Odessa

chapter 14 - underestimate me

"What's the plan?" I ask, trying to not let my voice shake. I'm still having a hard time believing this, but it's not like I have a choice. If I run, then I'll have 2 different Mafia's after me. I have nothing to lose now, besides Cal and Dina. And Leon, although I highly doubt he's even thinking about that. I know how this is going to work; he's going to say he's going to protect me and get me out of all this, I'm going to agree and do everything, then he's going to throw me out as bait. And he'd let them eat the bait, just so he can catch them off guard. I want to run, but what choice do I have besides going alone with it?

My high is wearing off, but the buzzing in my veins makes me feel a bit less intense about the whole thing.

Leon is being so gentle. He's speaking softly, like he doesn't want to hurt my ears or something. It's cute. But I know by tomorrow he's just going to go back to being the same as normal. And I think I'm secretly praying he doesn't. I like him how he is right now, I feel so... secure.

He looks into my eyes, like he's trying to figure me out. I can tell he's curious about me. I know he wants me to tell him everything, and I probably should, but not yet. I need to see some consistency in him before I can trust him to listen to my story.

"We need to show him that you are in New York, but he can't know you're tied to me." He explains.

"So? What are you thinking?" I ask. There's something he wants to say, but I know he's holding back.

"I don't know how you'd feel about what I'm thinking..." He says, pinching the bridge of his nose. I can tell he's trying to think of another way to do this.

I grab his hand away from his face, holding it in mine and placing it in my lap. "Just tell me Leon."

He sighs, looking down at our hands and back up at me with sorry eyes, "The Mambas have a club in New York. I don't know how often they're there, but, if you get a job there we would get a closer look."

"What? Like apply to be a bartender?" I ask innocently. That's what he means... right?

He shakes his head, trying to hide his smirk, "As a stripper, Layla."

Well, shit. I didn't see that one coming.

"Leon..." I say, unsure. I begin playing with his hands. They're covered in ink, with a gold chain around his wrist. And he's letting me.

"Layla it's the only place we know they visit. We just don't know when." He pleads.

Fuck it. What do I have to lose?

"Okay. I'll do it." I say, throwing my hands in the air. Why the fuck not?

"Thank you." He says, leaning back on the couch in relief.

"But I have a few conditions." I say, taking one of his rings off and placing it on my thumb. It's even too big for my thumb.

Big fingers- no. Maybe the high isn't wearing off as quickly as I thought.

"Mhm?" He sounds, looking down at my fingers playing with his rings, taking a sip of the drink he poured for me.

"I need to feel safe- to some extent. I need someone in there with me."

"Done."

"Self defence training with either you or Nick once a day."

"Done."

"And..." I look up at him, and his eyes meet mine, "I want to go back to school."

"Layla..." He says in a low voice, shaking his head slowly.