Page 4 of Fierce Secrets

"Get in the car, Meredith," Leo repeated, this time blocking Logan from me as he opened the door, not breaking his gaze from my fiancé. There was something about his tone that made me move instantly.

"I said we?—"

"She's coming with me." Leo's words sounded lethal, and even Logan was smart enough to keep his mouth shut as I slid into the warm leather interior. The door closed with a soft click, sealing me in what felt like another world. The car smelled of expensive leather and something distinctly masculine – Leo's signature scent that I'd never been able to place.

I watched out the window as Leo gave Logan a once over. Leo said something, something that made Logan's jaw clench, but I couldn't make it out from inside the car. And then Leo was rounding the car, Logan not even giving me a glance as he turned and headed back to our apartment.

I was nothing to him.

My throat closed over, but I fought it back, not wanting to break in front of Leo. Stoic, terrifying Leo. Although, given how my mascara was likely all over my cheeks, it was clear I'd already broke.

"Are you hurt?" Leo asked as he climbed in, the engine purring as it idled. He made no move to pull away from the curb, and I realized he was waiting for my response.

If I was hurt, I had a feeling he'd be getting right back out of the car. My brother was the hot-head of the pair, but right now, with that dark look in his icy blue eyes, I wasn't sure whatLeo would do. He was usually always so composed, but right now, that emotionless man I'd known for far too long looked like he was actually displeased with this situation. Something I wouldn't have expected from him.

"No," I whispered, then cleared my throat. "No, I'm fine. I just... I found him with..." I swallowed, hating the way my heart was skipping and violently slamming against my ribs. I rubbed my arms before warming my hands in front of the heater.

Leo didn't say a word as he watched me, waiting for me to finish. It was both unsettling and oddly comforting, if that was even possible.

He reached forward to blast the heat while shrugging out of his jacket and handing it to me. I glanced at him in surprise, but didn't question it as I pulled it on and did up my seatbelt. The jacket engulfed me in his scent, which was strangely soothing as I let out a shaky breath.

"He was in bed with another woman," I finally whispered as I rubbed at my now bare finger. His gaze fell to where my engagement ring once was, and he sighed before moving the car into drive.

"Then he's forgotten, Meredith. He's not worthy of you."

I frowned, blinking as I tried to comprehend what he'd just said. Had he said something nice? Where was the emotionless, blunt Leo I'd known all my life? Who was this lookalike?

"Really? Leonardo Donati, where have you gone? Who is this man?" I managed a weak smile, and he slid his piercing gaze to mine for just a split second before he focused on the road. Not even a hint of a smirk. I'd been expecting too much there.

It took me a second to realize his tattooed knuckles were white on the steering wheel. I could see the edges of his tattoos disappearing beneath his crisp white shirt cuffs, and the few tendrils peeking out of his shirt collar. Gray had said he was heavily tattooed, but Leo was always in a suit whenever I sawhim, as if he'd been born into them. From what I knew of his family, he kinda had. The only tattoos visible in his suit were his knuckle ones, 'Born Free'. I'd asked about them once, and he'd said it was to remind him that we're only ever born free, maintaining our freedom requires work. Whatever that had meant, he'd not elaborated when I'd asked.

"A man who promises himself to another and breaks that promise is no man at all." His jaw ticked, a muscle jumping beneath the light stubble. "He never deserved you."

"And you know that? With all the knowledge you possess of me? You know what I deserve?" I scoffed.

He didn't say another word as he focused on the road ahead, and I sucked in another breath, the heavy thumping of my heart beginning to ease in his presence.

The city lights blurred past as Leo navigated through late-night traffic with practiced ease. I should have been scared, sitting in a car with a man who made hardened businessmen nervous. Instead, I felt oddly at ease and… safe.

Not a word I would have ever used around him before, but now that I thought about it, as scary as he could be, he'd never done anything to make me feel unsafe around him.

"I can drive you to Sofia's," Leo offered.

"She's not home, I don't want to bother her anyway, she's got a big work thing. Besides, that's the first place he'll look for me," I said, wrapping my arms around myself. "I just need..." I let the words hang, trying to will the pain and hurt to die off as tears welled yet again.

How could Logan do this to me?

"What do you need, Meredith?" Leo's voice had dropped an octave.

I finally looked at him then, really looked. His profile was sharp in the passing lights – strong jaw, straight nose, dark hair styled just this side of professional.

"I need to feel safe," I admitted, the words barely audible.

Leo's icy blue eyes met mine for a brief moment, and I saw something flash in their depths – something oddly protective that made my breath catch.

"Then you'll stay with me."

It wasn't a request.

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