Susan took her time getting dressed that evening, convincing herself that she wasn't putting in extra effort for Leo. Yet, deep down, she knew that he was exactly the reason she was doing it. If he thought he could just walk away from her after their night together without so much as a phone call, then she would make sure he didn't get the satisfaction of seeing her flustered. She was determined to keep her emotions locked away, hidden beneath her polished exterior. She'd told herself repeatedly that she didn't care, but the truth was that she did.
She chose a sleek black crop top and a mini jean skirt, paired with black, short-heeled sandals that clicked with confidence when she walked. Her hair cascaded in loose, shiny blonde curls over her shoulders, giving her an effortlessly bold look. For makeup, she kept it simple—powder, a touch of gloss, and smoky eyes that made her look fierce. Her reflection showed her someone who didn't care, or at least someone who could pretend she didn't, and that was the point she was trying to make.
In her bag was Leo's money—the cash she'd painstakingly laundered and, this time, taken her share without asking. It was hers to begin with, after all, and why did she have to wait for Leo to hand it to her when she could just take it out herself? Besides, the earlier she was done with him tonight, the earlier she'd be able to leave.
When she arrived at the Summit, Connor immediately escorted her to Leo's private lounge. As soon as the door closed behind her, she found herself alone with Leo, who was seated at a table near the window, a glass of amber scotch in hand.
He looked up, his gaze raking over her slowly, lingering on the soft waves of her hair, the curve of her shoulders, down to her bare legs, and finally landing on her red-painted toes. His expression remained unreadable, but his lingering gaze made her feel undeniably exposed. Susan fought the urge to look away or to tug at her skirt. She didn't want him to see that he could still affect her so easily. She had to give it to him though, Leo did know how to make a woman feel special just by looking at her. He didn't even try to hide it, and she could read the thoughts going on in his head without him saying a word.
After a long, silent moment, he met her eyes again and smiled—one of those devastatingly confident smiles that hinted he knew exactly what he was doing to her. She fought the urge to return it, reminding herself that she was still mad at him, and his sexy smile and good looks wasn't going to erase the fact that he'd had left without a word, how he'd disappeared right after they'd shared something that had felt so real…and never bothered to reach out. But that was the problem. What they'd shared wasn't real. It was simply sex. Great sex, she couldn't deny that, but the fact that she had let herself feel differently was what annoyed her, and she was angry at herself, just as she was angry at him.
"You wanted to see me," she said stiffly, doing her best to keep her tone cold and steady.
Leo nodded slowly, "Yes, I did," he said, "Why don't you come here and join me for a drink,"
"I don't want to have a drink with you, Leo," Susan shot back, a hint of defiance in her voice, and she was proud of herself for keeping her voice steady.
She could already feel memories of that night seeping in, filling her head with moments she wanted to forget. Memories of them in bed appeared in her head… Him on top of her, thrusting hard inside of her, her legs wrapped around him, urging him on…She clenched her jaw, willing the images away. "Just tell me what you want so I can leave. I have important things to do."
The corner of Leo's mouth curved up, and his expression shifted. Gone was the sweet looking gentleman who had come to her birthday, bringing a necklace and his soft, attentive gaze…One she was still wearing by the way. The man before her now was someone else entirely—dangerous, unyielding, with a spark of something she couldn't quite place. Once again he was Leo Spencer, crime boss.
"Sit down, Suzy," he repeated. His voice was low and firm. This time it wasn't a request or an invitation. It was a command.
Susan hesitated, her eyes narrowing, but ultimately she moved forward. She placed her bag on the table in front of them and took the seat across from him. The whole time, his intense gaze never left her, watching every move she made.
"Drink?" he asked, pouring a glass for her before she could decline, pushing it gently across the table.
Susan glanced down at the drink, wondering if she should just give him his money, grab her bag and leave. But something in his gaze held her there, like a magnet pulling her in. She swallowed hard, then reached for the glass. It was going to be a long night, but she was determined not to let him see how much he had affected her.
Susan tipped her glass back, finishing the drink in a single, defiant gulp. She noticed the faint glimmer of approval in Leo's eyes as he watched her, as if admiring the move, but she wasn't here to earn his admiration. Susan on the other hand returned his smile with a frown. Without speaking she reached into her bag, pulling out the neatly bundled cash and setting it on the table between them.
"I took the liberty of taking out my cut," she said evenly, meeting his gaze head-on. "Now, if that will be all…"
She stopped mid-sentence, faltering as Leo's expression shifted. There was a coldness in his eyes that silenced her more effectively than any words.
"I don't remember us agreeing on that arrangement," he said, his voice dangerously calm. He leaned back slightly, one brow arching. "Would you please do me a favor and remind me,"
Susan could feel her control slipping, but she forced herself to hold steady. "I didn't take out more than I was supposed to, if that's what you're worried about."
A slow, amused smirk crossed Leo's face. "You're growing wings, aren't you?" he murmured. "Getting confident. Brave." He tilted his head, studying her like she was a fascinating puzzle he hadn't quite solved yet. "I can't decide if I should be furious or impressed."
Susan wanted to tell him that his feelings on the matter meant nothing to her, but she thought better of it, so she kept her mouth shut.
"However, that's not why I asked you here," Leo continued. He leaned forward, his voice dropping to a near whisper as he added when Susan raised a brow, clearly confused. "I'm shutting you down. The money washing thing. You're done,"