Page 33 of The Music in Me

Leon stopped but continued glaring at Anthony. “Get out!”

“I came to see?—”

“I don’t care.” He interrupted Anthony. “I said get out.”

“You don’t get to decide that. Kira can see who she wants to see. Tell him you want me to stay, Kira,” Anthony said to me.

“I own the fucking place, so I decide who stays,” Leon growled, and I felt his chest vibrate under my hand.

He was holding himself back for now, but I could tell he was very close to launching himself at Anthony. I was surprised to feel the intensity of the fury emanating from him. He’d never been a fan of Anthony and hated him even more after he broke my heart, but this felt different. It felt personal.

“Let me talk to him,” I whispered. My answer surprised me, and he frowned in confusion. “I’ll hear what he has to say and send him away. Please,” I added, knowing I was asking a lot of him. “I promise this won’t take long.”

He looked at me and nodded, then faced Anthony. “If I see one fucking picture of her anywhere, I’ll find you and rip your fucking throat out. Nod if you understand.”

Anthony nodded mutely, and Leon shot me one last look before walking to the kitchen. I waited until he was gone before I turned to Anthony.

“Get out,” I hissed at him, raising my hand to stop him before he could say a word. “I don't care what you have to say. I broke up with you because I was done with you, not to punish you. Leave me alone.”

“Please,” Anthony begged, and he looked like he was about to cry. “I fucked up, I know, but don’t punish the both of us for my stupidity. I made you happy once, Kira. I know I can do it again.”

He looked forlorn, and a small piece of my broken heart felt for him.

“Remember when we would stay up all night talking about the future? I’m ready to give you all those things, Kira. A house with a picket fence and a yard for our kids to play in. We’ll get the dog and the SUV.”

“You said I was silly for wanting all those things.”

“I was wrong. They are not silly dreams, and if you take me back, I promise to give you everything you’ve ever wanted.”

I paused, not because I wanted him back but because saying no meant accepting that it would be a while before I got my dream.

“It’s over,” I finally said. “We’re done, Anthony. Stop sending me messages and emails, and stop following me.”

“Kira…”

“Leave me alone, Anthony. I don’t want to have to get a restraining order,” I said. It finally clicked that I was serious, and we were done.

“Fine,” he said, slowly backing away. “You’re not ready to forgive me, but you can’t be mad at me forever. Have your fun with Leon, and when he’s done with you and throws you aside like he does everyone else, I’ll be waiting for you.”

“Fuck you,” I said, hurt by the truth in his words.

He left, and I heard a car drive away a few minutes later. Taking a deep breath, I walked toward the kitchen. My plans for the evening were ruined, and I didn’t know what to do next. All I wanted was a hug from Leon.

I found him standing over the sink and nursing a glass of wine. He didn’t turn around when I walked in or acknowledge my presence in any way.

“Anthony’s gone,” I said.

Leon nodded and took a sip of his wine. “I know.”

I cleared my throat and moved closer. “I made dinner.”

“I noticed.”

He turned around, and I expected the anger. I didn’t expect him to also look hurt.

“What I’m trying to figure out is what exactly your plan was. You knew I was coming back soon. I said it right there in my note.”

I squished my brows. “I don’t understand.”

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