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“Shit, beautiful. I didn’t know you guys were a thing. I had assumed since we—fuck.” Leandro sets his drink down and leans back in the chair, scrubbing his palms on his knees.

“No, we’re not a thing. He made that clear. Yeah, I fucked him, but that’s all it was.” A part of me hates admitting that out loud, but the more I say it, the easier it will be in the long run.

Leandro falls silent, busying himself with eating the rest of his dinner. I don’t try to speak either. I don’t really have anything to say. So I continue to fork at my enchiladas until I finish and set the plate back on the tray.

Lowering myself back down on the bed, I pull the blanket up around me, cocooning myself to block the world out.

“Stacia, I know this isn’t my place to talk, and it’s definitely crossing a line, but I’m relieved there’s nothing going on between you and Talon. He doesn’t deserve someone like you.” Leandro rests his hand on my side.

I turn back over. I can’t help it. As much as I want to ignore him, I can’t. What he says? It’s crazy. He’s relieved? He thinks Talon doesn’t deserve me? It’s hard for me to even form thoughts about it.

“I’ve known Talon a long time, Stacia. He’s my high school buddy’s older brother. And I know he’s done some shit you don’t want to be involved in,” Leandro continues.

“You know I’m not exactly innocent, right? I’m not a murderer, but I’m not some sweet girl next door.” I lick my lips, sucking my bottom one between my teeth. Why am I even having this conversation? Of course Leandro would be against Talon. I fucked him.

“You are still too good for him. And I’m not just saying that because I think you are beautiful, fun as hell, and...so damn sexy.” Leandro smiles at me, almost shyly, like he’s afraid I might react negatively.

I remain expressionless. I know I shouldn’t devour his admission like I do, but I’m addicted to compliments. It makes me feel better when everything else feels like shit.

I open my mouth to tease him, maybe flirt with him a little bit, but the TV says my name, pulling my attention away.

“Breaking news. An unidentified man was discovered dead in the penthouse of the Silver Screen Hotel at 10:03AM. Authorities announced the room belonged to heiress Stacia St. Germaine. The authorities are currently looking to get in touch with the heiress—”

The TV clicks off, turning the screen black.

I jerk toward Leandro as he tucks the remote into his pocket. “Turn it back on.”

Leandro shakes his head. “I have strict orders.”

“You work for me. Now turn it back on. I need to see what’s happening.” I throw the blankets off me and lunge toward Leandro, trying to grab the remote from him.

He catches me only to set me on the floor and hops to his feet. “I technically work for Talon at the moment. He thought it was best that there was no financial connection between the two of us in case.”

“Just turn it back on,” I beg, planting my palms to the floor and push up. “Please.”

Leandro shakes his head again, strolling toward the TV. Pulling a knife from his pocket, he yanks out the plug and cuts the cord, preventing me from manually turning it on. Anger swells through me, but I remain in my place. I’ll just look everything up on my phone.

“You don’t need the kind of stress that comes with media speculation, Stacia. Why don’t you go relax? I could draw you a bath or something.” Leandro remains firm in his spot.

“Just get out.” I turn my back on him and head to the bed. I lift up the blankets, searching for my phone, but it’s not there.

Leandro clears his throat. “If you need to talk to someone, I will relay the messages. You are officially on lockdown until Talon gets back.”

“You can’t do this!” I yell, scooping up a pillow to pummel him with. “I’m not a prisoner.”

“Exactly,” he says, heading toward the doorless exit. “And we’re going to keep it that way. So just relax and get some rest. We’ll be done with everything soon.”

Without waiting, Leandro fixes the door and starts screwing back the hinges. I just stand and burn daggers at him in silence. I hope he feels my anger.

I might as well be in prison.

At this point, I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to live freely again.

11

Bad Guy

Mystomachflutterswithnerves. Talon will be back any minute according to Leandro, and there was no fucking way I was going to let him see me like the hot mess I’ve been.

Source: www.allfreenovel.com
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