“I’ll stay at my parents’ house.”I’d rather die.
“They have windows too.”
Has he always been this persistent? Just becauseIwas stalkinghimdoesn’t mean I’ve come to terms with the reverse.
“I just found out you’ve been stalking me for months. Give me two fucking minutes to process.”
Leo stares at me blankly for a moment, like he’s genuinely considering my request and is starting to see where I’m coming from.
That goes crashing down when he starts a two-minute timer on his phone. “Do you still keep your luggage in the laundry room? I’ll pack your things while you have your moment.”
I rub my eyes under my glasses. I’m having a hard time believing any of this is happening. “Leo, this changes everything. You can’t?—”
“Whatever it is you’re about to say, yes, I can.”
My breath catches as he stalks forward until he’s grabbing me by the hips and pressing me against the counter. A strong hand travels up the curve of my waist to grip the nape of my neck, tipping my head until there’s a mere inch separating our lips, and I can’t look anywhere but up at him.
Every dirty dream I’ve ever had with him at the forefront plays out in my mind. In the same vein, I want to rest my head on his shoulder and just breathe him in, feel his arms wrapped around me, feel this connection in my soul.
“You chased me, bent over backward, and fucking begged me to see you, and now you’re denying it. Look at me and tellme you don’t want this. Say it without turning away.” His voice is a burning caress. The deep rumble curls down my spine and tightens my lower stomach.
Those words never come out because it’d be a lie. I want this fairy-tale ending for us, but I want to know what the tale is about. I thought I was the author setting the pace and laying out the plans, but I’m the unreliable narrator.
“Can’t do it?” He arches a brow mockingly. My eyelids grow heavy as he releases my head, following the dip of my collarbone with his hand, curving around my breast and down to my hips. A shiver runs down my spine, and a low groan threatens to spill out. He leans down to my ear and smugly whispers, “Thought so.”
Despite the warring feelings, I have to stop myself from pouting when he pulls away, taking his warmth with him. I must not have succeeded because the look in his eyes is downright devilish as he towers over me. There’s no mistaking the frustration and disappointment peeking through. It’s like a punch to the gut.
“Are you done with this attitude? Because I’m over pretending you’re not getting wet at the thought of me watching you.”
I frown because there’s no point denying it, but I can’t seem to string together the words to explain what I’m feeling because I’m not convinced about my own doubts.
Somehow, I manage to settle on, “So much has happened in the past few days—the break-in, having my bag snatched, thinking you had a girlfriend. It’s too much for me, and I-I’m overwhelmed. I need time to work through it because I’m having a hard time believing any of this is actually real or happening.”
“Let me make this clear to you: you’re mine when you’re angry, mine when you’re scared, and especially mine when you try to push me away.” He searches my eyes without confirmingif he’ll grant me what I asked for. “You wanted dangerous, so stop acting surprised when I act like it.” Leo nods toward my bedroom. “Pack your things. Wear the dress I send you. I’ll see you tomorrow night at six.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
Leo
When I told her I’d be seeing her, I didn’t mean through a fucking window again.
I told her to be ready at six and to wear the dress I sent.
I was at her house by six. Then six thirty came along.
And at seven o’clock, she was still nowhere to be found.
I’m not sure at which point during our conversation I implied that I wanted her to have dinner with someone else besides me.
Yet here we are with me standing outside in the cold after having a shit time at practice, watching everyone parade Jack around while giving me dirty looks. And yesterday, traveling to and from our game out of state, I had to sit next to that cunt, acting like we’re the best of fucking buds.
As if this day couldn’t get any better, she’ssmilingat Thomas. Twice, she’s laughed at something he’s said.
Has she smiled at me to my face? No.
Have I heard her laugh in person? No the fuck I haven’t.
My fists curl as I watch the fucker lean over and say something to Mina, and there she is, chuckling again. What the fuck could he even be saying in front ofboththeir parents.
