Chapter Twenty-Two
L eo and I packed our bags the moment we left the bookshop. By morning, we were on the road, leaving the city behind. For safety, I stayed at Wonderland overnight—his security was tighter than mine, and we weren’t taking any chances. Not with Kyle.
The police had been frustratingly clear, Kyle’s clean record and family’s deep pockets meant simply a slap on the wrist. That was all he’d get for assaulting and terrorizing me.
“Unbelievable,” Leo muttered, when he’d heard the news.
His jaw tightened, hands gripping so tight on the steering wheel as we drove—from the looks of how white his knuckles were, he was ready to rip the wheel right off. I didn’t respond. What else was there to say? It was clear, the police were not going to help, and Kyle...he had nothing to lose.
As we made our way out of the city, the landscape slowly began to change. The towering buildings transform to rolling hills, the sound of traffic replaced by the rustling leaves in the light breeze.
The road twisted and turned, winding through dense forest with sunlight streaming through the branches, creating a kaleidoscope of light and shadows.
It’s beautiful, the kind of beauty that makes you forget about the world, if only for a moment.
I found myself glancing over at Leo every now and then, his eyes focused on the road ahead, a calm determination in his expression.
He was enjoying this too.
The quiet and solitude.
He reached over, placing his hand on my thigh, giving it a gentle squeeze with a reassuring smile.
When we arrived at the house, I was struck by how perfect it was. Nestled at the end of a long winding driveway, the house sat surrounded by trees, almost hidden from view. The wraparound porch hugged the home, its weathered wooden boards softened by moss in the corners. Large windows gleamed, reflecting the swaying treetops and a sliver of blue sky, as though inviting the outside world in. Beyond, a carpet of ferns and wildflowers stretched to meet the trunks of towering evergreens, their needles whispering softly in the breeze. It felt safe and secluded, like a place where nothing bad could touch us. I could feel the tension in my shoulders start to ease as I stepped out of the car, taking in a deep breath of the fresh air. It smelled like pine and earth, and it was like an herbal balm to my frazzled nerves.
Even as I tried to focus on the beauty around me, I couldn’t completely push away the thoughts of Kyle. The way he had shown up, the things he had said—it all felt like a dark cloud hanging over me.
Why is Kyle acting like this?
Why is he so determined to make my life miserable?
Of course we had history, sure. I just never imagined bumping into him again and the lengths he’s been taking recently. There had always been something unpredictable about him, something volatile, but this...this was very different. Almost out of character for him.
It scares me.
I know Leo is trying to protect me, a part of me couldn’t help but feel guilty. Guilty he had to deal with this. Guilty for dragging him into my past. I didn’t want to be the reason he was constantly on edge, the reason he felt like he had to look over his shoulder.
But I also know Leo wouldn’t leave, wouldn’t let me face this alone. And that means everything to me.
Leo came up behind me, wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me close. I leaned back into him, closing my eyes as I let the warmth of his embrace wash over me.
“It’s beautiful here, isn’t it?” he murmured, his lips brushing against the back of my ear.
“Yeah,” I whispered, “It really is.”
“Should we take a look inside?”
“Abso-fucking-lutely.”
Grabbing our bags, we headed inside and without a shadow of a doubt, it was just as lovely inside as it was on the outside. The living room had a stone fireplace, a cozy couch, and shelves filled with novels of both modern and classic kind.
The kitchen exuded charm, with wooden cabinets painted a soft pastel blue, their surfaces accompanied with small ceramic knobs. A vintage farmhouse sink nestled beneath a wide window framed by lace curtains, offering a serene view of the lush, flower-filled back garden. The countertops were speckled granite, and a collection of neatly arranged spices and jars lined the shelves. A sturdy wooden table sat in the center, its surface marked with the history of shared meals and conversation.
Down a short hallway, the bathroom was cozy with a clawfoot tub positioned against the wall, its gleaming white enamel contrasting with soft lavender painted walls. A small window allowed a dappled sunlight to filter in, casting patterns on the hexagonal tiled floor. The pedestal ink, crowned with a round mirror, was flanked by brass fixtures that added a touch of elegance.
The bedroom was a haven of comfort, dominated by a large bed draped in soft, cream-colored linens and an assortment of plush pillows. Warm wooden floors complemented the soft, neutral tones of the room, while a woven rug added texture. A tall wardrobe stood in one corner, its doors flighty a jar to reveal neatly hung garments. Near the window, a cushioned reading chair sat invitingly with a small side table that held a stack of well-loved books.
This place oozed serenity and quiet.
“Jesus Jane. This house literally is the definition of getaway,” I said, in an unbelievable tone.
After unpacking and settling in a bit, Leo decided to take a walk around the property, wanting to get a good understanding of his surroundings. I don’t blame him, who knows what Kyle is capable of at this point.
By nightfall, Leo and I found ourselves in the living room. I was on the couch in nothing but a tank top and short shorts while reading a book from the shelf and Leo laying on his back in front of the roaring fireplace wearing nothing but underwear.
His hands were tucked behind his head and his eyes closed.
Putting my book down, my focus was now drifting over Leo’s body. The firelight danced across his skin, highlighting every curve and dip of his muscles. His chest broad and abs defined, even his skin seemed to glow in the warm light.
His biceps flexed slightly showing his strength. UGH, that had to be my most favorite part of him, aside from his huge hands.
Even the way his thin underwear stretched over his hips, teasing the contours of his body and drawing my gaze like a magnet. The way the soft flow of light caressed his torso, dancing along the ridges of his abs and pooling in the hollow of his collarbone, made my mouth dry. His chest rose and fell in a slow cadence, each breath a mesmerizing ripple through his form.
My dick was starting to get hard.
And these shorts didn’t exactly hide it either.
“You look comfortable,” I said, my eyes drifting back to my book.
Leo smirked, his eyes still closed, “Just enjoying the warmth...and the view isn’t bad either.”
I rolled my eyes, though I couldn’t stop the smile that spread across my face.
“You mean the fire?”
He opened one eye, looking at me with a mischievous glint, “Not exactly.”
I shook my head, hiding my face behind the book.
“Come here,” Leo insisted.
Setting the book down on the coffee table.
I moved to sit on top of him, straddling his hips, feeling the hardness of his body beneath me. His hands found my thighs, sliding up to rest just at the hem of my shorts—his touch sending a shiver through me.
“You know,” he started,” I think this is the first time I’ve ever seen you so relaxed.”
Letting out a small laugh, I start grinding down against him, feeling his growing arousal pressing against me. “Well, your dick is sitting nicely between my cheeks at the moment, so of course I’m relaxed.”
He chuckled.
He reached up, taking my hand in his, threading out fingers, “I’ve never been this happy before.”
I leaned down, capturing his lips in a deep kiss, my hands sliding up his chest, feeling his skin under my palms. He responded eagerly, his tongue brushing against mine as his hand was moving to my hips, guiding me as I rocked against him.
“I’ve never been this happy before, either.” I said, between breathes.
The tension that had been building all day, over the past few days, finally started to boil over. I could feel him growing, the way his body responded to mine, and it made my head spin.
“Leo,” I whispered against his lips, my voice shaky with need, “I want you.”
He groaned softly as his hands moved to cup my ass to pull me even closer. I smiled, my heart swelling with love and ecstasy, and I knew that no matter what happened, no matter what challenges we faced, we would face them together.
Leo’s eyes darkened with desire as he rolled us over, pinning me beneath me on the soft rug. His lips trailed down my neck, leaving a blazing path that made my entire body ache with hunger. I watched as his hands slid under my tank top, pushing it up and over my head, his eyes taking in every inch of my exposed skin.
Leo seethed his teeth.
He didn’t waste any time kissing my chest before brushing over my nipples, sending sparks of pleasure through me. I loved the way he played with them, arching my back in response to him, my fingers threading through his hair, tugging slightly.
Looking down, my eyes watched as his tongue teased, introducing small bites, savoring me. The head of his dick pressed intensely against my hole. The way this man had utterly control over me, it was only a matter of time before those moans found a way to escape.
I closed my eyes, letting myself get lost between the fire crackling beside us and the heat from him. But an image flashed across my mind, Kyle’s face.
Kyle’s eyes filled with anger. The way he had looked at me the last time we saw each other and him touching me.
My stomach twisted as I jerked, pulling away from Leo.
“Drew?” he asked softly, a concern lacing his voice, “What’s wrong?”
Opening my eyes, “I...I can’t,” I said, shaking my, “I’m sorry.
Using his arms and sitting up slightly, Leo’s eyes softened, “Hey, it’s okay. You don’t have to apologize. Talk to me, what happened?”
Swallowing hard, tears pricked at the corners of my eyes. The guilt started to boil over, hindering me from continuing on with Leo. I shook my head, feeling the weight of everything pressing down on me. I couldn’t let this go on, not right now. Pushing myself up off the floor and away from Leo, I needed space, needed some air.
“I just need a moment,” I muttered.
Leo could be heard shifting behind me, his gaze following me, but he didn’t try to stop me. He knew better. He always seemed to know what I needed.
Stepping outside, the cool night air hit me like a slap to the face. I take a deep breath, hoping it might steady me, calm the storm inside. The sky above me was a deep indigo, scattered with countless stars that shimmered like tiny diamonds. The moon hung low, casting a gentle glow that filtered through, creating intricate patterns on the ground.
As I walked further away from the house, a distant call of an owl echoed through the night.
I welcomed it.
What I didn’t welcome was the amount of guilt I had for Leo. He seems so stressed out and always on the edge, just in case of Kyle. He doesn’t deserve this, he deserves a boyfriend who is uncomplicated and who doesn’t drag him into their past.
My hands started to curl into fists, trembling with anger.
Why couldn’t Kyle have just left us alone and go bother someone else? And now, I can’t even be sexual with Leo right now without having his face flash across the back of my mind.
He wasn’t here.
He couldn’t touch me.
He couldn’t hurt me.
I squeeze my eyes shut, trying to push it all away, trying to force my mind to focus on something, anything, else. All I could see was Kyle’s face, twisted in anger, and all that remained from it was fear that he’d find a way to get to me.
Maybe Leo would be better off without me.
The thought hit me like a punch to the gut, and I let out a choked sob, the tears now streaming down my face. I love him so much and wouldn’t want anything to happen to him.
”Maybe when we get back to the city, I’ll end things with him,” I told myself.
”Is that what you want?”
I heard footsteps approaching and as I looked over my shoulder to find Leo with a sad stricken expression on his face. Leo stepped closer, his eyes never leaving my red puffy ones-looking into his eyes, they had so much concern, so much love, that it nearly undid me.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my voice cracking, “I don’t want to end things with you—of course, I don’t. It’s just...I can’t stop imagining the worst Kyle might do. If he and I never met, none of this would've happened, and I hate how it’s affecting us.”
He reached out, his hand cupping my cheek, his thumb brushing away any stray tears.
”You don’t have to apologize, Drew. Not for this. Not for feeling what you’re feeling.”
I swallowed hard, my chest tightening.
Leaning against the tree, my head tilted down. He pulled me in slowly, giving me the choice to step back if I needed it. But I didn’t. I allowed myself to be enveloped, his arms wrapping around me, holding me tightly and letting myself fall into the moment.
Leo’s chin came to rest atop my head as he spoke softly into my hair, “If you want to end things with me, I will follow your lead.”
”Don’t you want to be with someone who hasn’t placed you in any danger or has caused you unnecessary stress?” I replied.
The weight of my words sunk into him, catching a breath in his throat. I caught him a little off guard. Leo didn’t respond right away, and the silence between us felt thick, almost suffocating. I could hear his heart beating in his chest, steady but strong, as if it was a metronome counting down the moments before everything falling apart.
I didn’t mean to say it—at least, not like that. But once the words slipped out, there was no pulling them back. The worst part? Maybe I actually believed it. Maybe Leo really would be better off without me. Lately, all I seem to do is weigh him down, and the guilt of it eating me alive.
Finally he exhaled, his breath warm against the top of my head.
“You think I don’t know what I signed up for?” His voice was low and calm, but there was an edge to it, an edge that told me he was far from indifferent to what I had just said. ”You think I’m some delicate flower who’s going to break because of some rich fuck?”
I lifted my head from his chest to meet his eyes, startled by the firmness of his voice.
“That’s not what I—” I started, but he cut me off, shaking his head.
“No, listen to me, Drew. I chose this. I chose you. Not because it’s easy, but because I love you,” his hand now on my cheek, “You’re not a burden. And yeah, Kyle is the biggest piece of shit that’s ever crossed my path, and he’s made things hard for us, that doesn’t mean I want out.”
His words hit me like a punch to the gut. Love. And yet left me reeling. How could he love me when I felt like I was barely holding myself together?
“I don’t want you to feel like you have to carry this around,” I whispered, my voice cracking as tears threatened to spill over, “I don’t want you to constantly look over your shoulder, let alone cover mine.”
Leo sighed, his warm hand sliding from my neck to cradle my chin, the subtle pressure coaxing me to meet his gaze.
“I’ll be damned if I let Kyle, or anyone else, drive a wedge between us.”
His hand continued to rest on my cheek, and for a moment, I let myself lean into his touch, trying to absorb the strength he seemed to have in abundance.
“What if he doesn’t stop?” I quizzically say.
The words came out before I could stop them, my deepest fear laid bare.
“Again, what if Kyle keeps coming after me, after us? What if it doesn’t end?” I repeated, my mind racing with the possibilities.
Yes, Leo is strong and built like a Greek god, but Kyle seems to know what he is doing. And him showing up at Jane’s book signing was just the tip of what he’s capable of doing. The thought of Leo getting hurt because of me was unbearable.
Leo’s eyes changed from gentle to a sort of fierceness I hand’t seen before, “Then I fucking beat him to a bloody pulp.”
His words should have comforted me, but all they did was stir the guilt I’d been feeling for the past day or two. I didn’t want him to have to fight for me.
“I’m just scared, Leo,” I admitted, as I stared at the ground, “I’m scared of what he could do, of what could happen.”
He didn’t falter, “Don’t be. Nothing will happen. You won’t lose me.”
A sob escaped me, and I let myself crumble into his arms, my face buried in his chest, inhaling the scent of him, familiar and grounding. He held me there, his embrace unyielding, letting the fear and pain spill out. Each tear breaking the dam I had kept tightly wound within.
“Don’t be scared, Drew. Do you know why?”
“No I don’t.”
“Because he doesn’t know what real love looks like. What we have...he can’t touch.”