Leo's gaze held her captive, his dark eyes glinting with an edge of amusement. "You don't look very happy to hear that," he murmured, studying her closely through hooded eyes when she said nothing, "I thought you'd be thrilled. Haven't you hated every second of this?"
Susan's eyes narrowed. "I do," she said stubbornly, but her own words rang hollow in her mind.
Did she really hate it? The question lingered in her head. Did she despise everything about the danger, the thrill, the forbidden rush that had started to seep into her bones? The question gnawed at her, twisting her gut. She didn't want to admit to herself that a part of her was starting to enjoy it. Maybe, just maybe, she liked the money she was getting from it. Maybe she liked the danger. The adrenaline that coursed through her veins as she did what had to be done. She hated to admit it, but there was something exhilarating about it all—about Leo, about the risk, about the way her heart raced in his presence. He was dangerous, fierce, and although she tried to deny it, it was becoming more clear to her that she was attracted to him, and maybe it was because of these qualities that he possessed.
The realization startled her. What kind of person did that make her? A thrill-seeker? A danger addict? She barely recognized herself anymore, yet here she was, drawn to Leo with a pull she couldn't explain. Somehow, Leo had found a way into her life and now she found herself craving things she shouldn't. Things she'd never wanted before. And, deep down, she was starting to crave him too. Even now.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself. "I just want to know why," she continued, her tone sharper than intended. "Why now? Have you finally decided that you're tired of it? That you don't need me anymore? Is this your way of letting me go?" She clenched her jaw, hating the vulnerability in her own words. Did their night together have anything to do with this? Had she given away too much of herself, and now he was trying to end it?
Leo's expression softened, but his reply was guarded. "Something came up," he said casually, concealing any trace of concern in his tone. He didn't want her to know about the cops sniffing around—at least, not yet, although why he cared was still a mystery to him. "But don't worry, Suzy. We'll find other ways to put your talents to good use."
A flicker of irritation crossed her face. "And what ways are you referring to if I may ask? Something else I might hate?"
He had one of those smiles on his face again, the kind he usually had when he could tell what she was thinking, "You sound almost…disappointed." He cocked his head, his eyes alight with teasing. "Don't tell me you're actually starting to enjoy my company. It wouldn't be such a good look for Miss Perfect like you, would it?"
"I'm not," she insisted, but her voice wavered. "Don't flatter yourself,"
Leo's smiled widened as he leaned back in his chair, savoring her discomfort. "I told you, Suzy. You're not as innocent as you think. You're far too curious, too…bold." he said softly, "I could tell just by looking at you that you weren't no ordinary girl. I told you you wanted more. You just needed someone to show you what you really want."
Her gaze hardened. "And what exactly is it you think I want, Leo?" she demanded, raising her chin, unwilling to be intimidated. "Since you can read me so well,"
Instead of answering, Leo stood slowly, moving with a lethal, feline grace. A jungle cat stalking it's prey. He circled her chair, silent, his presence dark and powerful, every step deliberate, calculated, and Susan felt even smaller sitting there as he moved to stand behind her chair. Though he didn't touch her, she felt the intensity of his proximity as if it were physical. Her skin prickled, her breath catching as he leaned down, his voice a murmur against her ear, each word sending shivers down her spine, making her eyes close involuntarily.
"I told you before," he said softly, his breath warm against her neck, "You want excitement. Adventure. Maybe even a little danger. And…you want me."
He was seducing her, and she was powerless to resist it. Didn't want to resist it. Every fiber of her being told her to break free, to snap out of this trance he'd cast over her, but she couldn't. His raw declaration about her wanting him should have jolted her back to reality, should have brought her back to her senses. Yet, it only deepened the pull he had on her.
This wasn't how she'd envisioned this meeting at all. She struggled to muster some semblance of control, forcing herself to speak, even if her voice was shaky. "I don't want you," she insisted, her tone lacking the conviction she'd hoped for.
He responded with a low chuckle, the sound both unsettling and thrilling. He didn't bother challenging her words; he didn't need to. They both knew the truth lay in her actions, not her denial. Her lips were saying one thing, but her body was saying another. He wasn't holding her. If she truly didn't want him, she would've been out of that chair the moment he'd drawn close. Yet here she sat, captivated, rooted in place. She let out a tiny gasp as his fingers reached out, brushing her hair from her neck in a slow, deliberate gesture.
"I'm glad you're still wearing it," he murmured, eyes fixed on the necklace he'd given her. His voice softened, his words a confession. "It's okay, Suzy. You don't have to fight it. I want you, too. It'd be useless for us to pretend otherwise. I've spent nights thinking about you. Thinking about that night. It was rushed, and perhaps we should have savored the moment."
The vulnerability in his admission was unexpected, leaving her momentarily stunned. Her anger at him for vanishing that night faded, replaced by the quiet satisfaction of knowing he'd felt the same pull, the same ache. Just knowing he'd been as affected as she had been was enough to silence her doubts… at least for now.
She was more in control now, and taking a steadying breath, Susan gathered every ounce of strength she had and rose from her chair, squaring her shoulders as she turned to face him. "I think I should leave now," she said, her voice surprisingly steady, betraying none of the turmoil within her.
For a fleeting moment, Leo's expression shifted, as if her unexpected declaration and sudden change in topic had genuinely caught him off guard. She felt a quiet thrill seeing his mask slip, even just a fraction—she'd managed, for once, to shake his composure. But it was only a heartbeat before his smirk returned, that familiar, maddeningly confident look settling back into place, though there was something different in his eyes now.