Page 29 of Fierce Secrets

"Everything is a mess. My whole life is a mess because of you." My voice shook with rage, rage I needed to let out. If I didn't get mad, I'd break, crumble into a million pieces and cry, the panic setting in as I became overwhelmed by my own emotions. I didn't want that, not right now. So anger was my best bet.

"Your fiancé knocked over the first domino," Leo said calmly, running a hand through his wet hair. Water trailed down his neck, and I hated how my eyes followed its path.

"You put him in the hospital! Then we got shot at, and you've been out doing god knows what tonight?—"

"Go to your room, Meredith." His voice held a warning, but there was something else there too.

"No. I’m not a damn child. I deserve answers. I’m caught up in this goddamn mess of yours now." I planted myself firmly in the doorway, chin lifted in defiance.

He moved past me to close the door, his bare skin nearly brushing mine, and I caught sight of fresh bruises blooming across his broad back, partially hidden by more tattoos. The sight only fueled my anger, but it also sparked concern I didn't want to feel.

"Why did you do it?" I demanded, my voice cracking. "Why did you go after Logan? Who appointed you my protector?"

He scoffed, turning to face me. The space suddenly felt too small, too intimate. "Do you really need to ask that?"

"Yes," I whispered, some of my anger crumbling under his intense gaze. The blue of his eyes seemed darker in this light, dangerous and alluring.

He stepped closer, droplets of water falling from his hair onto his shoulders. I could smell his soap, feel the heat radiating from his skin. "You've been important to me since we were teenagers,Meredith. Because you never looked at me like everyone else did. You brought me cookies and smiled like I was normal, not someone to be feared."

The memory hit me – fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies, Leo's rare smile as he took one, the way his eyes had softened just for me.

"Should I be afraid of you?" My voice was nearly a whisper.

"Never." The word was barely out before his mouth crashed into mine.

This kiss was different from the first – desperate, hungry, like he'd been holding back for years. His hands cupped my face as mine found his bare chest, feeling his heart thundering beneath my palm. He walked me backward until I hit the counter, lifting me onto it without breaking the kiss. Water from his chest soaked into my clothes, but I couldn't bring myself to care.

When he finally pulled back, we were both breathing hard. His pupils were blown wide, making his eyes appear almost black.

"We shouldn't," he murmured, but his hands stayed on my waist, burning through the thin fabric of my dress.

"Why not?"

"Because once I have you, I won't let you go." His voice was low, possessive in a way that should have frightened me but instead sent heat coursing through my veins. "And you don't know what that means yet."

I didn't know if it was the adrenaline from the day or the way his eyes burned into mine, but I found myself saying, "Then show me."

The words hung between us, heavy with promise and danger as he stared hard at me.

And I could've sworn the icy Leo cracked the slightest of smiles.

CHAPTER 10

MEREDITH

Leo's breath was hot against my neck as he moved to unzip my dress. My heart fluttered as the zip slid down, and I pulled my arms from the sleeves. The material pooled around my waist as he deftly unclasped my bra. He removed it and tossed it onto the floor as he stepped back to look at me. His gaze fell to my bare breasts, and I watched his jaw tighten as he stepped closer, his warm body so close to mine.

Was this really happening? Was I going to do this with Leo?

His towel did little to hide his own sudden arousal, which strained against the material. I sucked in a breath as I returned my gaze to his, those icy eyes now holding mine with a look that made me tingle all over. His hand moved to trace along my arm, making the skin quiver beneath, before he cupped one of my breasts in his large hand, his thumb brushing over my nipple.

The simple touch was electric, and heat scorched through me.

"Leo," I gasped, arching into his touch. His name felt foreign on my tongue, but also incredibly right.

He silenced my next moan with his mouth, his large hands slid down my sides, working my dress off while on the counter.My panties were all that remained, and I was glad they were a cute pair at least.

"Stay quiet," he commanded as he broke the kiss, and I bit my lower lip, causing him to suck in a sharp breath.

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