Page 55 of Fierce Secrets

Maybe the prick would try to shove his tongue down my throat and I could give him a love bite to remember this moment by. A reason to not try this stunt again.

Through my blurred vision, movement drew my eyes to the side, where Leo materialized like an avenging angel. A very pissed off angel.

Perfect timing.

Relief swept through me as he yanked the guy away, and he stepped between us, his presence commanding even in the chaotic club atmosphere.

"You're lucky I don't cut your tongue out for that stunt," Leo's voice was sharp, and carried over the music. "Get out. Now. Or I'll make you wish you never even looked her way."

I stepped closer to Leo, gripping onto his arm as I steadied myself. Despite everything, he was a strange comfort in this moment, one I desperately needed.

The guy started to protest, drawing himself up, but then his eyes caught on Leo's exposed forearms, the intricate tattoos visible where he'd rolled up his sleeves. His gaze traveled to Leo's partially unbuttoned shirt, fixing on the 'Die Last' ink visible on his chest. Whatever fight he'd planned died in his throat, and he practically fled through the crowd.

Leo turned to me, his eyes hard as steel in the pulsing lights of the club. "If this is how you need to cope, fine." His jaw ticked as he glanced over my shoulder. "But be smarter about it."

I let go of his arm, standing before him in the moving sway of the crowd, taking him in. His suit jacket was gone, and the rolled up sleeves and partially open shirt made him look far too fine. And deadly, showing off those tattoos. Maybe it was the alcohol or the protective side of him that was making me take a moment to appreciate him, but when I met his gaze once more, my stomach dropped. He looked pissed, which was not something I'd expect from Leo, Mr. Stone Cold Emotional Control by bottling it up. Then again, according to my memories, he could be a violent person too. A fatal one.

Without another word, he turned away and moved to the bar, settling onto a stool next to Roman, who had stepped into the crowd but was now slipping back to his seat.

So, he'd been coming to my rescue before Leo took charge. That was good to know.

Leo looked back over at me with those piercing eyes before he waved the bartender over for a drink.

I forced myself to turn away from his scrutiny, hating the way his appearance had both comforted and distressed me. Why? Was it because it had been something I'd oddly wanted? Or because he looked pissed off? Was he mad at me for sending him away? For coming out drinking and putting myself in this situation?

"Are you okay?" Sofia appeared at my side, her face pinched with worry. "I saw that guy kiss you, I tried to reach you, but then Leo was here. Why the hell is he here? Not that I'm not glad he sent that guy running, but still. We can go somewhere else?—"

"What's the point?" I gestured vaguely toward Leo and Roman. "They'll just follow."

"Mer..."

"Let's just have fun here. Ignore them." I grabbed her hand, stepping further onto the dance floor and facing away from the bar. "I need this, Sof. Please."

She nodded reluctantly, and we lost ourselves in the music again. But now I was hyper aware of Leo's presence. I could feel his gaze tracking my movements as we danced. I wasn't sure how it made me feel, knowing he was here, watching over me despite me telling him he couldn't pursue me. Was he doing this to look out for me as his best friend's sister?

We both knew that wasn't the case, but we could pretend. But his watchful eye didn't go unnoticed. Every time a man approached, they'd suddenly think better of it, no doubt catching Leo's warning look from the bar. Twice, he stepped onto thefloor and caught men headed my way, directing them to leave me alone so I could focus on Sofia.

She didn't care too much, although she'd lost her own dance partners because of him. How she felt about that, it was hard to tell, since we were too busy dancing together.

When we finally headed to the bar for another drink, Leo caught the bartender before we could pay, covering our drinks.

I wanted to say something, but he didn't give me a chance, not even bothering to give me a glance as he nursed his own drink and spoke quietly with Roman. It was only when I was back on the dance floor that I felt his heated gaze on me once more.

Part of me wanted to be angry at his interference, at his constant protection. But another part, the part still swimming in alcohol and adrenaline, felt oddly safe knowing he was there.

Even when I was pushing him away, he was still watching over me.

And it left me feeling like an even bigger mess and more torn on everything.

The nightfinally wound down a few more drinks and hours later, and I was riding my buzz happily. Leo had even sent Roman over to us with glasses of water, saying we needed them. Sofia had sighed and rolled her eyes dramatically before accepting, giving Leo a pointed look. He was still posted at the bar, where he'd been for hours. I'd thanked Roman, lifting the drink up in a cheers manner for Leo, who just watched me with a masked expression.

"I think we should call it," I said as Sofia staggered on her heels, catching my arm to steady herself. She'd ended up havinga few more drinks than me, and I half-wondered if it was in defiance of Leo's meddling. Then again, I'd done the same.

"Yeah, probably, they'll be closing soon anyway," Sofia slurred as she straightened herself.

"We should probably get food on the way home," I mused, grateful I'd stopped a few drinks before Sofia and stuck to water after Roman's offering.

"Mmm, I'd kill for a burger." She grinned as she hooked her arm through mine, and I chuckled as we headed for the exit.

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