Chapter Five
LEO
What trouble have you gotten yourself into, Eve Gardener?
I watch from across the food court, my back pressed against a pillar, a newspaper in front of my face as the stranger approaches Eve. He’s a scrawny twerp, a few years my senior, nothing special.
She stood up to me without hesitation, yet this scrawny little bastard terrifies her. She’s trapped in an uncomfortable situation with a weaselly man. I watch as she writhes and squirms in his presence. Out of nowhere, her coffee’s thrown, and she’s on her feet and running.
I want to run after her, to see if she’s alright, but I can’t.
My first priority is the bastard who scared Eve.
It doesn’t matter what he’s done. Him upsetting Eve throws me over the edge.
My hands turn to fists around the newspaper, tearing it and crushing it into two balls.
I don’t realize my cover’s gone until Eve’s disappeared into the mall.
Good. Trying to explain my reason for being this close to her would prove difficult. Especially after the bathroom incident.
The little bastard’s wiping the coffee off his face. A lot of nearby patrons focus their attention on him. It’s only caused a minor inconvenience. I’d have preferred to see second-degree burns. After a quick freshening up, he’s back on his feet.
“Get on with your day, will ya?” the stranger screams at anyone inspecting him. People look away and murmur among themselves, as he shuffles on. Little does he know, a lion’s on the prowl, hunting for its next meal.
Given enough time, I’d be able to find him in different ways. My old man and I have spies all over Texas. But, this creepy fuck seems to be a time-sensitive matter. From the mall, I tail the bus he gets on all the way to a stop outside the city. It’s right outside his dwelling.
The Rio Grande Motel, with a gas station attached to one end of the lot.
A sign flickers and blinks the name above his head as he walks to the reception.
Two stories rise above me, with eight rooms on each floor.
Some scummy-looking people are standing outside, smoking cigarettes, and loitering around the place.
I’m not surprised. These cheap motels have a way of attracting riff-raff. I park in a somewhat distant spot, but still making sure I have a good view of the trashy establishment.
A short while goes by, and the stranger steps into the sunlight again.
He whistles to himself. So jolly and gleeful after hurting Eve?
This son of a bitch is going to pay. He walks with pride and conviction, from the reception all the way to room eight.
He stops, lights a cigarette, and enters his room.
Good, now I know where he’s staying. I can come back here later, but right now, I’ve gotta get home. Eve’s more important than this scum is.
If it were up to me, I’d sort it out right now. If I never had to come back here, it’d be too soon, but her relationship with this guy is beyond me. For all I know, he’s Eve’s dad and on bad terms with his daughter. I need to learn more, before acting brashly.
I drive home cautiously, trying to settle my nerves.
The window’s open and a gentle breeze blows in, settling my nerves by the time I park in front of the house.
There’s no one around to greet me, a blessing in disguise.
I rush upstairs to my room. Upon entering, I can hear loud music blaring from Eve’s room.
Probably to drown out any noise she might be making.
I step into the bathroom and cross the distance to Eve’s room.
Emotionally charged situations aren’t my strong suit.
Raw power and sheer size have been more my forte, since I was young, and they’re the best tools to resolve most problems. Eve doesn’t need a bruiser, ready to rip someone in half.
She needs a shoulder to cry on. Someone to rely on.
Am I the right fit? Can she lower her defenses and open up to me? She’s strong, sturdy, and independent. But right now, she needs a big brother.
As the music cuts from one song to the next, I hear Eve whimpering through the door. It’s suppressed, probably against a pillow, as if she’s doing her best to hide it from the outside world.
“Eve?” I knock gently on the door. “Are you alright?”
“I’m fine,” she says.
“I can hear you crying,” I reply.
I set my hand on the door handle. I consider trying to open it, but this isn’t about seeing her naked. This is viewing Eve Gardener at her most raw and vulnerable. This isn’t some silly little game.
Suddenly, the door handle twists in my hand and Eve pulls it open. Her makeup is a melted mess, and she’s fighting to wipe them away. She notices my untethered fury and breaks down.
Eve throws herself into me, pulling my arms around her shoulders. She whimpers and sniffles against my chest. I run a hand through her hair.
“You take all the time you need.”
She nods. We stay in the bathroom for a few minutes; no longer than five I guess. I give her the time and support she needs. A firm hug and a gentle rub on the head and back. This isn’t my wheelhouse, but it’s what I’ve seen in the movies – there’s got to be some kind of accuracy behind it.
“Want to tell me what’s going on?” I ask, once I feel enough time has passed. “Whatever he’s done to you, I won’t let him get away with it.” The second those words leave my lips I realize my mistake.
Eve is an enigma to me. Following her had become a natural habit.
I crave knowing her secrets, what drives her forward, and what makes her tick.
It didn’t start with malicious intent and won’t end with it.
Every new day is another day to discover more.
To strengthen our relationship. To protect her from the harsh outside world.
Now, in a matter of nine words, I have spilled out my secret.
Goddamn it.
“What?” Eve sniffles. “How do you know it’s a ‘he’? How do you know it’s anyone at all?”
“It’s the guy who interviewed you, right? It’s usually sleazy fucks running those places.” I say, trying to cover my tracks. “I wouldn’t be surprised if he made an inappropriate advance…”
Eve shakes her head. She knows it’s a lie.
“Girls always cry over boys,” another attempt and another fail with Eve’s shaking head.
“How did you know it was a man?” she demands an answer.
“How do you know it’s a person at all? Who’s to say it’s not Lollipop Lingerie declining my interview?
” Her face is stone-cold serious. Her lips barely move while she’s talking.
Her face is scrunched up in frustration at my attempt to downplay this.
Cute as a goddamn button, even while furious at me.
“I just do,” I reply. My fa?ade’s crumbling. I chuckle to relieve the tension, and of course, it doesn’t work.
“I don’t buy any of this bullshit for a second. How did you…”
“I followed you,” I reply before she flips her lid.
“You… what?”
“Christ, Eve, ever since the second I first set eyes on you I haven’t been able to take them off again. And it’s a good thing I didn’t,” I reply. “What did he do to you?”
Her annoyance fades, and her enormous blue eyes meet mine.
“You followed me and you saw him?”
“I did. And I’ll take that smirk off his fucking face. But, you have to say the word.”
“Why do you even care?” She drives both her hands into my chest, breaking free.
I pull her right back in, clutching her face in my hands. “Because, like it or not, you’re part of my family now, Eve. I will protect you.”
Eve sniffles again. I’m frozen under those eyes. I’m a helpless statue, paralyzed, waiting for Eve to set me free. Seeing her in this state, I’m ready to go postal and teach this world a lesson for breaking her heart.
Without warning, Eve pushes up and into me.
Her hand cups my cheek. She presses her delicate lips against mine in a soft embrace.
My legs turn to jelly. My hands snake along her body, gripping her hips.
Getting lost in the moment, I have no idea how much time passes.
Her hands wrap around my neck, as the kiss becomes more passionate.
Our tongues dance in each other’s mouths, and the taste of Eve drives me wild.
I lose myself in her, and it takes all of my willpower to break it off. Instant regret washes over me, and I take a step back. This isn’t how it’s meant to be. Eve’s clinging to me as a savior. A man ready to climb mountains, wrestle tigers, and put his life at risk for her.
“Isn’t this what you wanted?” Eve asks, wrapping her arms around her body to shield herself from me.
“Not like this,” I shake my head. “Not when you’re weak. I don’t want to take advantage of you.”
“But… Okay.” Eve turns away. “Thank you, Leo.”
“You don’t have to say thank you,” I reply. “You never have to thank me for anything.”