I promise, at least you’ll have a delicious final meal.” He winked. I stifled a laugh. “How very generous of you.”
Logan led me over to a small ledge with a metal railing. I watched in awe as he casually sat down on the edge, sticking his feet out through the wide spaces between the rails. He patted the spot next to him, and before I even sat, he was unwrapping his burger and taking a large bite, immediately followed by a mouthful of French fries.
I sat beside him. The aroma of the burgers and fries was enough to make me temporarily forget about my fears.
“You know, Ella,” he began, his mouth full, “I always thought you were just here playing the rebellious heiress, out to have a wild city adventure. But now, I see there’s so much more to you.”
I took a deliberate bite of my burger, avoiding his gaze. “What do you mean?” His fingers tapped rhythmically against the railing, creating metallic vibrations that ran down the length of it. “Your dream, Ella. Your ambition to change the city. It’s intriguing. And it got me thinking.”
“I’m listening,” I responded warily. “If you go back to your firm, start with that small case I mentioned, and prove yourself, maybe then…” He trailed off, leaning in closer. “Maybe then, I can help you with a case that’ll give you a real fight against the mafia.”
I almost choked on my drink. “You? Help me take down the mafia? Aren’t you a part of it?” He smirked, revealing a hint of mischief. “Not my mafia, darling. Another one.” I frowned, processing his words. “A factional war? What do you get out of it?”
Logan’s gaze intensified, and he leaned even closer, so close I could feel the warmth of his breath. “What if it’s a step towards your ultimate goal? Would you consider my offer then?”
My heart hammered against my ribcage. “What do you want from me?”
His voice dropped to a whisper, laden with sincerity and an emotion I couldn’t quite place. “Pretend to be my girlfriend.”
I choked on my burger, my eyes widening in disbelief. Coughing, I managed to sputter, “What?!”
