“I have two sisters, and my parents are still together. I don’t know if they’re happy together, but they seem to enjoy spending time together still.”
“Sisters, huh? Older or younger?”
“Younger. I was sad to leave them when I moved, but I needed some space from my parents.” Mainly my dad.
“I understand that, but I wouldn’t want to leave my dad or Izzy.”
“Who’s Izzy?” I assume a pet.
“He’s my bestie.” I feel a tightening in my chest. Is that jealousy? “He moved in next door around the same time my parents were getting divorced, and he kept me busy. He never lets me get into too much trouble.”
“You two must be close.”
“He’s like my brother. That’s part of the reason I wanted to live with my dad full-time when they separated. Izzy’s dad was a piece of shit and he beat him, so I had to be there to make sure Izzy had a place to go.”
The anger bubbles up in me so fast. “There is a special place in hell for people who beat their own children.”
Leo grins at me. “I agree, but he’s not a problem anymore.”
I shiver with lust. The way he said that was dark and vengeful. “I’d ask, but I’m not sure I want to know the answer.”
“He’s in jail, and it was his own doing.” He smiles and takes a small sip of his wine. “Mostly.”
I laugh now, but I don’t doubt he had a hand in it somehow.
“Here we are.” Gabby comes back and sets down some plates with our charcuterie board.
“Thank you.”
Gabby takes our dinner orders and leaves.
“So, what else do you like to do?” Leo asks as he starts making up a plate of cheese and meat.
“I like to ride my bike when the weather allows.”
“Bike bike? Or motorcycle?”
“Motorcycle. Biking is too much cardio, and I try to avoid that.”
“I agree with avoiding exercise, but the idea of a motorcycle makes me nervous.” He sets down a plate of food in front of me. That’s so sweet of him. “You always wear a helmet, right?”
“I do.” Most of the time.
“Don’t lie to me, boy.” He glares, and my dick jumps.
“Fine, not all the time,” I grumble.
“Never again.” His words are stern. “That’s so unsafe.”
“I promise. From now on. I have an extra helmet if you want to come with me sometime.”
“We’ll see.” He seems skeptical.
“Have you ever ridden before?”
“No, but?—”
“Don’t dismiss something because you aren’t sure if you’re going to like it.”
