Page 87 of The Vengeance You Crave
"Uh… funny, because I said the exact same thing to Luca but I think I'll stay for a bit, actually." He doesn't once glance at me as he says this, instead, his eyes are locked on the men behind me. God only knows what they're doing, I dread to think but it's clearly enough to warrant Leon feeling like he needs to stay.
"Okay, do whatever. But you can't do his dirty work forever."
Spinning on my heels, I take a step away from him.
"How much do you owe, Peyton?"
All the air rushes out of my lungs at his question. It's something I try not to think about because the reality is too depressing.
"A lot."
I take off, not wanting to hear whatever he wanted to say after. I'm too scared he'll do something stupid like offer to pay it. It's no secret that the Dunns have more money than sense, but I'm not a charity case and even if Luca and I were the best of friends again right now, I'd still refuse to take anything from him.
This is my problem to deal with, no one else's.
Leon doesn't move from his table all night and I feel his eyes on me every place I go. But it's not like having customers watching, stripping me bare and hoping I might drop something and bend over for them. Having him watching me makes me feel safe. I have a feeling that if any of the men were to step out of line that he'd get to me way before security. It's like having a brother watching me, protecting me. And annoyingly, I kinda like it.
When I emerge at the end of my shift with my purse thrown over my shoulder and thankfully a hoodie covering up as much of my exposed body as possible, he pushes his half-empty drink aside and stands to walk me out.
He doesn't speak until we're at my car and when he does, it brings tears to my eyes. I tell myself that it's just my exhaustion after a stressful shift, but really, it's the sincerity I see shining in his green depths, one I wish I could see in another pair.
"You're too good for this place, Peyton. You can't stay here. The way they look at you. The way they talk to you." His lips curl in disgust and his fists clench at his sides.
"I hate it," I confess. "But other than taking up a spot on a street corner, it's the best shot I've got at getting the kind of money I need."
I know the words are coming but they still hit like a baseball bat across the chest.
"Let us help."
"No."
I cross my hands over my chest, standing my ground.
"You could—"
"No, Leon." His face drops and I realize I might have been a little harsh. "I really appreciate all this. The offer. But it's not necessary. This is my life now, and I need to deal with my own shit. Luca made his decision five years ago. Just because I was his friend—his girlfriend—once, it doesn't mean you owe me."
"Peyton, that's not how it—"
"Leon, please," I beg. "I'm exhausted. I just need to go home and sleep tonight off. Tomorrow, we can all just get on with our lives. Thank you for tonight, but you really don't need to do his dirty work."
Without waiting for a response, I pull my car door open and drop inside.
I stare up into his concerned eyes once more before reaching out to close the door, cutting off any more conversation between us. But just before the door closes I swear I hear him say, "he still loves you, Peyton."
All the air comes rushing out of my lungs as I stare at the steering wheel, too afraid to look back at the expression on Leon's face. Although I'm not sure why. I'm not sure if I'm scared of what I thought I heard being confirmed or shattering hope that I might not have imagined it.
With what feels like lead in my chest, I put my car into drive and head for home.
I barely say three words to Aunt Fee who's still up waiting for me. Her brows pull together in concern as I grab a bottle of water and head straight upstairs to shower and collapse into bed.
* * *
I go to class Wednesday morning and then get straight back in my car to head home. The library would probably be a better option seeing as there is never peace and quiet in Aunt Fee's house during the day since Kayden and I moved in, and now with Elijah being there, but there was no way I was risking sitting anywhere on campus and risking having to talk to anyone.
I know that Leon, Letty, and I'm sure Ella, once she finds me, only want what's best for me. Our friendships might not have much—or any—history, but I know they're good people who only want to help.
It's why I really shouldn't be surprised when the doorbell rings at Aunt Fee's house when I'm helping her make dinner.
