Page 17 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

I noticed the intensity in his eyes and the softness of his features. His voice was grave, there wasn’t the slight hinge of amusement in his eyes.

No. He wasn’t serious. Oh God! My lips quivered. It was foolish. How did I think I could resist him? My body wanted him. My heart ached for him. At that moment, I understood how silly I had been. He was right. I belonged to him whether I admitted it or not. But if I admitted that now, it would be trouble. If I didn’t leave this office immediately, I would break down completely.

I pushed him back without a second thought. I saw him stagger and saw the devilish smirk return to his face. I quickly turned the lock and dashed out of the door, making a beeline for the elevator as if my life depended on it.

Leo smiled as he leaned out to watch my retreating figure. My steps were quick, tinged with fear. He knew it. I was still the same girl deep down. I might have grown, but my feelings hadn't changed much. I was still undoubtedly in love with him.

As Leo pulled back into his office and shut the door, a satisfied smile played on his lips. He had been right. There was still a certain fire within me that he could stir at his own wish. He hated to admit it. It seemed like, he had spent several nights thinking of me. and, he felt reassured. I hadn’t completely moved on either.

He walked towards his chair and returned to his work. The wheels in his head were spinning. He had to figure out a way to approach me, perhaps even ask me out on a date. It had to be something with little risk and little chance of me saying no.

He was almost tempted to give his friends a call and ask for their advice. He snorted. Knowing Nehemy, he would insist that it wasn’t there, but Leo knew it was. There was a possibility of rekindling the flame he had quenched three years ago. He was going to explore it.

He tapped his laptop on when his phone buzzed on his desk. Leo paused, raising an eyebrow. He reached out and grabbed the device, his hand tightening around it as he picked it up. He was about to lash out an angry text to the sender asking if he or I wasn't aware that he was at work when he paused. His eyes were fixed on the screen and his eyebrows furrowed. It was an unknown number. Again.

He had imprinted the previous two in his mind, and he was certain this was different. His brows furrowed in both confusion and anger as he tapped the text.

“I know your secrets, Leo. Play your games but remember that I hold the key to your downfall. Watch your back”!

His frown deepened, fury coursing through his veins. What sort of game was this? If he had info he didn't and aimed to undermine him, it was a direct challenge to his authority. He wasn't about to let this slide! His hands shook as they curled into a fist. His jaw tightened. Someone was playing jokes with him.“I swear I’m going to find you and get you arrested” He hissed, anger making him shiver.His mind raced. Perhaps Jack wasn’t working enough to get this person. He needed no stone unturned. He picked up his landline and called for Jack.

“Hello Sir,”

“Come in here.” He hissed.

Chapter 12

Iwalked through the front door, my feet barely lifting above the ground. I felt weak inside. My bag had dropped from my slumped shoulders and my chest felt as though I had dropped three dumbbells on my bosom.

Why couldn’t I stay away from Leo? Why did I let myself fall for him again? Closing the wooden door behind me as I entered the house, I had believed I could control my feelings. It was the only way I thought I could protect my heart.

I dropped my bag on the old couch in my living room, looking totally frustrated. I paced around, biting my nails. My head was a mess, and my heart was thumping like crazy.

"Why can't I just ignore him?" I muttered, nervously biting my nails. Frustration twisted my stomach into knots. "I thought I had moved on. That was the whole point—protecting myself and my heart from him. But every time I'm near him, I lose control," I groaned, slapping my forehead with my palm.

My heart pounded in my chest as memories flooded back of being trapped in his office. His piercing blue eyes seemed to call to my heart. His whispers about the lingering passion between us echoed in my mind.

The audacity! Despite everything he put me through, he still had the nerve, and how foolish I was to let him maintain that hold over me. My thoughts kept swirling throughout the evening. I replayed our conversation in my mind many times. I cursed myself for being unable to stand strong.

Eventually tired of pacing, I sank into the couch and buried my face in my hands. There was both anger and a strange feeling swirling inside of me. I froze. Oh, heaven forbid! I shouldn’t still be in love with him. I just shouldn’t!

“Why does he still control me?” I muttered to the quiet room. Inside, I felt tangled up, like a knot. I might try to pretend my feelings were gone, but I’d just be lying to myself. They are still here, strong and intense.

Memories from the past stirred up my emotions, making me feel vulnerable. I sighed. "I will no longer run back to him and let him take advantage of me! I must find the courage to break free!"

After a while, I sighed and got up, making my way to the shower. I let the water wash over me, trying to find some peace of mind. As I stepped out, I wrapped myself in a white towel and headed to bed. I didn’t bother looking for food because I had no appetite. I just curled up on the bed, not sure when I drifted off to sleep.

Cassie’s eyes blinked open. There was a little light coming from the window blinds. It took a few minutes for her to regain her orientation before sitting up. Suddenly, she realized she had fallen asleep in her towel. Her stomach growled!

Arrgh! I was hungry. Stretching across my bed, I reached for my phone on the bedside table. The time stared back at me. My heart skipped a beat.

Shit!

I was almost late for work! Shit! Leo would surely have my head for sure. I hurried out of bed and grabbed a pair of jeans and a blue T-shirt. It was Leo’s fault anyway. It was this relentless circle of encounters that always left me emotionally drained. I just wanted to get a break for peace's sake!

If the pay wasn't so good, I would have definitely left the job. Putting my hair up in a ponytail, I hurriedly swabbed lipstick on my lips and grabbed my bag. I stopped by the fridge to grab a chocolate bar, hoping that would keep me until lunch.

I paused. I hadn’t eaten since last night. One bar wouldn’t do much good. Without thinking, I grabbed another bar and shoved it into my bag, then headed outside.

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