Fashioned For Sin

Chapter 27

“I know it’s been a long time,” he says quickly, his voice strained, almost frantic. “But I need your help, man. I’m in some serious shit.”

I close my eyes, a surge of frustration boiling inside me. “You’ve got to be kidding me,” I mutter. “The last time I saw you, you were stealing from our business, Daniel. It’s been five years. Why are you calling me now?”

He lets out a bitter laugh, a sound that makes my skin crawl. “I didn’t have a choice back then, Leo. You know that. I was in too deep. But this… this is different. I had to get out of LA. They’re after me, and I’ve got nowhere else to go.”

I can hear the desperation in his voice, the fear. For a moment, I’m back in those early days of our business, back when Daniel  was more than just a liability—he was a friend. A friend who’d lost his way, who I tried to help, only to get burned for my efforts.

“I’m in New York now,” he continues, his words tumbling out in a rush. “I need a place to crash. Just for a few days until I can figure things out. I swear I won’t cause any trouble. I’ve changed, Leo. Just… please.”

I glance back at Blair. She’s watching me, her expression curious but concerned. I know I should say no. I should hang up and block his number, forget he ever called. But something holds me back. A sense of duty, maybe, or just a stubborn part of me that wants to believe he can be saved.

“Daniel,” I say slowly, my voice firm, “I don’t want any of your old mess following me here. I’ve got a good life now, and I’m not about to let you screw it up.”

“I know, I know,” he says quickly. “And I swear, I’ll keep my head down. Just give me a place to stay. I don’t have anyone else.”

There’s a long silence. I feel Blair’s eyes on me, and I know she’s wondering what’s going on and why I look so tense. I take a deep breath, weighing my options. I know I’m probably making a mistake, but I can’t bring myself to leave him out in the cold—not if he’s really in danger.

“Fine,” I say finally, pinching the bridge of my nose. “You can stay in my extra room. But just for a few days, Daniel. And if I get even a whiff of trouble, you’re out. Understand?”

“Thank you, Leo,” he breathes, relief flooding his voice. “I owe you, man. I won’t forget this.”

“Yeah, well, don’t make me regret it,” I mutter before hanging up. I stare at the phone for a moment, my mind racing.

Blair asks about the call, and I explain everything to her, I see the disappointment in her eyes, I don't like my past either, and I'm definitely not proud of it.

I know what kind of trouble he’s capable of attracting, and the thought of that darkness creeping back into our lives is almost too much to bear. I can’t let it happen.

Not to Blair, not after everything she’s been through. She’s finally starting to heal, to find some light again. The last thing she needs is to get dragged back into my messy past.

I take a deep breath, steeling myself before I turn to Blair. “He’s going to stay in the extra room here,” I say, trying to keep my voice steady

Blair’s expression hardens, and I can see the frustration flicker in her eyes. “Why, Leo?” she asks, exasperated. “Why do you always let people like him back into your life? Can’t you see he’s just going to bring trouble?”

I sigh, running a hand through my hair. “I don’t know,” I admit, my voice tired. “I guess I just feel like I owe him. We go way back… I tried to help him once, and I feel like I can’t just leave him hanging.”