Chapter Seven

(Violet's POV)

“Leo,” I speak in a barely audible whisper. My eyes are still slightly blurry as I stare into his tear stained ones. Overcome with what seems like relief, he swiftly leans over and wraps his arms around my fragile body.

“I'm so sorry, Vee. I'm sorry,” he repeats over and over again. As I slowly stroke his disheveled hair and return his warm embrace, Leo's familiar scent washes over me. Our close proximity surrounds me in a bubble of comfort and I instantly relax.

“I know. It's alright,” I tried to reassure him. The first thing I saw when I woke up was Leo, slumped over and sobbing. Any resentment or fury that had boiled up inside me, vanished at the sight of his vulnerability. 

“I guess you know my major flaw now, huh?” I joke in an attempt to ease his obvious distress. A frown forms on his handsome face as he shakes his head.

“Vee, I wouldn't call it that,” Leo states, his face drained of all humor. My cheeks grow warm as I find myself looking away. His gentle tone was so foreign to me, but somehow it stirred something inside that I couldn't explain. 

A loud sigh is abruptly heard as Leo drops his head onto the bed. I giggle at his noodle-like posture before carefully playing with his hair. His usually well styled strands are in complete disarray and I can't help but move them even more.

“My mother used to do that,” Leo suddenly says, as if recalling a lost treasure. I freeze and withdraw my hand, unsure if I crossed a line or not. He turns his head to avoid my eyes and continues talking. 

“I think she would have really liked you,” he states, an undertone of sorrow lacing his words. The air fills with a strange sensation and I remain speechless, unable to offer any words in response. After that, Leo goes silent, the stress of the day probably getting to him. 

Still uncertain, I return my hand to his hair and start stroking it once more. Leo's breathing quickly slows and soft snores can soon be heard from his direction. We remained in this peaceful silence long into the night, completely unaware of how much had truly changed between us.

The following morning, Leo woke up before me and left a note saying he was going home to freshen up. “Back to your usual self, Mr. Mystery?” I think with mild amusement. A few hours passed and Leo had yet to return.

“This suffocating stale air is going to get to me soon,” I mumble out loud, stretching my arms in boredom. 

“Then it's a good thing I just checked you out,” a deep voice suddenly replies from the doorway. Startled by his appearance, I give Leo a side glance as my heartbeat returns to normal. His charming smile seems extra bright and I can't hold his gaze for more than a few seconds. 

“You could have knocked,” I sassily commented while rising from the stiff bed. Leo scoffs in disbelief before handing me a large bag. Inside, I find an assortment of clean clothes from home. 

“Thank you,” I casually speak before heading towards the bathroom. Even without turning around, I can feel his smug expression watching me leave.

After a brief lecture from the doctor, we are able to quickly escape to the car. I climb into the passenger seat, but before I can grab the seatbelt, Leo is leaning towards me. 

“What are you doing?” I quickly question, my heart picking up speed. His eyes glisten with something unfamiliar before a smirk graces his sharp features. 

“Doc said you should take it easy for a few days,” he replies and a click sounds as he buckled my seatbelt. I blink a few times before turning to look out the window.

“I could have done it myself,” I mumble grumpily. A soft chuckle comes from his direction as he drives us away, the atmosphere electric. The drive back to the house is pleasant and uneventful, until Aunt Bella greets us upon return.

“Feeling better?” she inquires, her tone lacking all genuine feeling. I squint at her, debating whether I should bother or just walk past. Before I can come to a solid decision, Leo's firm grip takes my hand. 

“Excuse us, but Vee needs more rest,” he politely remarks, guiding me into the house and past all the questioning stares. I can feel Aunt Bella’s burning gaze as Leo gently pulls me up the stairs. 

I internally smirk at my Aunt’s offended expression before realizing that we've arrived at my room. Leo exhales a sigh and releases my hand, looking around the space. I shift my weight from one foot to another while admiring his well built figure.

“If anyone bothers you,” he finally speaks with his back still turned. “Tell me immediately, Vee.” His posture is stern, but his voice sounds like he might crack. Getting swept up in the moment, I take a few steps forward and close the distance between us.

Leo freezes as I wrap my arms around his waist. His back is firm and warm as I rest my face against him. Ever since my parents passed away, I have never felt safe and yet somehow, being close to this arrogant man makes me feel at ease. 

“Thank you, Leo,” I say to him, my tone conveying the sincerity of those words. The room becomes awkward as no response is heard and the sounds of distant voices float through the air. 

As if regaining his senses, Leo promptly removes my arms and rushes out the room. I turn to call for him, but he has already shut the door. 

“I do not understand that man,” I think to myself as the sun sets in the distance.