Owned (The Lasting Impressions #3)
1. Prologue
Prologue
Leo
Rage burns inside as I stare at the arrogant prick.
I don’t get angry; it’s not who I am.
I’m the joker, the happy-go-lucky guy who you call when you’re sad and upset. The man with a permanent smile, but this guy…fuck this guy. He brings the worst out in me.
My lip curls in disgust as he continues to spout insult after insult, and tries his damnedest to embarrass everyone and stamp his authority.
I’m holding back because this isn’t my fight, but fuck me—the desire I have to plow my fists into his uptight face is burning so deep that they clench at my side.
A feral grin graces his face as he moves in closer. My blood boils in my veins as he crowds Ria’s space. “You never did get over me, did you?” he sneers.
She huffs out a humorless laugh, crossing her arms defiantly across her chest. “Oh, I definitely got over you.” Pride blooms in my chest as she stands tall against this absolute asshat.
She’s finding her voice again after he tried to quieten it, and God, does strength and confidence look good on her.
Her eyes that have always struck me dumb are bright and alight, the cerulean blue piercing as she stares him down. Her plump, luscious lips, coated in a soft dusky pink, twist into a hauntingly beautiful smile, as she refuses to let him bring her down.
An invisible force stronger than gravity pulls me to her. It has always been there. Fighting it is something that has become second nature, but I’m exhausted. I’m no longer fighting; I’ve surrendered. Waved that white flag and I’ve done it with a fucking smile on my face.
Standing by her side, I wrap my arms protectively around her delicate shoulders. Her warmth radiates through my suit, heating me from the inside out as she leans into my touch. My pulse speeds up as she loops her arm around my waist. Everything about this feels fucking perfect.
Grinning maniacally at the fucking asshole who let this incredible, kind, caring, force of a woman go, the words I’ve always dreamt of saying tumble freely from my lips.
“I think you need to step away from my wife, St. Claire.”