Page 57 of Her Wicked Plan

“Pass,” I deny her invitation before she can even finish the offer.

“Veronica, you have no idea what I was going to say.” She exhales a frustrated breath.

“You were going to suggest that I go to this event when you know I’d much rather be alone.” I begin to tell her. “You were also probably going to say that being around the other patients would benefit me. Am I wrong?”

A breath of defeat slips past her lips.

“That’s what I thought. Why won’t all of you learn that I am better off by myself?”

“I understand, I do.” Edith flashes an empathic look my way. “I was going to say those things, but you are missing something.”

“What?” I sneer.

“Dr. Bennett insists you show up.”

Why must that man be this way? And why do I have to feel the need to do everything he says? It’s not because he is in charge of this awful place. I could not care less about his position of authority, but I do these things so that he will get off my back.

Now, it seems I have to stop giving in because it isn’t working out in my favor. They keep asking me back to these stupid gatherings, and I only have it in me to agree to a few occasions.

That time is about up.

“I’ll think about it,” I lie, standing from my seat. I tuck the journal safely at my side.

“That’s all I ask.” Edith smiles sweetly, the lie passing right over her head, and joins me on my exit from the common room.

I can sense him as soon as we step foot in the hall. I’m not sure how. His strong presence? Maybe I’ve become accustomed to his scent and can smell him when he is nearby.

You’re not a fucking dog, Vee.

I shake my head at the silly thought. All I know is that whenever Leo is around, and I don’t see him with my eyes. I can feel him. Throughout my body, blood flows like a rushing stream.

Bumps litter my skin, knowing I’m in the same vicinity as him, and my heart dances behind my ribcage.

My head whips to the left just as Leo walks down the hall. He had been talking to a nurse who works in our ward—no one to worry about.

The man was focused on her and then on his feet while descending the vast hall until his head lifts, and our eyes meet. He stops instantly when he sees me, looking almost panicked at my presence.

“Oh, Leo! There you are!” Edith chirps.

He gives her a soft smile before ungluing his feet from the floor and comes our way. Every step he takes sends a shiver down my spine, adding more goosebumps to my heated skin.

The way he walks is so powerful. I don’t know if that is the word I want to use. He stands tall, with broad, square shoulders, causing his chest to puff out a little. He walks with confidence and assertiveness. It’s sexy.

Leo stops before us, eyes meeting mine briefly before glancing back at Edith. “Here I am. What can I help you with?”

“I was wondering if you would be willing to come early to help with decorations for tonight.” Is he going to help set up this event? "You’re still planning on coming to it, right?”

“Yes, of course, I am going. Anything you need, Edith. I’m more than happy to help.”

“Good!” She claps her hands together. “With that being said, I do need a favor.”

“Anything.” He nods, and then they leave me behind without sparing me another glance.

They continue to walk and talk about whatever favor Edith needs, but I can’t hear a word they say anymore as their voices become distant. If Leo is going to this mystery event tonight, which means I’m going.

You have got to be kidding me.

My feet skid to a stop when I pass through the cafeteria door. The tables are pushed off to the side, where they are now flush with the walls, and the chairs are in the center of the room.