Page 59 of Spice and Revenge

I withdraw my hand from the trench coat, burying it in Leo’s hair as I release a shaky sigh.

My stomach plummets at the realization.

I cannot kill Leo, because I love him.

The thought hits me like a hard brick, and I wait for the shock or the dread that follows.

Nothing.

Instead, I feel at peace. There’s an indescribable calm that washes through me as I finally accept my feelings.

However, the calm lasts for only a few minutes because my phone bings at that instant. There is only one person who would message me on my burner phone. Leo’s body stirs beneath me as I grab my phone from the second trench coat pocket.

Maximo- Missing you like crazy, Laura. Wanna meet up?

Maximo's message flashes across my screen, and suddenly, a chill creep over me. It's absurd, feeling this way, especially considering I was sent to end Leo’s life.I do miss Max intensely so why am I flooded with remorse over spending time with Leo?

It’s probably guilt for indulging in Leo's company while Max is still part of the equation. I shouldn't be feeling any form of regret, but I do. And although I can't quite pinpoint the reason why, I can't shake the feeling that I'm betraying Leo, even though we haven't even established the parameters of our relationship.

Leo stirs beside me, his voice groggy and husky. “What's wrong?” he asks.

“N-nothing,” I shake the feeling of dread off me.

But inside, my mind is a whirlwind of fears and uncertainties, each one more terrifying than the last.

What if Leo discovers the truth about Max and does something dangerous to him? What if I can’t kill Leo and my uncle kills him first? Should I confess everything to Leo? Would he be able to forgive me? What if he's already aware of the truth? And even if he forgives me, can I truly trust him?

And the biggest one of all. Can we have a real future together?

“Come here.”

All thoughts vanish from my head as Leo pulls me towards his hard chest. I bury my face into his chest as he runs his fingers down my back.

“You’re being incredibly touchy today,” I say in a bid to lighten the mood, to lighten the darkness in my chest.

However, Leo’s voice takes on a serious edge as he says, “You are mine. I’ll touch you whenever and however I want.”

I gulp as his reminder warms my ear. I look for any form of protest in my body and find none.

I want Leo to own me, to possess and dominate me in every way possible. I also want him to love me, to cherish and worship me.

Leo’s warm breath meets my ear again as he speaks, “As long as you are mine, no one can cause you any pain or harm.”

It’s almost like he can read my mind or sense that something is bothering me. My chest flutters rapidly at his words, and a part of me wishes that things could be different between us. I brieflyimagine what our lives would be like if there were no mafia wars, bloodshed and enmity.

I can't bring myself to kill him. I don't know why I ever thought I could.

As Leo's breathing gradually slows into the rhythm of sleep, I cautiously reach for my phone once more. With trembling fingers, I type a message to Uncle Pedro, fully aware that it might start an even bigger firestorm of consequences.

Me- I can't do it. I don't want to. Please, let's just walk away from this.

With a heavy heart, I hit send, knowing that my decision could potentially change everything. But I'm willing to risk it all if it means Leo and I could have a chance at a future together.

Chapter Twenty-Two

Lorena

Maximo is dead.

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