Page 20 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

I waited for Lisa to respond to the love declaration. Then, I ended the call and shoved the phone into my pocket. Of course, my coworkers knew that something was going on between me and Leo. The cocky guy wasn't even trying to pretend.

I wondered what they would say when the gossip spread of how they had been outside the office that morning. What if one of them saw them together at the restaurant?I hated the emotions swirling within me and just walked towards the office. The salary was worth it. I would survive.

Chapter 13

Leo walked in with a smirk on his face, like he'd just won something big. He thought he was the king of the world because he'd figured me out and convinced me to go out with him.

Something about me made his blood boil. It made him want to uncover all my layers without thinking. He nodded at Lilly and headed for the elevator. But then he saw Nehemiah sitting in the waiting area's chairs. He frowned. Nehemiah lifted his head from his phone, a small smile filling his face, but Leo was no fool. He could clearly see that Nehemiah’s green eyes didn’t light up as well.

It took most people a while to tell the twins apart. But Leo could easily distinguish between them. He believed the most obvious sign was the way they carried themselves. He could tell whether it was Nehemiah or Jeremiah just by the way their shoulders were slouched or not.

As the years went by, Nehemiah grew more confident. But when he saw the slouched shoulders, he knew exactly who it was. He walked towards Leo, the smile still on his face. "I came to speak with you, Leo, about the budget for the estate in Florida. How are you doing?" he asked, nodding.Leo nodded in return. “How are you? Let’s discuss it in my office.” He quipped and headed towards the elevator.

They had barely entered the elevator when Nehemiah’s voice rented the air. “Leo, I saw you and I hope you know what you’re doing. I hope you’re not playing with my emotions all over again. Aside from being just mean and selfish, it’s not a good idea”

Leo stiffened. He was grateful. Nehemy had suggested they speak in his office. This was before he started airing his grievances for all to hear. Leo dug his hands into his pockets and shrugged. He wasn't toying with me. He genuinely believed there was something between us that he wanted to explore. However, it was none of Nehemy's business.Without turning to look at him, he stepped out as soon as the elevator opened, his voice nonchalant. "Nehemy, it's none of your business. I'm pretty sure I can handle my own love affairs."

He heard his friend's hurried steps following him as he headed towards the huge doors of his office. "Leo, it doesn’t matter if it’s not my business. But as your friend, I can’t just pretend like I’m not seeing you get ready to hurt me all over again. You broke my heart once, Leo. It would be insane to do it all over again."

Leo stopped and looked at Nehemy. His serious expression was clear from his furrowed eyebrows. He tried not to. But, Leo couldn't help but find Nehemy amusing. A hint of a smile played in his blue eyes as he stared at him.

"I'm pretty certain Jeremy would see things in another light. He'd likely attribute fault to me and claim that offering free sex was entirely my decision." With a shrug, he turned the handle of his office door and walked inside.

Jack bowed in greeting and Leo nodded at him before walking into the office. He heard Nehemiah follow a few seconds later.“But you lured me in!” He argued, slamming the door behind him.

Leo gritted his teeth as the door slammed shut, annoyed by the noise. He turned to see Nehemiah standing there. Nehemiah looked defiant, with his chin up and challenging eyes. Nehemiah was wearing a nice blue suit, as if he had an important meeting planned.

He clicked his tongue, his patience running low. Listen Nehemy. It's good that you're worried about me, not your friends. But, relax. I've got this under control." He had barely turned when Nehemy fired. “And what are you doing?”

Leo closed his eyes and breathed deeply, trying to keep his cool as Nehemiah persisted. With a scoff, he made his way to his table. "Nehemiah, I have a history and a connection with her. "I've made mistakes in the past. But, there's still something there. Maybe, I want to try to make it right," Leo said. He raised an eyebrow and took a seat.

Nehemiah rolled his eyes, letting out a sigh as he headed towards the table. “Leo, I know you. You’ve said this before. You said it while we were incollege remember andyou still left me shattered. I would hate to see you do it all over again.”

Leo nervously bit his lower lip. He realized that Nehemiah had no clue about what had truly happened. In fact, nobody did. They were all mistaken. Leo had kept it all locked inside, afraid of the shame that would come with revealing the truth. He wasn't willing to risk exposing himself like that.

Leo felt a twinge of disappointment that Nehemiah couldn't see how much I loved him. Back then, Leo had loved Nehemiah with all his heart. They broke up because Leo couldn't handle all that was happening.

There was a sudden urge to flee and hide, and Leo did what he felt he had to do at that time. Now that he had the opportunity, he realized his feelings were still there, but he had buried them deep down. It seemed like Nehemiah was teasing Leo to see if Leo still cared. But, Leo knew Nehemiah wouldn't get the complexity of his emotions.

His voice turned cold, and his jaw clenched as he spoke. "Let it go, Nehemy. I don't need your lectures or guidance. She was my girl, and it's my problem to deal with, not yours. I'll handle this my own way."

Nehemiah leaned back, his green eyes widening slightly in shock. Locking eyes with Leo's blue ones, he held his gaze for a moment before nodding. "Fine, Leo. I'm not trying to control you. Nobody can. I just remember seeing you cry back then, and it hurt like hell." Leo’s fist curled on the table and his jaw tightened. He stared back at Nehemiah and resisted the urge to lash out.

“Do you want to discuss the budget or not?” He growled.

“Yes. I do.” Nehemiah replied.

Leo gave one brisk nod and pulled his laptop closer. They could doubt him all they wanted and think whatever they wanted. He would do stuff exactly the way he wanted to do them. It was how things had always been and how they would continue to be.

Chapter 14

Ihad waited for the weekend with my heart thudding against my chest. When Friday came, it seemed as though it was moving at the slowest pace possible.

I couldn't admit to anyone, not even Lisa. I had barely slept last night. I stayed up anxiously waiting for Saturday. It was only 3pm. Three long hours remained before the date. But, I felt anticipation and anxiety stirring in my chest.

I could pretend all I wanted, but I knew there were butterflies in my belly. Standing in front of my closet, I hesitated. I refused to make this decision several days ago. I wanted to have things to do before getting ready. My hands dug into the closet, swiping through the clothes on hangers.

While I had clothes, they weren't the most flattering pieces. At least not flattering enough to wear to La Trattoria with a man like Leo Woodrow. It had been a while since I bought new dresses. I hoped I could find the perfect one to make me feel confident and beautiful. And, I hoped I could do it without having to rush to the mall three hours before our date.

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