“Sounds like you know a lot about it too?” I ask, knowing that I won’t get an answer, but prodding anyway.

“I hate liars, Little Red. Even small little white lies fester and grow until all that is left is an explosion of pain and destruction.” His hands clench onto the arms of the chair, and I know not to push the topic with him anymore. Looking straight at me, he continues. “We need to let them go, Little Red, otherwise the pain becomes too much for everyone involved.”

I nod, letting his words seep into my mind. He is right. I need to let it go. I can’t hang onto the feelings I have, the memories of the past, the hatred for the drugs, the hatred for her or what she became. I am also acutely aware that I haven’t told him of my ailments, not that I was planning to, but he does appear to want honesty and that makes me unsettled.

But when does someone broach that subject with a man that is still mostly a stranger? Especially since I don’t know what will come of me staying here. Does he really need to know?

When I look back at him, his eyes are still firmly on me. Watching, piercing me, like he is looking for an answer. His deep eyes are nearly hypnotic. Like they are looking into my soul and uncurling me from the inside out.

“Why do you watch me every night? Do you think I will escape?” I ask softly, and I am shocked when he lets out a loud laugh that vibrates around the room. And between my legs.

“Little Red, you can’t escape, it is physically impossible. Besides, if you really want to leave, then I will let you leave. But, I prefer you to stay. You are still not safe outside of these walls.” He rubs his chin as he looks at me like he wants to eat me whole, and I would probably let him. No, even that’s a lie. I would undoubtably let him.

I glance around the room, noting that I probably can’t escape, but I am actually okay with that. I have never had this much luxury before, and Leo is a delight. Sure, I would like to look around the city and see some sights since I only just got here, but I am safe, warm, and looked after here. Those are all things I have never felt before… and it is nice.

“So why do you watch me every night, then?” I try again. He grows serious at my persistence, taking a swig of the remaining whiskey and placing his empty glass down next to him before he answers me.