I knew this question was coming, I’m still not ready for it. His eyes don’t let me go, refuse to let me hide. “My father, he had some crazy ideas he put into my head. He drummed it into me that I was special, he told me that I was a treasure and only someone who recognized that and treated me like the treasure I am, deserved me.” I pull away. I can’t look at him. A bitter laugh comes out of me at just how absurd what my father said seems now. “By the time I realized what he was saying were the ramblings of a man who saw with his heart and not his eyes...I don’t know. There were men who appealed but only until I got to know them better. I kind of gave up, I was more comfortable alone. I didn’t miss what I never had.”
Leo tips me back to look up at him. I don’t know what he sees, but the moment he makes up his mind, is clear on his face. “I am going to London tomorrow, alone. You will stay behind, while I figure out what to do with you.” Does he see the fear in my eyes? “No, sweetness, do not even think about running. You had your chance. You are not going anywhere. If you do, have no doubt I will find you.” The promise sends a shiver down my spine. I nod and the tension eases in his touch. His fingers trail down my neck to the pulse pounding below my skin. “I do want you to go get checked by your doctor and make sure I didn’t hurt you.”
“That’s crazy. I’m fine.”
“On second thought, I’ll go with you.”
“I’ll go. I’ll go.”
“I want the doctor’s notes on the visit sent to me. While I am in London, you can work from home considering the time difference. Go in tomorrow and get a laptop from IT, so you have access to the company server. I will still need the daily reports sent to me. I will also be sending you things to handle.”
Felix hisses out of nowhere, I look down and watch in horror as he bites Leo. “Felix, no!” I grab him to pull him away, Felix takes a swipe at me forcing me to let him go. His point made he takes off for his perch at the top of his cat tree. Leo pulls up his pant leg and blood is showing. “I am so sorry.” I’m down on my knees to get a closer look. “Oh my god, he’s never done anything like this before. I’m sorry, does it hurt? Let me get a washcloth.”