“I’m an emotional guy. What can I say?” he mumbles under his breath and sinks down into his chair further.
“No one cries today,” Amelia argues sternly. Yet I know she’s talking more to herself than to us. “We’ll all be okay. We’re still going to remain close.”
“Speak for yourself,” he whines and runs a hand down his face. “I love Trinity. She’s my teddy bear.” He pauses and gasps suddenly. “Not to mention, how miserable Leonidas will be now without her!” Dropping his face in his hands, Elijah lets out a groan.
“Kids.”
We all turn our attention to Athena.
She stands at the kitchen doorway with a frown on her face. “Our ride has arrived.”
Panic consumes me as I glance around the room.Where is Leonidas?I need a moment alone with him before he leaves.
Athena’s gaze falls on me, seeing the look on my face. “He’s outside, waiting for you.”
I practically jump out of my chair, running to the door. I whip it open. As I make my way down the front steps, I hear a whistle to my right. Turning, I spot Leonidas sitting on his veranda railing. He straightens when I walk toward him.
“I have something for you.” When I glance at him in confusion, he explains, “It’s not big, but it is to me.” Gripping both my hands in his, he stares deeply into my eyes. “I love you, Trinity. We’ll be okay.”
I nod my head because I know he wants me to.
Letting go of my hand, he reaches into his pocket. I eye the delicate piece of jewelry as he holds it in front of me. I’m in awe of the bracelet made with black string. Four small beads are spaced out perfectly in between a braided pattern. This is definitely handmade, which makes me smile.
“A couple of years back, Amelia taught me how to make bracelets. I know you don’t like when I spend too much money on you, and I understand that. So, I made this for you.”
My eyes water as I glance down at the piece of jewelry, made with so much love.
“Think of this as a promise bracelet. As long as we wear these on our wrists …” He pauses and shows me his own.
God, he’s wearing the same bracelet he made for me on his wrist. We’re going to have matching bracelets.
Cue in the tears.
“We’ll be fine,” he finishes off.
Grabbing my wrist, he tightens the bracelet around me. I eye it with love while running a nail over a bead.
“I know the four beads are just blue, but I put them there to stand for,You’re my rock star.”
God, he thinks about everything. It makes it harder to let him go.
“This means so much,” I whisper and wipe a tear off my face. “I can’t believe you made us matching bracelets.”
“Anything for you, rock star.”
I pull him into my body, wrapping my arms tightly around his neck. Our lips smash together with fondness. Our tongues fight for dominance as we try to make up for all the time we’ll lose. I pour every emotion I feel into this kiss, telling him everything I can’t express through words.
My lips part from his when I feel his tears against my skin. Seeing him cry breaks my heart into pieces. I know he’s not happy. That stings. If it wasn’t for the stupid label, he would have his freedom while pursuing a passion he loves.
“I love you,” I mutter as he places his forehead against mine.
Kissing my nose, he whispers back brokenly, “I love you.”
My heart breaks out of my soul when Athena and the siblings walk through the door with their luggage in hand.
It’s time for him to go.
I grip Leonidas’s hand as we walk down the steps together toward the black limo, which is waiting for him.
