They sat across from each other on the balcony, the city twinkling behind them like a galaxy of secrets. The food was surprisingly good… Logan even had second helpings, though he didn't comment on it.
Jean took a slow sip of wine, the stem of the glass delicate between her fingers. Her bandages peeked out from beneath the oversized sleeves of her shirt. The firelight from the table's candle flickered across her features, making her look softer… calmer.
But there was a weight behind her gaze.
"Why are you doing all this, Logan?" she finally asked, her voice low but sharp… a blade cloaked in velvet.
Logan glanced up, mid-bite, pausing as if to pretend he didn't understand.
"Doing what?" he said coolly, chewing slower.
She tilted her head, her dark eyes narrowing.
"Getting Alex blacklisted. Digging into my family. Standing beside me when I never even asked you to. You said this was a contract marriage. And yet… here you are. Risking everything for me."
