Page 36 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

“Me?” She croaked. My father shrugged. “Yes, I do believe it’s you who is to give us the answer.”

She shook her head and turned to glare at me who couldn’t help chuckling. “We…we’re… We're close friends!” I sputtered, turning to glare at me before returning her gaze to my father. My father raised an eyebrow, amusement dancing in his brown eyes. He turned towards me, a mocking smile on his lips. “Close friends? Is that what you kids are calling these days?”

“No!” She cried desperately, leaning forward.I threw my head back, laughing causing my shoulders to shake. I leaned forward still laughing. “Yes Dad, close friends”

“Stop it!” she hissed, smacking me across the arm and causing me to laugh even more. I was glad I had brought him along. The three of them laughed and teased each other. Then, visiting hours were over. Even though I denied it, he knew I loved him. Otherwise, I wouldn’t have come.

The conversation shifted to lighter topics. We even talked about some memories from Leo’s childhood. I was sure she would use them to tease me till the day I dropped dead.

The guard walked towards them, tapping his wrist. “Times up!”

My father turned to look at the guard before letting out a breath and shrugged. I sucked my teeth, the whirl of emotions returning. My father stood; his movements slow. He reached out to give me a handshake, a smile on my lips.

“It was nice meeting you . Thank you for coming around and making me laugh really hard. Please take care of my boy.” I smiled, shaking my head. “I will Mr Woodrow. You have my word.”

He nodded and tapped me gently on the cheeks, his eyes watering. “You will be fine Leo. Don’t forget to forgive and live.” I swallowed, forcing off the lump that settled in my throat. Hadn’t she said I should forgive my mother? Now my dad was saying the same thing, but I couldn’t find the strength to. I managed a small smile for my father, refusing to let him see how angry he truly was.

“Thanks Dad,”

I watched the guards take my father away and struggled to blink away the tears. I gestured for Cassie to follow me and they walked away from the prison. I felt the weight settling on my shoulders and I sucked my teeth. My head snapped sideways. I felt her fingers finding mine and linking them. She had a small smile on her face and she wrapped a palm around my bicep.

“Leo? Are you okay?” she said.

I pressed my lips together and nodded. My mind was far away. I struggled with guilt and anger. They were demons from my past that stirred up feelings. She squeezed my hand gently, pulling me back to the present. “You will forgive me eventually Leo and you will heal but it will take some time” She said softly. “However, you need to know that you’re not alone. I’m with you” she said.

I paused in my steps and turned to look at her. Her brown eyes were twinkling and I had that light centered on me. I pulled her in and hugged her, staying there for a few minutes till the feelings passed over.

“Thank you ”

“Always”

“I have a surprise for you…” I leaned back, a smile on my lips.

Her eyebrows furrowed and she cocked her head to the side. “What’s that?”

I winked. “Oh, you’ll see.”

Chapter 25

Leo took his hands from my eyes and I gasped. Everything was beautiful! The sun was already dipping, and it made the sky look golden. The beach itself was empty and from where I stood seemed to go on forever.

The gentle sound of the waves against the shore was soothing. I took IBK a deep breath, inhaling the scent of the ocean. There was a huge tent not too far away. There were small yellow bulbs hanging around the tent, causing it to look almost ethereal.

I turned to look at him, eyes wide in amazement and he smiled. I walked towards the giant tent with its black fabric billowing slightly in the breeze. I lifted it gently and peered inside. The tiny bulbs were still inside making it seem warm and inviting. There was a cozy arrangement of cushions and blankets. I swallowed. It was beautiful.

“Surprise,” he said, his voice both playful and soothing.

I turned to look at him and flung my arms around his neck. It was beautiful. I stayed there for a while, allowing his hug to soothe me before pulling back.

“Leo, this is… beautiful, '' I muttered.

He shrugged and tried to act nonchalant. But, I could tell he was proud from the smirk on his lips and the look in his blue eyes. “I wanted to do something special for us. For you and this came to mind.”

Without thinking, I ran towards the ocean, and he followed me.

“Come back!”

I turned to look at him laughing, allowing him the chance to run ahead of my. He got into the ocean and turned to my laughing.

---