Page 107 of Foxy Filthy Omega

Leo was the only person in the world who truly understood who I was and he never asked me to change, even when he hated how it affected him. He wasn’t going to ask me why Soren and not him, but he would point out every weakness I had until it drove me insane.

We were a lot alike in that sense.

Leo tilted his head and narrowed his eyes. “You really didn’t miss me, did you?”

“No, I didn’t.” I held his gaze so he could see the truth – see just howrelievedI’d been when he left.

I needed him to see it so he’d stop making this so fucking hard. If I could push him away again, then I’d be able to stay exactly as I was and I’d never have to admit that maybe this was the wrong path after all and I haven’t foolishly wasted thirteen years of my life.

His touch gentled though, like he was relieved to see that harsh truth. “I’m glad you didn’t suffer in my absence.”

God, why did he always have to say shit like that? Shit that made me falter.

Leo made me question every single choice I’ve ever made.

My heart started pounding and I held my breath, terrified he’d see the truth before I could get it under control. I couldn’t let him know how much he affected me or this would end in blood.

Then he’d hate me even more than he already did.

CHAPTER 33

Frankie

“It’s beenover ten years since the last time you let me touch you,” Leo murmured, his grip on me tightening. “I wasn’t sure I’d ever get to touch you again.”

My cheek ached but I deserved this so I didn’t bother pushing him away. I just stared into those dangerous red eyes, knowing I couldn’t avoid this anymore.

I had to know.

“Answer a question for metruthfullyand I’ll let you touch me however you want for three minutes so long as it’s not sexual.”

Leo tilted his head the other way, clearly surprised by my offer. “Ten.”

“Nothing sexual,” I reminded him.

He released me and held out his pinky. “I promise it won’t be sexual in any way.”

I eyed his pinky, hating how much I loved that he still made promises like this. “Six minutes.”

“Nine.”

“Seven. That’s my final offer.” I held out my own pinky and waited for him to decide, but Leo didn’t hesitate.

“Done.” He hooked his pinky with mine and we pressed our thumbs together in a silent promise.

Leo took my wrist and pulled me up, tapping in the four-digit code to my smart watch so he could set the timer to seven minutes. I didn’t ask how he knew what it was when I changed it every week, just like he didn’t ask why I wasn’t surprised to see him.

Then he pulled my arm around his waist and hugged me tight against him.

Somehow, he knew exactly what I needed no matter how well I performed. He’d used this chance to give me something I wanted but couldn’t ask for which made me feel even worse and my guilt was all wrapped up in gratitude and grief.

It made me feel like I was going to cry all over again but I swallowed it down and held it in. This was for him, not me. I refused to let myself hold onto him like I wanted to – as if I’d collapse without his support.

The bulletproof vest he wore was too thick for me to feel his heart beating which meant he couldn’t feel mine. I was grateful for that. And annoyed. This layer between us made this easier, but I didn’twanteasier.

Leo wrapped me up in his arms and rested his chin on top of my head, keeping his promise. He just held me, nothing more.

It may not be sexual, but it wasn’t platonic either.