Dark Truths

Chapter 27

Leo's POV

I stare at the clear liquid in my glass as I swirl it around.

With a sigh, I bring the glass to my lips and down the last of my drink, wincing from the taste.

Vodka tastes like shit- whoever says it doesn't is lying out of their ass. Yet it's always been my favourite.

"Leo?"

I tense up almost immediately, dread filling me as I fight back a groan. I fled the house shortly after my pitiful confession last night in hope to avoid all my brothers. After staying up most of the night staring at my ceiling or my computer screen, I helped myself to an early afternoon drink to help me drown further in my pit of self-pity.

They all know I'm avoiding them. Well- that I plan to at least. When someone leaves in a hurry at eleven at night, avoids your eyes and doesn't return all night, you get the fucking memo.

I didn't expect them to actually come after me. I thought I had two days of peace at least before one of them- probably Alex or Jay- came to drag me home.

Guess I was wrong.

God- I wished I saved my glass of vodka for this moment instead.

"You fucker! Who said you could have some of my vodka".

And just like that, I'm relaxed again.

"If you made a mess of my bar, I'll gut you like a fucking fish, you hear me?" Zack mutters, and the sound of the door locking fills the air. His footsteps grow closer until he eventually comes into my view.

He stands behind the bar, directly in front of the stool I've been sitting in for god only knows how long, and shoots me a weird look as he stares at me.

"Hey darling" I smile at him, knowing this is exactly what I need to help me calm the fuck down. His scowls, glares and overall anger always has a way of cheering me up.

"Are you okay?" He mumbles, and I hum, taking one of his hands that was resting on the bartop, and lacing our fingers together.

"You look.." He trails off, and I stare amused as I await to see what word he chooses. "Tired" He finally decides, and I hum. "Didn't sleep well". "Not that kind of tired"

I tense up, before relaxing seconds later. Jesus, I really need to get a grip.

"It's been a hard few days" I finally say after a minute of debating whether to answer him or not. "Did something happen?" He asks, looking worried.

I don't like it. Worry. Concern. Pity. Not when they're directed at me. I try my best to keep my shit together, or at least to myself. And when I'm struggling too, I crack a joke to give me something to laugh at.

I've been doing it for years, and it works. But some days- like today- it's a real fucking struggle.

"How was your night?" I ask instead, but he shakes his head. "Don't change the subject. What's going on with you?" Zack pressed further, and I sigh, dropping my head while running my hands through my hair.

I rest my hands at the back of my neck, my head still bowed as I close my eyes, trying to figure out the best way out of this conversation. I don't care about the fact I'm probably confusing the shit out of Zack right now.

I flinch a bit when I feel hands cup the side of my head before a kiss is pressed to the top of my head. It stays there for a few seconds before Zack pulls away.

He kissed my head.

When was the last time someone kissed my head? Fuck if I know. I almost laugh at how worked up I'm getting over the fact he fucking kissed my head.