Dark Truths

Chapter 34

Zack's POV

I wipe down the bartop, unable to relax fully. I keep glancing at the window- the one that was smashed less than twenty-four hours ago.

Like last time, I came into work this morning and the window was fixed. Henry said people came in before closing last night.

Speaking of Henry...

The first thing he did this morning when he saw me was give me a ten-minute lecture on getting better friends that don't fake kidnap me. His concern only grew when he saw my black eye and bruised jaw, and I'm expecting him to give me another lecture soon.

"Shot of tequila, please".

I glance up, spotting Leo leaning forward against the bar.

With a smile on his face, he's out of his usual suit and simply wearing a black shirt with blue denim jeans. The bet he had with his friend has ended apparently, and he's free to no longer wear suits. He's overjoyed.

"What are you doing here?" I ask, a small smile making it's way to my face as I pour him a shot. "My bar" He answers.

I roll my eyes. "Our deal. You're supposed to stay home" I remind him, and he scoffs. "That was before you got kidnapped" He mumbles before taking the shot.

"How are you feeling lately?" I ask him. He seems to be doing a lot better. At least, I'd like to think he is.

He sighs. "Better. Don't worry Zack, I'm fine" He shoots me a small smile, and I stare at him weirdly. It's odd hearing him say my name. I could count the times he's said it on one hand.

He grins, staring at me. "Darling" He corrects himself, and I roll my eyes.

"Still hate the nickname" I lie straight to his face, and he seems to be able to tell. He doesn't call me out for it although. Instead, he just shoots me a knowing smile.

"How's your head?" He asks, and I nod. "Fine. Now why are you here?" I circle back to my first question which he's still yet to answer.

"I'm taking you home with me," Leo says with a smile. I narrow my eyes at him. "And do I have a say in the matter?" I ask.

"Depends on what your answer is" Leo grins, and I roll my eyes playfully although I am not surprised by his answer.

"I'm not a doll. You can't just take me" I remind him, since I swear he genuinely forgets. "Of course I can. You're oddly light".

I scowl at him. "I am not". He smiles at me. "You are. It would be so easy to just carry you everywhere" He laughs, while I glare. "If you ever dare pick me up, this relationship is over" I mutter.

All he does is smile at me with a look in his eyes that has a weird feeling flutter in my chest.

***

We're back at Leo's house in his room, watching a movie from his bed. I'm lying down beside him with my head on his chest, while he uses a hand to comb through my hair.

It's a little past one am, and I'm pretty exhausted but not ready to fall asleep just yet.

Leo's shirtless like usual, only in a pair of basketball shorts, and I'm tracing over the tattoo's on his stomach with my finger.

"Leo" I whisper, breaking the silence between us. He hums, signalling me to talk.

"When you got back from military school, what happened?" I ask a bit randomly. It's a question that's been on my mind for a while now.

Leo says they got separated for three years. Surely when they came back home, a lot of things probably changed.

Leo sighs. "Well, we were twenty at the time. Clayton and the twins were fifteen. And Jay was twenty-nine. He'd been the don for a year at that point, but only gained all the responsibilities when he got home" Leo tells me.