Page 59 of King of Ruin

Her smile faded into a worried frown as reality returned.

"What are you doing here?" she asked softly. "I told you not to come looking for me."Her brows drew together with concern as she looked at him.

"Your parents don't want us meeting."

The disappointment in her voice wasn't directed at him. She simply hated seeing him caught between two families when none of it had ever been his fault.

The words on Elise's lips made the brightness in Logan's face dim ever so slightly.

His wide smile faltered, replaced by a small, disappointed frown. For a brief moment, he simply looked at her, his shoulders drooping like a scolded puppy before he suddenly reached forward and took her hand into both of his.

Before she could pull away, he lifted it and pressed her palm against his cheek.

His skin was warm beneath her fingers.

"I've been in Europe for two whole months," he complained, tilting his head into her hand as though seeking comfort. "Two whole months, Elise. You didn't get to see this incredibly handsome face even once."

He looked at her with exaggerated grievance.

"Didn't you miss me?"

Elise stared at him in silence.

Instead of waiting for an answer, he continued dramatically.

"And what's the first thing you say the moment we finally meet?" He pouted, his brows knitting together. "'Your parents don't want us seeing each other.'"

He sighed so heavily it almost sounded theatrical.

"Sometimes I honestly feel like you don't even like me half as much as I like you."

The pitiful expression he wore was so overdone that Elise couldn't help rolling her eyes.

"You should become an actor."

"I'm serious."

"I know."

She gently pushed against his shoulder, forcing him to lean back enough for her to slip her hand free from his grasp.

"Go home, Logan." Her voice softened. "You've only just returned. Spend time with your family. Have fun."

She offered him a small smile before adding quietly,

"And don't upset your parents."

The smile faded from her lips.

"It's better if you and I don't meet."

"No."

The answer came so quickly that she blinked.

"I already came all the way here." He spread his arms dramatically before patting his stomach. "And I'm starving."

A grin immediately returned to his face, bright and mischievous as though his previous sulking had never happened.