Chapter 24
Molly’s brain was groggy from the sleeping pills. A reel of Johnny staring down at her, promising retribution, had been playing on a loop in her head since their confrontation and all through her drug-induced sleep.
Now she stared at her surroundings. Someone had drawn the curtains and switched off all the lights though she could still see the silhouettes of furniture and other items.
Her best course of action would be to pack up and leave. Do what she’d been telling Leo she would do.
Johnny was coming for them.
A shudder zinged through her.
Who the hell was she kidding? If she left Leo now, she would be as good as a pigeon against a seagull. Johnny was right; she was nothing without a man. First there had been Anthony, then Johnny, and now Leo.
And now Rose was in the same boat with her.
That thought sent another shiver trembling through her body.
Fuck, had she taken the pill and left Leo to take care of her daughter? Right after she’d dismissed his worries and exposed herself to Johnny?
She was such a bitch. And then she had wilfully checked out from the world when she needed to be a protective hen over her child.
But Leo would not let anything happen to Rose. It was fact; no doubt about it.
It took her brain a second to steady herself as she rolled out of bed, scrubbing her eyes. A knock sounded at the door.
Yes?
Hey, Leo said as he came in, holding a tray. You’re up. Are you hungry? I fixed you a tray.
She was still clutching the bedsheets, the sleep still diminishing. Rose?
Leo walked in and set the tray on the desk. She’s in the other guest bedroom. I didn’t want to disturb you. I’ve tucked her into bed with a bunch of pillows around her so she won’t fall. He held up the baby monitor. She dozed off almost immediately.
That made the guilt worse. You fed her, bathed her, brushed her teeth, and put her to sleep?
Leo’s cheeks pinched in a small smile. I let the bath go. She was exhausted. I’m sorry. I know the bath—
Sorry? Was this man kidding her?
I’m sorry for being so weak, especially after I insisted we break into the office, Molly whispered. I worked so hard to rebuild my strength and our lives. But the moment I saw Johnny, I crumbled like nothing changed at all. He’s right. I am a damsel in distress.
Leo sighed and sat down on the bed next to Molly. I don’t see how someone who broke into a security company, picked locks to find information from the company’s CEO, and then fought Johnny the way she did could possibly be considered weak.
I think I should take Rose and run. Maybe abroad. It’s time we go. Molly bit her lip. She didn’t see another option. If you couldn’t fight, you had to take flight.
You’d rather uproot the life you’ve built, the only one Rose has known, to escape a man who’d relish the fact that he’s still able to control your life from afar?
Leo reached out and intertwined their fingers.
His warmth eased the worry roiling in her gut by five percent.
You used to help women escape their abusers, and you’ve been showing me the incredible skills you have in that regard.
I think you can defeat Johnny using your wit and skills.
But I— Molly didn’t have the words. She had indeed found her old self lately. The version of her before Johnny had been reckless and single. But she had Rose now. Would she be the mother who taught her daughter to run when going got tough?
Leo tugged their joined hands to his lips and pressed a kiss to hers.
Let’s get this fucking bastard, Molly. I don’t tolerate shites.
My father was one, an arsehole who abandoned four pregnant women, four sons.
And Johnny thinks he can bully whoever he deems beneath him.
Leo bit his lip, as if contemplating something, then he spoke.
I told Rose about my mother. She raised me singlehandedly.
She moved here from Italy at eighteen, wanting to be an actress.
I don’t know what happened exactly, she never spoke about her early days in this country, but she got pregnant with me almost immediately.
He dropped their hands to his lap, his grip tightening as if it pained him to revisit his mother’s past. She might have met David a month or so after she moved.
A girl from a traditional family like hers, getting pregnant outside of marriage was a huge deal.
But she kept the baby, gave birth to me, raised me all on her own.
She had no one to help. She worked so many jobs.
But she never made me doubt her love for me.
We were never sad. He sniffled and looked away.
She gripped the side of his head and made him look up. His eyes were watery. She sounds like a resilient woman.
Leo took a fortifying breath. You remind me of her. Your love and devotion to Rose, your strength in working towards a better life for her. I helped you that first day because I saw my mother’s struggles and strength in you.
How the hell had he never told her all this? They had never spoken a lot about their pasts.
David Buchanan’s money, this money, would have saved my mother from working so hard. Leo scrubbed the tears from his eyes. So let me use that bastard’s resources to rid us of his enforcer, to give you and Rose a better life. Please.
Molly sat there, her brain unable to form words. No one in her entire life had sacrificed for her or treated her as thoughtfully as this man had from the moment they’d met. I don’t think I’m anything like your mother. She had to have been something else to have raised a man like you.
Leo laughed at that. I was her wee rascal, you know. Never did my homework and enjoyed frolicking around a bit too much.
Molly laughed, tears pricking her eyes too. Leo hooked an arm around her and tugged her into his lap so she was straddling him, his face close to hers. Molly bit her lip.
With a groan, Leo leaned in and kissed her. You’re incredible, Molly. So, so incredible.
She pressed her forehead against his. You’re my angel.
Leo wrapped his arms around her. The last time I was in this room, I told you I want to fight alongside you. I know you’re strong enough to fight your own battles, but please let me stand by you to fight them. Don’t leave.
Molly shut her eyes, remembering his apology and passionate words. He had confessed his feelings, everything he’d bottled up all these years. Just like she had.
Molly cupped the side of his head. Aye, you’re an angel alright. And you’re right. Running away from that bastard is not the solution. He deserves to be caught and shown his place.
Leo grinned then hoisted her up. That’s what I like to hear. So how about I become your sidekick avenging angel? I would love to go make Johnny’s life miserable right about now.
Hell yeah. Molly laughed, as he walked out the door with her still in his arms. Er… what about my dinner?