The sickening sound of flesh hitting flesh echoed around the room.

The nauseating
smell of rust and salt mingled with sweat began to reek. I tried not to flinch, tried not to
gag, and tried to keep a blank expression on my face.
What are we doing here? I whispered.
The arm around my waist tightened. Lips brushed the side of my head. As the pounding
of flesh continued, a numbing sensation took over me. Tears began to form in my eyes,
blurring the image I was made to see.
When I couldnt take it any longer, I shrugged off the arm holding me, twisted and
whipped past the other figures in the room, hyperventilating and crying. I dashed to the
door, opened it and darted through it and went down the stairs of the house.
Sophia, wait!
A hand seized my wrist in an iron grip and stopped from running any further.
Let me go, I hissed, pulling my wrist from his grasp. How could you do that to me?
Sophia
No! I screamed. I thought I accepted you for who you are! I thought I accepted your
sadistic nature, your love of hurting people, and the fact that youre a monster! But, I
guess I was wrong. I kept telling myself that Ill be okay when in fact I prayed to God
that Id never see that side of yours.
Leon. His best friend appeared by his side. Maybe you should tell her
Shut the fuck up, John, and leave us.
She should know
Leave us! he roared. Go back and continue what you were doing.
John looked reluctant to leave. He gave me a glance and shook his head sorrowfully
before departing. I watched him walk back to the house, feeling numb all over.
What were you saying before, Sophia?
I felt myself pale then felt my breath stick in my throat when my eyes found him. His
face was blank. Scary blank. Completely expressionless. But, I knew he was beyond
pissed because I could feel his threatening aura filling the space between us.
It was terrifying.

I opened my mouth but I couldnt utter a sound. I had never talked back to him. Ever. It
was like an unspoken rule, a rule that I never dared to break. Until now.
I took a step back, my body shaking in terror and dropped my eyes to the ground, trying
to think my way out of this mess.
I should have not said that, I thought frantically. I should have just stayed quiet.
I-I want t-to go home, I finally stammered out. Ill c-call you later.
I found myself pushed up against the wall of the house before I could even take another
step back. I gasped aloud in surprise and panic. His hard body was pinning me, his
hand holding my wrists beside my body. A growl rifted through the air.
Eyes, Sophia, he snapped at me.
I immediately lifted my eyes. A pair of silvery-gray eyes met mine, eyes glinting with
rage and murderous intent. And, I knew at that moment, I was going to die.
My boyfriend was finally going to kill me.

Two years ago.

I sighed as I dropped down on the last empty table outside the cafeteria. It was finally
lunchtime. I pulled out a sandwich and juice box from my backpack, carefully
unwrapping the sandwich and took a bite. I cupped my chin with a hand as I chewed,
contemplating the merits, or rather demerits, of skipping school.
Its not that I hate going to school. I just hated going to a new school where I have to
make new friends and new memories. My family had just moved here a couple of
months back and classes just started a week ago.
I was a sophomore, the new girl in the strange, new school. I was painfully shy,
preventing me from making friends, making the others dub me as a freak. A loser. A
nobody. Everyone ignored me. Nobody tried to get close. I was always alone.
Suddenly, I felt the tension in the air. I twisted my head backwards, noticing that all the
other tables were void of students. They were pushing and shoving each other to get
through the clear, cafeteria sliding doors, worried expressions apparent on their faces. I
glanced up. Perhaps it was raining and I didnt feel it? But, the sky was a clear blue.
Why did they leave?

At that moment, I was aware that everyone in the cafeteria was staring beyond me. I
stiffened as realization dawned. The color drained from my face. There was only one
reason why the other kids would flee.
He was here.
I heard footsteps coming towards me. My heart stopped. I slowly rotated my head,
keeping my eyes downcast. A large shadow fell upon me. I dropped my sandwich on
the table as my hands began to tremble. I clenched them together to stop them from
shaking but it was useless. My whole body was in tremors.
Sophia Gideon.
I almost stopped breathing. His voice was low, deep and as sinister as his appearance.
Eyes on me, he growled menacingly and I lifted my gaze to him.
Leon Gage stood in front of me, his silvery-gray eyes impassively roaming my whole
face and body. I shivered once more and a feral grin spread across his face.
I thought about running for it. The table acted as a barrier between us, and maybe it
could give me the advantage to outrun him. I wasnt exactly the cross-country running
type but surely the terror coursing through my veins was enough boost to help me
escape whatever it was that he was planning for me.
Dont even think about it.
I flinched visibly as he jumped on the table and sat on it, his legs dangling beside me.
He leaned over and curled a lock of my hair around his finger. I swallowed back a
whimper.
I like you, he declared, his eyes glinting dangerously.
My heart started to beat again. My eyes grew wide and I felt the color rushing back to
my face in a full-on blush.
W-what? I whispered.
He pulled me up and placed me between his legs, his arms around my waist. I put my
hands on his hard chest and tried to put some space between us but he was having
none of it. He pressed me close, his face inches from me, his piercing eyes boring into
my eyes.
What are you doing? I whispered to him in panic.
His silvery-gray eyes, not dangerous, not menacing but melted and gentle held mine.

Youre mine.
His word was law. I became his.
I dreaded going to school the next day. I even thought about staying at home and hide
until the school year ends, or until my absentee parents get another contract that could
relocate us again.
I ate my breakfast slowly, thinking about Leon and wondering why he chose me. I
wasnt that pretty and tall nor was I hot. My ever absent parents told me I was beautiful
with my light blonde hair falling into waves mid-waist, my big, brown eyes and good
figure. But, parents were always obligated to compliment their kids so they didnt count.
I just felt plain and short.
Leon Gage, on the other hand, was scarily hot and gorgeous. His dark black locks,
strong jaw, and piercing silvery-gray eyes could make a girl forget her own name and
identity. He was almost a foot taller than me and dead sexy with his tanned, muscular
body fit and strong and his tattooed arms which could make a girl fall in lust with him.
I said could because even though Leon Gage was a dream come true for a girl, he was
a nightmare come alive.
He was infamous around school. Everyone talked about him in whispers and everyone
shrunk from him whenever he walked pass them. He was also a sophomore yet even
the seniors were afraid of him. The teachers avoided any interaction with him if they
can.
Why?
Because rumor has it that he was a bully, the greatest, most vicious, unfeeling bully
anyone has ever met.
He enjoyed beating up people with his friends. His knuckles were always raw whenever
he came to school, his boots splattered with blood. He never talk but when he did, the
other person, be it boy or girl, would flee in tears with fearful expressions on their faces.
And this person was my boyfriend.
A loud honk outside my house made me jump. I wiped my lips as I stood and peered
through the window. My jaw slackened when I saw Leon outside, sitting on his
motorcycle, his eyes trained to me, impatience written on his face.
I gasped and ducked. I crawled to the side and stood up, pressing my body against the
wall.

What the heck was he doing here?

Get the fuck out, Sophia, I heard him speak through the door.
I didnt move nor breathe.
Now.
I immediately unfroze and rushed to get my backpack. I dashed to open the door and
darted through it, only to find myself hitting a wall of granite. Arms shot out to steady
me.
What the fuck took you so long? he muttered, looking pissed.
Im sorry, I whispered up to him.
He growled and I blanched. Dont make me wait for you again.
I nodded frantically to appease him. He seemed satisfied with my nods and pulled me to
his motorcycle. He gave me a helmet and I stared at it curiously.
Arent you going to put that on?
I started and turned to him. He was already on his motorcycle, his helmet on his head,
his scowl on place. I bit my lip nervously. His scowl melted and he sighed.
Come here, he ordered and I complied. He took the helmet and placed it on my head
gently and adjusted the clasp. I stood stock-still through his ministrations. There. Now
get behind me.
My eyes widened and I glanced at the scary motorcycle, at the scary driver and at the
scary motorcycle once more.
Fuck, I heard him curse and returned my gaze to him. I should have used the fucking
car, instead.
I cringed and took a step back. He grabbed my hand and pulled me back to him.
Put your foot there, he instructed bossily and I followed. No, the other foot. Okay.
Now, step up and swing your other leg to the other side. Just like riding a fucking horse.
There, youre all set.
But, I wasnt. At least my heart wasnt. I was gripping the sides tightly, praying to the
heavens that I wouldnt fall off. I leaned back from him, trying not to touch his body.
What the fuck are you doing? He glanced back at me with an irate expression that
made me want to weep. Put your arms around me. Youll fall off if you wont.

Hesitantly, I put my arms around him. He stiffened when I first touched him but he
relaxed a second later. I blushed when my chest hit his back. I was glad he couldnt see
me.
He started the engine and I jumped. I thought I heard him chuckle before we sped off to
school.
Everyone in school stared at us when we arrived. Leon helped me down before
grabbing my hand and walked me to class.
Ill see you at lunch, he said in parting.
I nodded. He narrowed his eyes at my classmates which made them tremble before he
left. Everyone recoiled from me when I passed to get to my seat. Nobody talked and it
was completely silent when the teacher arrived and began the class. It seemed my
relationship with Leon Gage not only made friendless state worse, it made me a
complete social pariah.
When the weekend came, he took me out for dinner. We rode around the city on his
motorcycle which Ive began to adore, and he took me on top of the hill where the view
of the city lights were breathtakingly beautiful. His arm was around my shoulder, his
hand rubbing circles on my hand as we rested on a bench.
Why me? I blurted out without thinking.
His hand stopped moving. I glanced at him nervously. He stared at me, his eyes
unreadable. My heart sank. Sometimes, when I ask him questions that were deep, hed
just look at me and say nothing. Or scowl.
I guess this was one of these questions not worth answering.
Why not you? he finally spoke and my heart began to beat faster.
Then, he leaned in, his gaze upon my lips. My breath hitched. He brought his hand to
cup my cheek, his thumb running along the line of my cheekbone. My lips parted
slightly, my heart thundering loudly in my chest. His eyes flitted to mine as if seeking
permission. I closed my eyes slowly and when I felt his lips hit mine, I sighed.
It was my first kiss. Leon kissed me slowly and gently. I kissed him back, my hands
clutching his shoulders tight. Before I knew it, I was lying on the bench, his body
hovering over mine, his lips tenderly assaulting me.
I gasped when his tongue touched mine and heard him groan. The kiss turned hot and
consuming, Leons mouth slanting over mine again and again. I whimpered softly,
feeling hot all over.

Then, it was over. I blinked. Leon was sitting up, his eyes closed, his breathing harsh
and uneven. I slowly sat up, feeling weepy all of a sudden.
Im sorry.
He opened his eyes and looked at me with surprise, though his scowl was set on his
face.
Why are you sorry? he demanded to know.
To my horror, tears began to stream down my face. I clenched my hands tight together,
my eyes downcast.
I I guess I-I didnt do it right. I-it was my f-first kiss. Im sorry.
He reached out for me immediately and pulled me into his lap. I sniffled. He sighed.
You didnt do anything wrong, Sophia. He cupped my cheek and wiped the tears on
my face with his thumb. If I didnt stop, I would have lost my control and fucked you
here.
My face drained of color and he glared at me. Hell, do you fucking think Im going to
rape you?
No! I shook my head frantically. I-I just didnt think about us h-having I-I mean
You know, I ended with a frustrated sigh.
Sex?
I looked away from him, blushing hard.
He shoved his head between my neck and shoulder, making me squeal. He was
shaking and I glanced at him worriedly.
Leon?
Then, I heard him chuckle. I realized he was laughing at me and all the scary thoughts
of having sex with him fled away.
Youre laughing at me, I told him dejectedly.
He raised his head, his face blank but his eyes were dancing with amusement.
I wasnt, he answered calmly. And Sophia, Ill wait when youre ready so dont think
about it. Much, he added with a dangerous glint in this eyes that made me swallow
nervously. In the meantime, lets continue what we were doing.

He smothered my protest with his lips.

As the days went by, I was surprised by how Leon did not seem to fit the rumors
circulating the school. He may look harsh and menacing, but he treated me gently and
sometimes affectionately. He always held my hand whenever we were together, asked
me about my day after school, and liked to touch my hair and wrap his arms around my
waist. He always picked me up from my house and took me home and accompanied me
during lunch hour.
And his kisses, God, his kisses were breathtaking. I loved to see him smile and laugh
because they were so far in between that I made it my goal to be the reason behind
them.
I slowly began to be less afraid of him, not flinching anymore when he scowled, cursed
or teased me mercilessly. I started to look forward to seeing him every day. I began to
talk more to him and ask him trivial questions like his favorite food or color.
Even though he was still scary hot Leon Gage, I slowly grew to like him.
Leon.
I heard someone speak and glanced up at Leon. His expression turned grim and furious
that I became terrified. We were eating lunch at the same spot where he first ordered
me to go out with him and by this time, all the tables were always empty save for ours.
When he saw the look on my face, he softened his expression. The fear ebbed away.
He squeezed my hand gently before his head pivoted behind him. I followed his gaze.
John, he said grimly. What are you doing here?
Johns eyes swept over me before he answered cautiously, You werent answering
your phone. Everyones waiting for you.
Leon closed his eyes tightly and clenched his jaws before he nodded. I stared at him
worriedly.
Sophia. I started when he spoke and opened his eyes. this is John, my best friend,
he said, gesturing to his friend. John, my girlfriend, Sophia.
I smiled tremulously at John and said a weak hi. He gave me a nod before looking at
Leon again.
Ill wait for you at the parking lot, he told him before leaving us.
I watched him go. He was tall, big and scary hot like Leon but Leon was way hotter than
his best friend. Leon grabbed my attention when he stood up, taking me with him.

Im going, he said, kissing me hard on the lips. But, Im still picking you up later,
okay?
Where are you going? I asked without thought and watched his face grew dark. I-I
mean Ill wait here for you.
He nodded and kissed me once more. Then, he left.
When he came to pick me up on his motorcycle, his hands were raw and bloody. His
boots splattered with tiny flecks of what seemed like blood. His face was closed off and
brooding. My heart sank at the sight of him and the fear I thought I lost for him emerged.
Get on, he snapped tersely and with obvious anger at me.
I jumped to do his order, trembling as I did, and he took me home without a word.
I couldnt concentrate on my homework that night. I thought about Leon. The rumors
were perhaps true after all. He really was a bully.
And am I okay with it? I thought with a sigh. Is it okay for me to like a guy who was a
bully? A monster? A sick, twisted psycho?
My brain wished for me to stop seeing him, to do anything within my powers to stop him
from getting near. But, thinking about losing him brought a painful ache to my heart.
I didnt want to think about Leon anymore so I gave up on homework and went to sleep.
I stared at the clock and waited for him anxiously to arrive. A part of me didnt look
forward seeing him the next day but another part of me wished to see him so bad.
When I heard the honk outside, I was surprised. He was quite early.
I opened the door and retreated when he came in my house. I blinked. This was the first
time he ever stepped foot in my home. I watched him uneasily as he surveyed his
surroundings. When his eyes returned to me and noted me cowering, he closed his
eyes as if he was in pain and sighed.
I should have not snapped at you, he said in a low tone. I was just pissed.
I stared at him in surprise, not expecting to hear that. I realized he was talking about the
way he acted yesterday and understood. He never apologizes to me so this was
probably as far as he could go.
Come here, Sophia.
I glanced at his hands, his knuckles still raw but scabbing slowly. Instead of going to him
like I always did, I turned and walked to the bathroom. When I got out, he was sitting on

the sofa, his elbows resting on his thighs, his hands clasped together. He looked
defeated that my throat closed. He glanced at me and the box I was holding, and his
brows shot up.
I kneeled in front of him and opened the first-aid kit. He didnt say a word while I was
treating his knuckles and didnt even wince when I poured alcohol. When I was done
wrapping his hands tightly with bandages, I lifted my eyes to his. His eyes were heated,
intense and searing into me, all of this in a way hed never looked at me before. I
squealed when he pulled me to his lap, his lips fused to mine. I wrapped my arms
willingly around him and gave him equal measure.
Maybe I was stupid. Maybe I was nave. Maybe I was crazy for liking a guy who was a
brutal, cruel monster but I didnt care. I liked him too much, maybe I even fell in love
with him already. I didnt think I could live without him anymore.
And our relationship went for two years. Leon Gage was still an enigma to me. I havent
met his family yet he had met mine on the rare occasion they were home. They didnt
like him and told me so but they couldnt do anything because they werent always
home.
He never pressured me to have sex with him either. Whenever things get too hot, he
would always stop. Sometimes I was glad he did, sometimes he frustrated me.
Sometimes, I thought that maybe he had another girl, or girls. But, I never asked him,
too terrified of his anger. Or maybe, I was terrified hed leave me.
There were times when he couldnt be reached and seen. And they were the times he
always came to me with bloody hands after. I never asked but treated his hands silently.
He never shared but after I was done, he would kiss me hard.
I never saw him beating up somebody. Until now.
Present
I-Im sorry, I whispered. I was j-just surprised. You said you were going to show me
your house. I did not know you w-were going to show me t-that.
The grip on my wrist slackened. The murderous glare on his face melted and he let my
wrists go, pulling me to his body closer instead. I stiffened, thinking maybe it was finally
my turn to get beaten up, my blood splattered on his boots, his knuckles bleeding from
pummeling the life out of me.
That wasnt my intention, Sophia. He shoved his face between my neck and shoulder
and squeezed me tight. I didnt know they were going to be here. Damn it, they
shouldnt even be fucking here at all.

But, I wasnt listening. Visions of Leon laughing manically while his friends leered down
at me as they took turns beating me up filled my head.
I just want to go home, I whispered beseechingly. Please let me go home.
Leons body froze solid and he lifted his head up, and the expression on his face almost
looked like he was in pain but that couldnt be. Leon Gage didnt have a heart. His face
turned impassive.
You think I wont let you go home? he intoned blankly.
I looked at the side. I felt his eyes on me but I ignored him, feeling cold and helpless all
of a sudden.
Ill take you home.
We were both silent as he drove me home. When his motorcycle stopped, I jumped off it
and rushed to the door of my house. When I got in, I locked it and slid down to the floor
with my back against it. I began to cry silently.
Why couldnt he be just normal? I thought miserably. Why couldnt he just stop hurting
other people? Was that too hard for him to do?
A thud sounded from behind me and I stiffened and held my breath.
Sophia.
I didnt speak and held my breath, trembling and scared.
I Im sorry.
I heard his footsteps fade away and leaned my head against the door in exhaustion.
Only then did I realize that Leon apologized to me.
He didnt pick me up the next morning. I sighed and felt heartbroken as I trudged out of
the door and began my walk to school. It was like the first day all over again. When I got
to school, everyone stared at me with curiosity and interest. I never enter school without
Leon by my side. And from everyones face, I could see their conclusion of this fact, that
Leon Gage dumped me.
When lunch finally arrived, I couldnt get out my class soon enough. Everyone was
laughing behind my back. Everyone thought I was the same loser as I was two years
ago.
I didnt head to my table like I used to. Instead, I headed to the other side of school
where the trees were plentiful and the garden club was situated. I dropped down on the

grass under one of the trees and put my forehead on top of my knees, my arms
clenching them together. I sighed and tried not to cry.
Dont break up with him.
My head shot up. John was leaning against one of the trees near me, smoking a
cigarette. He, then, threw it on the ground and put it out with the heel of his shoe.
What? I asked him.
Dont break up with Leon, he repeated, looking straight into my eyes.
I began to laugh harshly. Did you really think I could break up with him even if I wanted
to? I asked him incredulously. And besides, I added, sobering up. It seems like hes
done with me.
His brows furrowed in confusion. What do you mean done with you?
Have you heard the rumors circulating around the school? I rested my chin on my
knees, eyes downcast. They say Leon Gage is dumping me. I guess Im not hard
enough for the life hes living.
Sophia
I mean, its okay. I knew we were never meant to be together forever. I thought I could
accept him for who he was, but I guess not.
I heard John sigh in frustration.
The guy you saw us beating up in Leons place tried to rape a freshman in a party the
other night.
My eyes shot at him in shock.
We werent supposed to beat him up in Leons house. Hell, we shouldnt even have
started but the dickhead pissed us off, mouthing off how he could have gone away with
it if we havent caught him and if we could have just asked nicely, he would have let us
join.
I inhaled sharply. John eyed me with reluctance, as if debating with himself if he should
continue talking or not.
Ah, fuck it, he muttered. She needs to know.

What? I stood up and approached him. What do I need to know, John? Is it Leon? I
added in panic, realizing that maybe Leon couldnt pick me up because he was hurt.
Did something happen to him? Did that guy take revenge
No, no. Hes okay.
I sighed in relief.
Its just that Leon is not who you think he is.
It was my turn to look confused.
What do you mean?
Hes not a monster. Nor is he sadistic. I reddened with embarrassment, remembering
the words I screamed at Leon last night. I didnt want you to go on thinking badly about
my best friend.
I didnt say anything, ashamed at what I said. I wrapped my arms around me and
thought about the flitting pain I saw in Leons eyes and my heart throbbed.
His father abandoned his family when he was five, his mother raped and killed when he
was nine. My eyes sliced to him in shock as cold shivers went down my spine. At first
he lived with his uncle but he was abusive and kept beating him up whenever he felt like
it.
Stop, I whispered as the thought of a young boy with black hair and silvery-gray eyes
getting beat up by a much older man filled my mind.
He was just fucking nine and his mother just died in a brutal rape and murder yet his
dick of an uncle used him like a fucking punching bag for pleasure.
Please, stop, John, I begged at him.
I didnt even know, Sophia, and I was his best friend since we were children, John
continued, looking devastated. I only knew when his father came back to see him when
he was eleven and saw the bruises. He took Leon away and sued the uncle and won.
Leon didnt want to have anything to do with his father so, his father just left Leon to his
own devices in that house, sending money every month and visiting him sometimes to
check if he was okay.
I was already weeping silently as I listened to Leons life story. I cannot believe
someone who was supposed to protect and care for you would do a vile thing to his own
relative. It was horrible and inhumane to think about.

When we were thirteen, Leon saw one of our classmates getting bullied and he
stopped it. He liked the feeling of saving people so much he thought that it was his
salvation. He paused to let his words sink in. So, this is where the rumors come in,
Sophia. This is where everyone calls him a bully because not everyone listens to words
and threats, they had to be meted with physical blows and punishments to make them
stop hurting other people. This is what Leons been doing, what weve been doing. This
is because he wants to protect people.
As I thought about what John revealed, I realized that he was right. I never saw Leon
hurt other people in school, or bully them outright or hurt them like the bullies I see on
television or read in novels.
You were targeted, Sophia.
I paled. What?
He looked hesitant to reveal anything but he eventually did. Leon found out that
someone wanted to ask you out and use a date-rape drug on you and he sent us to
investigate who the culprit was. I was supposed to be the one to get close to you, to
keep you safe but at the last moment, Leon decided to do it himself.
My body went stone-still, my throat closed and my heart lurched painfully.
I did not understand why he needed to pose as your boyfriend at first, Sophia. There
were a lot of ways to keep you safe. I didnt even know what he was planning until I saw
him tell you that you were his.
So, everything was just a fluke? I burst out painfully. Becoming my boyfriend was all
because you guys wanted to protect me? So, I guess until now you havent caught the
bad guy yet and taught him a lesson?
We caught him a month after you guys started going out, he answered quickly.
I paused. A month after? Was that when he appeared during lunch and Leon introduced
me to him? Was that when I first saw Leons hands red and bloody?
Like I said, I did not know what he was planning
And, if you had known, I intercepted him, anger making my tone rise. would you have
stopped him?
Sophia
Then, why didnt he dump me already? I shouted at him. Why did he continue to
string me along? God, he wouldnt even have sex with me

What the fuck, John?

I whirled around, embarrassment coloring my cheeks. Leon was standing behind us
wearing a murderous scowl on his face, his silvery-gray eyes glittering and hard at
John.
I turned to leave, to get away from here, mortified that he heard me screaming why he
wouldnt have sex with me like some sex-depraved pervert.
Sophia.
Stupidly, I glanced back and screamed silently when his powerful body moved in my
direction. Faster than possible, he was right beside me, pulling me behind him.
Leon, John started but was cut-off.
Dont! Leon barked at him. He was so angry, visibly livid and frightening that I forgot to
breathe. What did you fucking tell her?
John struggled with indecision before he said, Everything.
Leon moved to hurt him but I latched on his back, trying to stop him from hurting his
best friend, and he stopped.
Why? he asked, pain lacing his tone that I almost started crying again. Why the hell
would you tell her everything?
Because youre fucking in love with her! John roared at him. You fell for her, Leon,
and dont try to fucking deny it.
I suddenly felt weak, my heart beating loudly in my chest. My hands left Leon and fell to
my side as I stared at his best friend. Leon stiffened and glanced back at me but I only
had eyes for John at the moment.
Hope blossomed in my heart. Was it possible that Leon might feel the same way as I
do?
Youre in love with her, yet you wont allow yourself to love her, John continued, his
face contorted with sorrow for his best friend. I cant just stand back like I did years ago
and see you suffer all over again, Leon. Youre my best friend and this was the only play
I had to make you see sense. To make you both see sense.
After speaking, he turned away and disappeared among the trees, leaving Leon alone
with me. I couldnt speak, couldnt move. My thoughts were jumbled together.
It felt like an eternity had passed between us and I could not take the silence anymore.

You didnt pick me up. The words shot out my mouth without thinking. I covered my
lips with my hands, horrified.
Leon revolved and faced me, his face stoic though his eyes were soft.
I thought you didnt want to see me, he admitted. I thought Id give you some space.
I shook my head furiously. I was just confused. Of course, I wanted to see you. I felt
all alone going to school. And everyone thought you dumped me, I added sullenly.
His eyes glinted with anger. Yeah, about that. When I got my hands on the bastard who
said that, Ill fucking tear him apart. And, I never thought about doing that, not even for
one second, he said fervently, pulling me in his arms. And, Im not going to apologize
for not wanting to lose you. Im not letting you go, ever.
Because you love me? I asked in a hopeful voice.
What do you think?
I think we need to resolve some trust issues first, I told him in a whisper-soft tone. Im
sorry about your past and Im sorry that I called you a monster, Leon. Im sorry that
He cut me off with a kiss, a hard, unyielding kiss. I sighed happily and surrendered
myself to him. When it was over, I burrowed deeper into his arms and held him tight.
I love you, Leon.
His hand tightened convulsively around me.
I love you, too, Sophia. He leaned back and I noted that mischievous look on his eyes
and immediately grew wary. And about sex, I didnt want to fuck you because I didnt
want to mess up your feelings even more but if you insist
I shrieked a little when he picked me up and slung me over his shoulder like a caveman.
Where are we going, Leon? I asked him in panic.
To consummate our love, was his reply.
But-but school a-and we still need to talk
I gasped out loud when he squeezed my butt, rendering me speechless. He dropped
me by the side of his motorcycle, then kissed me and told me how much he loved me. I
sighed and decided to stop protesting. Nothing could ever change his mind when he
makes up his mind.
And for once, I didnt care.