Chapter 49 #3
Her father flusters, turning red as her mother gawks. “I well-well, you know…now, these are serious accusations—"
“They are,” Leo counters as more people seem to listen in.
“Thankfully my wife is forgiving, who asked me not to pursue legal actions at the time. But I’m sure there’s…
” Leo scowls at Bailey, who at least steps back, “… security footage of your daughter’s behavior, from how she’s treated coworkers and customers.
For I doubt you stopped after Autumn left. ”
Bailey visibly gulps, eyes wide with fear and shock. She turns to me, “Autumn, you can’t let—”
“Mr. Miller,” Leo states, and her mouth shuts.
“Your firm was on the docket to represent two of my companies. I’m afraid it’ll be your responsibility to inform them that none of those will proceed further.
Not to mention your stock will become obsolete once I buy the café and replace every worker I think won’t fit the criteria of who I’ll want.
Perhaps that will teach you that there’s bigger sharks, but most certainly that you are not nor ever will be one. ”
He pales while his wife looks near of fainting. People murmur, already gossip starting in whispers. Bailey looks around frantic, switching from fearful to shaken socialite. For a moment, she looks like she’ll attack me, but Michael and Leo dissuade her.
Leo’s voice becomes low, addressing her one final time.
“May this be a reminder to you, Bailey. I will not tolerate any disrespect towards my wife. She may have moved on from your abhorrent treatment of her, but I have not. Come within fifty feet of her, and you’ll spend the rest of your days remembering that warning. ”
He turns his back on them, leaving them blubbering as he guides me out of the place.
I catch Leanne grinning, giddy while Isaac tries to hide his smirk.
Trix is not far either, fully shocked while Chiari appears unruffled.
People whisper as we leave, Mila and Michael keeping others away.
A few do try to approach as we come outside, where Rudy waits with the car.
There’s another one of our cars with Animal behind the wheel.
Leo helps me in, then goes around to his side. He gets in, shutting the door promptly. I stare at him, surprised not of him practically destroying Bailey’s father’s career essentially, but basically threatening her. He looks over at me, adjusting his jacket.
“Too far?” He asks.
I slowly start to smile. “Nah, long time coming.”
“Should’ve called her out on her behavior a year ago.”
“I asked you not to remember?” I reach over, grabbing his hand. “Same with buying the café, but…guess it doesn’t count with me not working there anymore, huh?”
His expression softens, shaking his head gently. He then brings my hand up, kissing my knuckles. “I’m sorry I wasn’t there earlier.”
“You showed up right on time, mister,” I whisper, leaning closer.
He cradles my face, tenderly kissing me.
I gently press forward, desire trickling through me as I feel his warmth, and frankly turned on by him putting Bailey in her place.
My lips press harder against his, while my hand slides up his thigh.
Leo’s breath hitches, and then he pulls back just enough to break the kiss and remove my hand from his thigh.
“Red.” The word is barely a whisper upon his lips. His breath picks up, eyes shut tightly. “I’m sorry, Autumn…”
“Leo, look at me,” I whisper, gently touching his face. He opens his eyes, soft and vulnerable. “I love you. And if anyone understands needing more time, it’s me…your dear Watson. I should’ve asked before pushing for more. I’m sorry.”
“Please don’t apologize.” His breath is shaky as I caress my thumb over his skin.
I watch as that commanding man who’d been in that center disappear beneath my hands.
All because he wasn’t ready for sex or activities attached to it.
He still hides the scars on his wrists and forearms with arm sleeves under his shirts, unable to look at them.
The hurt in understanding that kind of pain and guilt makes my heart clench. His eyes stay on mine.
“You are not broken,” I whisper. “You are my dear Leo, whom I love to be with. Laugh with. Cry with. And who’ll always be there for me.
Like today. I will be patient not because I have to, but because I want to.
I love you. It’s alright.” I bring my other hand up, placing it on his chest, and his free hand goes on top of it. “What do you need, baby?”
“Just to hold you,” he whispers.
I nod, maneuvering to be closer to him as he wraps his arms around me. His face becomes buried against my neck. I lay my head against his, looking out the window on his side.
“I love you,” he says against my skin. “And I’m proud of you today.”
“Thank you. Proud of you, too. Good boy, telling me red.” I stroke his hair as he shudders, body going lax. I take comfort in soothing him, preferring to be in the quiet than the noise of any party out there.