“It didn’t seem like a big deal.” I shrug. “And Lexi’s been helping me keep an eye on what they post in the Rogues fan groups. I just thought it was some jealous fan. I’m sure you’ve dealt with stuff like this plenty of times.”
Logan frowns, and it pushes his eyebrows together, creating a wrinkle between them. I resist the urge to reach out and smooth the skin there. “I’ve dealt with fans who try to cross boundaries, sure, but this is different, baby. She threatened you.” He takes a deep breath. “She emailed me about a month ago. It was…unsettling. The guys thought I should have told the team, but I brushed it off. I think they were right.”
Logan brushes a strand of curls from my face and gently cups my face. “We need to let the organization know what’s going on.They have people that deal with stuff like this. They can look into it and make sure you’re safe.”
My stomach knots. I’m sure they would look into it. But it would be to keep Logan safe and to make sure none of this spirals out of control and creates a PR issue for them. After all, they had their fill of those last year when they had to fire Lexi’s dad as head coach. I highly doubt they’ll be willing to risk another media circus for a Social Impact and Development Coordinator.
“I don’t know if we should tell the team.”
Logan’s frown deepens. “Why not?”
“I haven’t worked for the Rogues that long.” I squirm in his lap. My muscles bunch, ready to run.
“So? What does that have to do with any of this? Someone out there is following us, taking photos, and sending us ominous and threatening emails. They need to know.”
“I can’t lose this job, Logan.” My tone is harsher than I want it to be, but doesn’t he get it?
If I lose this job, Reed and I lose everything.
“Why the hell would you lose your job?”
It’s getting harder and harder to draw breath. Clinging to Logan’s shirt, I stare into his eyes and beg him to understand. “I’m the new girl. I just work in social impact. You’re their star winger. Of course, they’ll do everything they can to protect you, but what do you think’s going to happen to me?”
“They’ll protect you too.”
I shake my head, forcing Logan to drop his hands from my face. “They won’t. They’ll fire me to avoid any of this getting out to the press. Do you really think I’m worth the potential of a messy public spectacle when the team is doing so well? Because I’m sure they’ll decide I’m not.”
“Bullshit, Blair. The Rogues protect their own.” Logan’s nostrils flare and his jaw ticks. “And you’re a Rogue.”
“I’m an office worker. I’m replaceable. You’ve never worked a corporate office job. You have no idea how easy it is for them to cut you loose at the first sign of drama.” I clutch the base of my throat. Fuck, it’s hard to breathe.
“Do you really think I’d let them fire you?”
I squeeze my eyes closed. The sharpness of his tone cuts right through me. But he doesn’t understand. This isn’t about what I think he would or wouldn’t do. This is about what I need to do to protect Reed, and I’m not convinced running to the Rogues is the answer.
“Blair.”
“You should tell them about the email she sent you. But I’m not telling them about mine.”
He growls out a frustrated sound. “You’re being ridiculous.”
Stiffening on his lap, I will my heart to slow. “This isn’t your decision.”
“The fuck, it’s not. You’re my girlfriend. I’m not going to let some crazy bitch threaten you or Reed.”
A humming builds in my ears. My skin feels too tight. My lungs too small.
“You think that just because I’m your girlfriend, that gives you the right to make decisions for me?”
“What?” Logan recoils like I slapped him. His eyes bounce across my face, his lips parted like he’s about to say more, but nothing comes out.
“I know all of this is new for you, but I don’t need you to ride in like some white knight and save me. I’ve been saving myself for years. MyselfandReed.” My voice rises as my words pick up speed. Still, they have nothing on the speed of my heart. “We don’t need you to save us now.”
“I… Are you fucking serious? That’s not what I’m…” Logan’s words trail off into a strangled sound of distress, then he gently pushes me off his lap. “I’m not trying towhite knightyou.”
“Could have fooled me.” My insides are practically vibrating. Even as the words leave my mouth, I wish I could shove them back in. I’m lashing out at the wrong person. I know I am, but I can’t seem to stop.
“You’re scared, I get it. But I care about you and Reed, and I refuse to pretend like none of this is happening.” Logan reaches for me hesitantly, like he’s not sure whether I’ll accept his touch or recoil from it.
