Chapter 8
CHAPTER 8
MEREDITH
I stared at my phone, Gray's face smiling up at me from his contact photo as it went to voicemail again. He was probably on his flight home, but I needed to hear his voice, to make sense of everything that had happened.
I knew Sofia was busy, and I'd thanked her for coming around. She'd messaged back saying everything was going to be okay, and to call if needed. But I knew her work was important as an ER nurse, and I wasn't about to bother her, not when she'd said there was a big accident. How she managed that job without crumbling was beyond me. Nursing was not for me, and I knew it.
The silence in the penthouse felt heavy, broken only by the faint sound of Leo's voice down the hall, muffled in his office. Before I could think better of it, I found myself moving toward his office, my bare feet silent on the marble floors.
He'd hurt Logan. Sure, the man had hurt me, but beating him right into a hospital bed, that was extreme.
It should've scared me more than anything, but as terrifying as Leo was with his whole icy demeanor, I'd not say I'd ever truly been afraid of him. More afraid of what he could do, the power I knew he held.
Rightly so, apparently.
I tiptoed right to the closed office door, holding my breath as I leaned my ear against it.
"—non mi piace che vengano qui." Leo's voice was low, controlled, but held an edge of anger. I didn't like them coming here. My Italian was rusty, but I caught enough to make my stomach sink. Gray and I had been taught it growing up despite our American mother. Our father had said we’d needed to remain true to our roots despite her lack of Italian heritage, and since she’d passed, it was best for us to focus on our living heritage.
At least she’d given us our names, although our father had never been big on the non-Italian names.
"Occupatene." Handle it. The word drew me out of my random thoughts.
So he wasn't happy with the Detectives coming. Would he be arrested for what he'd done when they learned he was lying?
He'd not told them the truth. Then again, he'd not entirely lied. He'd just withheld some things, and they'd not asked directly. Detective Cooper had cut the entire thing short, which had been a little odd now that I thought of it. His whole attitude had shifted once Leo had shown up, but he'd still been soft to me.
Did they think I was in danger or something? Was that why Cooper hadn't pushed but had given me his card?
The elevator's soft ding made my heart skip a beat, and I retreated quickly, trying to look casual as I emerged from the hallway. Roman stepped out, his dark eyes taking me in carefully.
Was he going to tell Leo I was in the hall, possibly eavesdropping?
"How are you holding up?" he asked, his voice gentler than I expected. I knew Roman from over the years whenever he'd collect Leo or relay things to him, but I'd never gotten to know him on a deeper level.
"I'm..." I trailed off, not sure how to finish that sentence. Fine? Terrified? Confused? Not sure how to feel after learning what Leo had done?
He nodded as if I'd actually answered. "I need to speak with Leo."
"Of course." I checked my phone again and opened up my blocked list, thumb hovering over Logan's blocked number. Part of me wanted to check on him, to make sure he was really okay. But the image of him with that woman flashed through my mind, followed quickly by the memory of Leo's split knuckles.
I lowered the phone as Roman passed me, and I moved to sit on the couch, staring over the city uneasily. How was Leo going to handle this situation? Detective Warren was clearly suspicious. Would Leo get time if he was charged? Logan would have to press charges, and he didn't sound willing from what they'd said.
Was he really that scared of Leo?
I glanced towards the hall as I worried my lower lip.
Maybe I should be scared of him too, of what he was capable of. So why on earth did I not feel that way? Why had him hurting Logan oddly pleased me in some sick sense? Was it revenge and justice in my eyes? It wasn't like Logan had physically hurt me.
Leo and Roman returned a few minutes later, their expressions giving nothing away. Roman gave me a slight nod before disappearing into the elevator, while Leo turned his attention to me.
"You should get ready. We'll head to your brother's soon."
"Right." I nodded, moving to the bags Sofia had brought. I had no idea what else to say, my mind a jumbled mess. I wanted to talk about the elephant in the room, of why he'd gone after Logan, why he felt the need to protect me. I wanted to know what he'd done before, why my memories were so fragmented and out of reach.
But instead, I focused on the items in the bag from Sofia, unable to form any words right now. The first thing I pulled out was an elegant burgundy sweater dress – one of my favorites that I'd left at her place months ago. She'd packed everything I might need, down to matching heels and jewelry. There was even a small makeup bag with my preferred products.
Tears pricked at my eyes. Sofia had always known exactly what I needed, even when I didn't know myself.
"Everything okay?" Leo's voice was closer than I expected.
I clutched the dress to my chest, not turning around. "Yeah, just... Sofia thought of everything."
"She's a good friend."
His tone made me look up. His face was carefully blank, but there was something in his eyes – something that made me wonder just how much he knew about Sofia and her family.
Just how much I didn't know about any of them.
I felt like I was completely in the dark right now, with how Leo had behaved, with how Sofia had acted with the police.
I was missing something, and I knew it now. I wanted to talk to my brother, to finally have someone tell me what was going on, why things felt so off.
"I'll go get ready," I mumbled, gathering the clothes and retreating to the bathroom.
As I paused at the hall, I dared a glance back, and caught Leo watching me with that same intense expression he'd worn when the police had questioned him.
What exactly had I gotten myself into?
Grayson's house was exactly what you'd expect from a successful businessman – all modern and sleek in one of the city's most exclusive neighborhoods. He opened the door before we reached it, pulling me into a tight hug.
The drive here had been silent, and I’d gotten a headache from all the overthinking and worrying about everything that had happened, along with how my future looked.
But finally seeing Gray, it was the breath of fresh air I needed. He was the only family I had, and drawing in his trademark Tom Ford cologne granted me some peace and comfort in the chaos of my mind.
He'd texted saying he'd landed and was headed home while I was showering, and that he'd have dinner and drinks waiting for us. It was a touch of normalcy after everything, and I needed it.
"I can't believe that bastard," he muttered into my hair. "He's lucky I wasn't here, the prick. But you're here now, and everything's going to be okay."
"Thanks" I pulled back, catching the dangerous glint in his eyes. He was right in protective brother mode, and it warmed my heart. "It's over now."
"Damn straight, now, I got your favorite moscato. I think we could use some drinks," he said as he patted my shoulder and offered me that toothy, brotherly grin that made me relax. His gaze shifted to Leo, and he nodded before guiding us both inside.
Gray had a habit of moving around, but at least he'd had this place for the past two years.
Inside, it was the perfect balance of comfort and sophistication. The entry opened to an open-concept living area, where dark hardwood floors contrasted nicely with light gray walls. A comfortable L-shaped sectional in charcoal faced a mounted TV, while a few photos dotted the floating shelves beneath it.
"Dinner's here and ready," Gray said, leading us through to the dining area.
The kitchen and dining space merged seamlessly – all clean lines and practical luxury. Stainless steel appliances gleamed against white cabinets, and a simple six-seater table in dark wood dominated the space. Floor-to-ceiling windows lined the back wall, offering a view of the well-maintained backyard.
It was modern without being too showy, comfortable without being cluttered. The kind of place that said successful professional rather than wealthy showoff. Three place settings waited at one end of the table, wine already breathing in a decanter between them.
The only real personal touches were the photos scattered throughout – mostly of us growing up, though I noticed our parents were absent, save for a nice portrait photo of our mother on the fireplace mantle.
Gray had inherited a lot from our father and his businesses, but he'd always tried to remain somewhat humble, unlike Leo. Well, humble with his living spaces. We wouldn't mention the fancy yacht he spent a lot of time on. His home and car, on the other hand, were fairly standard, nothing crazy like Leo.
"Sit, I ordered your favorite Italian, Mer," Gray said as he gestured for us to take our seats, take-out containers from Vittorio's stacked by the head of the table where he'd sit.
I sunk into my seat, while Leo moved to sit across from me. Gray was quick to pour me a glass of wine, doubling the usual serve in true Gray fashion.
He then poured some whiskey into glasses for Leo and himself before sitting and serving up the food.
It was too much like old times, the three of us seated around a table, takeout food containers being passed around. We normally made the effort to cook something for Christmas, each bringing a plate, although I was sure Leo had someone else make it. I just couldn't picture him ever cooking.
Today though, it was different. Christmas was still two weeks away, and the tension between Leo and me was heavy.
Right, Christmas. I'd been planning to see my brother and Leo on Christmas eve, as was tradition if life allowed, then spend the actual day with Logan.
My throat tightened at the thought. That was not happening this year, or any year ever again.
Could I get a refund on the all inclusive trip to Mexico I'd gotten him for Christmas as a couples getaway? Maybe I could take Sofia instead? She'd be more than happy to go to Mexico and drink to her heart's content.
"What are you going to do about work? You can't keep going to that building," Gray asked as he took a sip of his whiskey, snapping me from my thoughts.
I pushed my pasta around the plate. "I haven't thought that far ahead. Sofia asked as well, but I… I have no idea. I got offered a position downtown, but the salary wasn't great… career growth was an option at least."
"She can work at my office downtown," Leo offered, his voice casual but his eyes sharp. "I have an opening in the financial department. Good salary and growth options."
Grayson's fork paused halfway to his mouth. "I'm not sure that's what's best for her."
"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked.
"Maybe the office in Lake Forest," my brother suggested, ignoring my question. "Smaller town, fresh start?—"
"I'm not leaving the city." I set my fork down. "My whole life is here. Sofia, my work?—"
Leo's phone buzzed, drawing his attention. Something dark crossed his face before he masked it, setting the phone face-down.
"Everything okay?" Grayson asked, tension creeping into his voice.
"Fine." Leo took a deliberate sip of his whiskey. "But perhaps your brother's right, Meredith. A change of scenery might be good for you."
I stared at him. "What? You just offered me a job at your office."
"And now I'm suggesting something else might be better."
"Why? What was in that text that changed your mind?"
The two men shared one of their loaded looks, the kind that made me feel like I was missing vital information.
"I'd rather work at your office," I pressed. "You can't just withdraw the offer?—"
The windows exploded.
Glass rained down as gunfire shattered the already tense evening. Before I could even process what was happening, Leo's body covered mine, taking us both to the floor.
"Roman, get the car," he barked into his phone, his body a solid shield above me. "Now!"
What terrified me most was how calm Grayson looked, already moving with practiced efficiency, checking through the broken windows as he stayed low.
And then he raised his gun. Where the fuck had he gotten a gun?!
"Back exit," Leo commanded, his voice holding an authority I'd never heard before. "Gray?"
"Clear." My brother's response was crisp, professional, like they'd done this before. Tires squealed outside, and my heart lurched in my chest.
Leo shifted atop me, reaching down to his ankle and pulling out his own small pistol.
Why did they have guns? What the hell was going on?!
"Drive by, but let's still move," Gray said as he checked his phone, and I knew he'd be checking the cameras he had set up around his house. I'd never understood his need for them especially in his fancy neighborhoods he lived in, but now it made sense.
Who would be shooting at my brother? Was it my brother or Leo? Why?
Leo pulled me to my feet without a second's notice. He kept me pressed against him as we moved, his steps sure. My heart threatened to burst through my chest, and I couldn't help how I clung to the back of his suit.
Gray moved closer to us, touching me with one hand reassuringly. "You hurt?"
"No…" I mumbled, still struggling to comprehend what was going on.
"Good, everything's okay, just let us handle it, stay close." With that, the pair of them guided me out the back door and through the back gate into the alleyway.
Roman was waiting with the car engine running. Leo practically lifted me into the backseat before sliding in beside me.
"The safe-house on Wellington," he told Roman as Gray climbed into the passenger seat. "Gray, you need to get yourself a damn driver and security detail."
"I'm thinking it might be time." My brother's face was hard, unfamiliar. "Don't suppose you have anyone you'd suggest?"
"Yes. I'll have Thompson start tomorrow. He's experienced, trustworthy."
They discussed it like they were talking about the weather – security details, safe houses, and how Gray needed to move to a new place since this one was compromised.
"What the hell is going on?" I demanded, my throat tightening as the shakes set in.
They just exchanged looks, but Gray's eyes softened.
"Everything will be okay, Mer. We've got you. Focus on your breathing," he said.
"The Morrison property in Lincoln Park might work, it's been on the books for a while," Leo said to Grayson, completely ignoring my question. "Good sight lines, established security system. Not as humble as you like, but safer."
"Of course." Grayson nodded. "I'll look into it."
"I can have my team assess it tomorrow, make sure it's still up to scratch."
I stared between them, these men I thought I knew. My brother, who I'd always been so close to, discussing property security like it was the norm. Leo, moving after being shot at with the confidence of someone who'd been gunned after too many times.
"Will someone please tell me what's happening?" My voice cracked as my vision darkened at the edges. My breaths were shallow now, coming in short bursts.
"Hey, focus on me, on my voice. I'm sorry this happened, Mer, but you're safe. You're always safe," Gray said, but I caught Leo's sharp inhale, like he was refraining from scoffing.
I was with him there. I wouldn't call getting shot at safe.
"We got shot at, Gray!" I snapped, my voice hitching.
"Look, I'll explain everything, but for now, you need to try to breathe." Gray was leaning through from the front seat now, his hand on my knee. "Please."
I nodded, and Leo sighed before he pulled me onto his lap, wrapping his arms around me.
"What can you smell? And hear?" he asked, his voice muffled by the pounding of my heart.
I glimpsed Gray’s confused gaze, noting his now set jaw as he watched Leo hold me. We were both just as stunned by Leo's shift, but I let out a shaky breath as I focused on Leo’s arms around me, anchoring me.
"Your cologne, your heart," I whispered as I curled tighter into his chest.
"Good, focus on those," Leo's voice was gruff, and I closed my eyes. His heart was steady, along with his breathing. No, not quite. His heart was a little faster than it should have been, but we had just been shot at.
It certainly wasn't vibrating like mine.
"Gray, call Michaels, tell him you need someone to clean up your place," Leo said.
Clean this up? Like this was just another Tuesday night inconvenience?
Leo's warm arms tightened even more around me. The constriction was oddly comforting, and I continued focusing on my senses.
Because chanting my usual phrases just didn't seem right in this situation.
"This shouldn't have happened," Leo muttered as Gray dialed.
"You're telling me," Gray sounded displeased more than anything.
This whole situation was messed up.
I listened to Gray make his brief call, explaining there was a situation at his place that required cleaning up. A muffled response was answered with him saying just broken windows, but police needed to be handled as well.
With that, the call ended, and Gray sighed heavily.
My brother suddenly felt like a stranger to me. Leo, I had no idea how I felt about him right now, but the way he was holding me was helping me keep it together. Just.
"Gray?" My voice was small in the car's silence.
"Yes?"
"Why were we shot at? What's going on?" I shivered in Leo's hold, and his thumb began circling over my arm soothingly, making my skin prickle.
"Not now, Meredith." Gray's tone was gentle but firm. "Let us handle this. I'll explain later."
Us. Like they were a team. Had always been a team.
I curled into Leo even more despite everything that had happened involving him, needing the comfort he oddly provided right now. My world was tilting on its axis, and I felt helpless. In less than twenty-four hours, everything I thought I knew had been stripped away. My fiancé's betrayal seemed almost trivial now, compared to the realization that I didn't really know my brother or Leo at all.
Or maybe I'd just never wanted to see who they really were.