The Brightest Star

Chapter 23

Warning: smut

I didn't feel like going to breakfast today. But it's not like before, when I was wallowing in grief. I really don't want to see Marco right now. And I want to see Dominic even less.

Kissing Marco was a mistake. I keep telling myself that over and over. But at the time, it felt right. It felt like all of the little things had cumulated into that moment.

So I've been cowering in my room. Mary brought food up a while ago but I didn't really eat much. I just wish I could go back in time. That I could stop myself before I kissed him. That I could go back to when things were simpler. But I can't.

The door to my room swings open and I jump. Leon stands there with a frown. He's ditched the suit again today. The tight tshirt stretches across his chest and his colorful tattoos are out on display. His eyes rake over the room before landing on me.

"You weren't at breakfast," he states plainly.

I close my novel and sit up fully in bed, "I didn't feel like going."

"Come with me," he nods towards the hall.

"Why?" I ask, even as I stand.

"We're going downstairs," he says. "Gonna work on your fighting."

"Oh," my shoulders relax slightly. I don't know what I thought he wanted but I'm pretty glad it's this. I truly want to be able to defend myself and any free time Leon gets to work with me is a gift. And hopefully it'll keep my mind occupied.

"Let me get changed," I say as I start for the closet.

"Don't."

My brows knit together as I face him. I'm wearing a simple sundress; not out of the ordinary for a summer day but certainly not what I'd wear to work out.

"That's what you usually wear," he gestures to me vaguely. "You should know how to fight in real life situations."

"Okay," I hesitantly nod.

He places his hand on my back and leads me through the halls. I watch him type in the keypad this time and furrow my brow.

0-8-1-5

That's my birthday. I brush it off as a coincidence and follow him into the basement. Leon's scowl ensures that the other men keep a wide perimeter while we walk. He brings me to the same training room as the other day and closes the door behind him.

"The event on Friday," he starts, rolling out his shoulders. "There's going to be a lot of people there. And there's going to be a lot of people who are going to hate you."

"Great pep talk," I roll my eyes. Leon moves to the middle of the matted floor and I slowly follow him.

"Bianca's a bitch," he continues. "And she fights dirty."

I think back to the first time I met her. Pulling hair and scratching with her fake nails. He's not wrong.

"Instead of the basics, we're doing self defense today," he declares. "There's only so many people in the world who'd dare put their hands on you and unfortunately she's one of them."

"Which is why you wanted me to wear a dress," I nod slowly.

"Exactly," he affirms. "Now, come here."

I stand before him and curl my hands into fists, just like he showed me. The edges of his lips twitch into a half smile. Without warning he lunges for me, grabbing a fistful of my hair. It's not hard enough to hurt per se but enough for him to have a solid hold on me.