Page 35 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

He smiled at me. I couldn’t help but notice that Leo hadn’t moved from where he stood at the other end of the hallway. He shook awkwardly and stared at me. I couldn’t help wondering what he was thinking or considering.

“Are you okay now?”

I jerked and turned my head to Noel, my mind already far away trying to unravel Leo’s mind. Noel’s eyebrows were still furrowed, concern still on his face. I nodded, color rising to my cheeks both from embarrassment and his concern. “Yes, Noel. I’m very fine now. Thank you.” I blinked for emphasis.

“Are you —-“

They heard someone angrily clearing their throat. They both whipped their heads sideways to find Leo standing beside them. I swallowed. He wasn’t going to do something stupid. Was he?

“Mr Duncan, Miss Evans. I want to believe there’s work to be done?” He asked, turning to Noel. I jutted my chin at him, slightly annoyed but Noel looked downwards.

“I’m sorry Sir. I’m heading to my workstation.”Leo glared at his back. Even as he turned away, I felt my hackles rising. But, seeing him stare at the man suddenly made it all make sense. He was jealous! It became obvious when he turned towards me and his gaze had softened.

I crossed my arms, shaking my eyes, unable to hide the amusement from my voice. “Leo Woodrow, are you jealous?” I teased.He turned towards me and blinked, swallowing and taking a few steps back. A small chuckle escaped my lips.

“What? Cat got your tongue. We’re not even together, remember?”

However, I wasn’t sure where that line started and where it stopped anymore. For the past couple of days, I had spoken to Leo every day. He had called, texted, and even sent mystery flowers to my work desk. My stomach fluttered every day. Lisa wasn’t impressed. I wasn’t sure if I could trust my own judgment. Especially when Leo was involved.

He glanced at me with a scowl on his face, yet his blue eyes revealed the vulnerability he had begun to show me. “I know we aren’t but that doesn’t change how I feel about you,” He reached to grab my wrist. I looked around, panicked that staff would step out and see them together. What would we are thinking? Leo didn’t seem to care but for me that would be scandalous.

“I’ve been trying to take things slow and I give you the space that you wanted but it’s hard. I love you, Cassandra! And it drives me crazy to even see anyone close to you. Especially when I know you’re not mine.”

He had a pained expression on his face as he spoke, his voice a whisper. I felt my heart skips a beat. It always skipped when he confessed his feelings that way. I swallowed, pulling back my arm and stepping back.

“Leo, declaring feelings won’t fix everything and neither would be trying to start a scandal. Like I said, we need time.” He closed his eyes and let out a breath. “You’re right. You’re right. You can go. I’ll call you later tonight,” He muttered.

I shook my head and smiled. I walked to his side and lifted myself on the tips of my toes so I could whisper to his ears. “And I’d love to speak to you,” When his eyes flung open, I was already strutting into the elevator. Where was that line again?

Chapter 24

Ienjoyed the gentle hum of the airplane's engines. I sat back in a large seat, covered in a blue velvet blanket. Sometimes, she looked out the window. She nervously tapped her fingers, feeling both anxiety and excitement. Eventually, she fell asleep with her head on my shoulder. I stayed still, not wanting to wake her.

It was a big deal for me to agree to visit my father. We've been in touch for about a month now. I even felt like I had won Cassie over, who I used to think was the reason I hadn't labeled our relationship. I thought about Lisa and Nehemy, teasing us before they left.

“Just take care of my girlfriend. Don’t lose me!” Lisa teased. “Lisa! Come on! Haven’t you seen the way she looked at me! It’s me who shouldn’t go too far or else, Leo would end up lost!” Nehemy mocked.

I shook my head and laughed. Those two were so funny. She looked at me once more. I thought she was scared, and I understood why. I had given her plenty of reasons to be scared. She turned to me and smiled. Her hair fell over my face, hiding some of my features.

She was calm and steady, and I wished we could stay like this forever instead of going to the prison. But I was grateful. I trusted him enough to be with him on this trip, even though I had to persuade her to come along.

I made sure not to wake her as I covered her with the blanket and pulled her closer to me. Her perfume smelled like a mix of flowers and chocolate. It was a strange but nice scent. Then, I kissed her gently on the forehead. “I love you,” I whispered into her ear. I saw my move a little and scoot closer to him. My heart swelled, a small smile tugging at the edges of my lips before leaning and closing my eyes in sleep.

As daylight filled the prison visiting area, I felt the grim truth hit me harder. It burdened my heart. The room lacked warmth or personality. Its plain white walls made it feel sterile and dreary. Harsh fluorescent lights provided the only light. Their occasional flickers added to the bleak mood. In this barren setting, the lack of comfort was clear. It reminded me starkly of the harshness of prison life.

I hated coming here. Not because I didn’t want to see my father. I could not believe that my mother had caused him to leave. He had given everything for her. I hated seeing the prison guards hold my frail father on each side. I knew there was nothing we could do about it.

My eyes looked frail and weary, and his cough had gotten worse. However, when he saw me, his lips spread into a wide smile that lit up his entire face.“Leo,” he croaked and reached to hug Leo. He tapped Leo’s back in three quick successions. “It’s good to see you, my boy.”

I leaned back and smiled. I wondered how to handle the emotions. They were still swirling in my chest. “You too Dad,” I smiled. It was as though he was struggling to move past the feelings. He placed his arm around my shoulders to push me slightly forward. “Dad, this is I. Me, meet my father.”

My father reached a hand and shook , eyeing her suspiciously and turning to stare at me. “It’s nice to meet you my dear. You’re beautiful.” I offered a small smile and shook his hand. “Nice to meet you too, Mr. Woodrow.”

My father suggested we sit on a table, and I recalled one of the reasons I hated this place. It was awkward. The prison guard stayed not too close to hear everything you said. But, they were still close enough to see everything you did.

My father cleared my throat, pulling my attention. “I’m glad you came to visit Leo, I missed you already.” I nodded, reaching across the table to rub my father’s palm. “I missed you too, Father.” I smiled back, before waving my index finger to point at us. “So how are you two?” He leaned forward, wiggling his eyebrows.

I couldn’t help the smile that lined my lips. I shook my head and turned to stare at himpursinghis lips. Her eyes widened and she clutched the bodice of my floral dress.

---