Page 48 of Logan (The Valeur Billionaires #1)

Chapter Thirty-Six

LOGAN

I know she won’t. She stood in front of Liam while he threatened her career, her future, and she didn’t give him my name despite having every reason to do so. Despite thinking I’d betrayed her. She’s courageous and genuine.

She deserves to know.

“I’m adopted,” I blurt out, the words feeling strange and heavy on my tongue.

Her eyes widen, shock flitting across her face. “What?”

I nod, swallowing hard. “Yeah. My parents thought they couldn’t have children, so they went the adoption route.

They adopted me and didn’t tell anyone, not even my siblings.

As far as everyone knows, I’m their biological son, born just like the rest of them.

Sometime after me, they found out they were pregnant.

and then Lucas was born, followed by Liam and Cora. ”

Sloane blinks. “They didn’t tell your siblings you’re adopted?”

I shake my head. “No. Even they don’t know.”

She frowns, confusion marring her brow. “I don’t understand.”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “I was born to an alcoholic mother. I was expected to have intellectual disabilities, and yet, my parents still chose me. They were willing to give me everything they had, prepared to invest in a child with special needs.”

Sloane sucks in a sharp breath, her eyes going wide with sympathy.

“As I grew, it turned out I dodged that bullet, and my IQ isn’t low at all. But I can’t help thinking that maybe something in me is still wrong, still broken.” I look away, unable to meet her gaze.

She scoots closer, so close I feel the heat of her, the whisper of her breath on my skin. I don’t let myself touch her, though, not yet. We need to finish this conversation first.

“So you see,” I continue, my voice rough, “even my biological mother didn’t love me. Not enough to stop drinking, anyway.”

“I’m sure she?—”

“She what? Was a pathetic woman with an addiction? Because that’s what she was.”

Sloane is quiet for a moment, considering. “Have you searched for her?”

I bark out a harsh laugh. “No. I have no desire to find her. My parents, the Valeurs, they’re the ones who gave me a life.

I’m lucky they chose me, that they were my parents, because it’s only thanks to them I got to where I am today.

They were amazing parents. But sometimes, when people say all those things about me—when they call me The Dark Lord and all those other names.

..I wonder if there might be some truth to it. ”

“No, Logan—” Sloane protests, but I silence her with a look.

“No?” I pin her with my gaze, my eyes searching hers. “You don’t think I’m ruthless? Tyrannical? Lacking in social skills? Because I think I am. I think they’re right. Something in me is fucked up, damn it. No one ever wants to be with me.”

She bites her lip. “You had a girlfriend, didn’t you? The blonde from the restaurant?”

I nod with a wry twist to my lips. “Yeah. She was my girlfriend for a year or so.”

“A year is a long time,” Sloane mumbles, something like envy flashing in her eyes. “You were together that long?”

I can’t help the smile that tugs at my mouth, warmth blooming in my chest at her obvious jealousy. It gives me hope that maybe, just maybe, she could develop feelings for me.

“We dated, but it never turned into anything more. I was comfortable with her, nothing else. It took me some time to understand it. It was right when I took over the management of Valeur-Tech, and I was immersed in work, trying to prove I was capable. Eventually, I decided it wasn’t fair to either of us to stay in that situation. ”

“And what happened?” she asks, leaning forward.

I sigh, scrubbing a hand over my face.

“I broke up with Georgina, and she didn’t take it well. She got angry and told me she never loved me because it was impossible to love me, that I was incapable of love. That I’m distant, that I’ll be alone forever.”

I drop my gaze to my lap, my throat tight. “We broke up, and a month later, she came back demanding money, or she would expose the fact that I’m adopted.”

Sloane’s brow furrows. “I thought no one knew.”

“She found the adoption papers. She visited my dad’s house with me numerous times, and while I was sitting with my father discussing business, she snooped around.”

Anger sparks in Sloane’s eyes. “So, she’s blackmailing you?”

I shrug, feeling the familiar weight of guilt settle on my shoulders. “I wasn’t fair to her. I strung her along for months in a relationship that wasn’t going anywhere for no reason other than that I was wrapped up in myself.”

Sloane shakes her head. “Nothing justifies blackmail, and you shouldn’t feel guilty. Besides, you didn’t string her along. She wanted to be in that relationship, otherwise she would have broken up with you herself.”

I make a noncommittal noise, not convinced.

“Anyway, I knew my dad didn’t want it to get out, otherwise he wouldn’t have kept it a secret from everyone.

I wasn’t willing to risk her going to the media with the information.

My parents were the only ones in this world who loved me, despite everything.

Despite what I am. And now only Dad is left. I couldn’t do that to him.”

Sloane reaches out, her fingers grazing my knee. “He’s not the only one who loves you.”

My head snaps up, my heart stuttering in my chest. “I— What? ”

She meets my gaze, her eyes clear and earnest. “He’s not the only one. I love you too.”

I shake my head, a sad smile twisting my lips.

“No, you don’t. I’m unlovable, Sloane. No one ever stays for long because I’m fucked up.

It was just sex, physical attraction. You love the sex.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m thrilled about that because fuck, sex with you is amazing.

And I’m willing to take whatever you’ll give me, even if it’s just sex.

But you told me yourself that you could never fall for me. ”

Sloane makes a frustrated noise, her hands clenching into fists. “I said that because I was hurt, not because I don’t want you. Damn it, Logan, maybe there is something wrong with you if you can’t see that. I’ve been in love with you almost from the start. It was never just sex to me.”

I stare at her, not daring to breathe. “Fuck, Sloane, don’t play with me. I can’t?—”

“I’m not playing.” She climbs into my lap, straddling me, her hands cupping my face. “I love you, Logan Valeur. I am in love with you.”

I let out a shuddering breath, searching her eyes for any hint of deception, any sign that this is some cruel joke. But all I see is sincerity, a depth of emotion that steals the air from my lungs.

“Why?” I rasp out, not recognizing my voice.

She tilts her head, a small smile playing at the corners of her mouth. “Why do I love you?”

I nod. “Yeah. Why? I’m not a good person, Sloane. Everyone’s afraid of me. Why would you love me?”

Sloane’s expression softens, her thumb stroking over my cheekbone.

“Who said you’re not a good person? When I was in trouble, you rushed to protect me without thinking about the consequences, and that was when we barely knew each other.

When you told me you protect what’s yours, I nearly came on the spot. ”

My eyes widen at her confession, heat rushing through me.

“And you weren’t supposed to find out about this, but I saw you when you bought a meal for that homeless man on the street.” She looks down, a faint blush staining her cheeks.

I frown. “You were following me?”

“No! Yes, actually. I mean, not exactly. I saw you by chance on the street and then I kind of followed you to see what you were doing. But it wasn’t planned or anything, I swear.”

She takes a deep breath, rushing on. “You could have told Liam you had no idea who was in that video and come out squeaky clean, but you chose to confess the truth and face the consequences. You invest in products that will do good for humanity, not just products that will make you money. You care about the company and bust your ass just to make your dad happy. Should I go on?”

I squeeze my eyes shut, my muscles trembling with the force of the emotions I try to contain. No one has ever said such things to me, words that pierce straight into my soul. No woman has ever told me she loves me. Could it be true?

“Logan.” Sloane’s voice is soft and tender. “Look at me.”

I open my eyes, meeting her gaze. She looks at me like I’m something precious, something cherished. Like I’m worth loving.

“I love you,” she says again, each word ringing with conviction.

“I love your brilliance and your drive and your passion. I love how fiercely loyal you are, even when you pretend not to give a damn. I love that when you care about something, you throw your whole heart into it, no holds barred. You’re not an easy man, but you’re an incredible one.

And I’m so fucking lucky to be loved by you. ”

Moisture stings my eyes, and I blink, determined not to let the tears fall. I’ve never felt so raw, so exposed. So seen.

“I love you too,” I choke out, the words feeling clumsy and inadequate. How can three small words encompass the riot of emotion storming through me? “I love you so much it terrifies me.”

Sloane smiles, radiant and blinding, and presses her forehead to mine. “Then let’s be terrified together because I’m not going anywhere, Logan. You’re stuck with me.”

I smile.

She kisses me, soft and sweet. “When you smile, you light up the world.” Her fingers flutter against my lips. “But you’re right. I’m in love with your enormous...cock.”

I open my eyes to meet her playful look. “So you think I’m enormous, huh?”

“I knew that would catch your attention.”

“You always catch my attention. I remember every word you’ve said. Every move of your body, every sigh you’ve made when I was inside you. I’m going to conquer you—your mind, your heart, and your body. I want to fill you with me so that you’ll forget there’s a world outside us.”