Chapter 15: The Push (Leo POV)
Chapter 15: The Push (Leo POV)
I’m standing in my apartment, Daniel’s voice still ringing in my ears. “I can’t do this to you,” he muttered, pulling away from my kiss, his eyes dark and far off. I grabbed him, hard, my fingers digging into his jacket. “What’s that mean?” I snapped, my heart pounding loud, but he didn’t answer, just stepped back, hands shaking. Now he’s pacing my room, dodging my eyes, his face tight like he’s hiding something big. I’ve got one day left to keep this place, rent’s paid, but the fight’s not over, and he’s acting cold, like he’s already gone. “Talk to me!” I say, loud, grabbing his arm again. He pulls back fast, his voice low. “I can’t, Leo. Just drop it.”
I step closer, my boots scuffing the floor, my chest tight. “No way. You’ve been weird all day, pulling away, stiff when I kiss you. What’s going on?” He turns, hands in his pockets, and looks at the wall, not me. “It’s nothing. I’m fine.” His voice is flat, a lie, and it makes me mad. “Bullshit,” I say, my voice rising. “You’re not fine. Tell me!” He shakes his head slow, stepping toward the window, and I follow, right behind him. “Is it your dad? The PI? What?” He doesn’t answer, just stares outside, his jaw tight, and I want to shake him.
A knock hits the door, sharp and quick, cutting through the quiet. I turn, frowning, and open it. Max stands there, a grin on his face, holding a beer. “Good news, man,” he says, stepping in without asking. “Got a buyer, twenty grand for that big canvas you did last week. Cash tomorrow if you say yes.” I nod, fast, my mind spinning. “Yeah, set it up. That’s big.” Max claps my shoulder, then leans in, his voice dropping low. “But watch out. That PI’s asking around, digging deep into your past. Old jobs, fights, anything he can find.” My stomach twists, cold and sharp, and I glance at Daniel. He’s listening, his face tighter now, eyes on Max.
“What’s he want with me?” I ask, keeping my voice steady. Max shrugs, sipping his beer. “Dunno. Trouble, probably. Your name’s hot, but that video’s messing things up.” He heads out, the door clicking shut, and I turn to Daniel, my hands in fists. “See? He’s after me, and you’re just standing there. Trust me, tell me what’s happening!” Daniel steps forward, his voice snapping loud. “I’m protecting you, Leo! That’s why I can’t talk. You don’t get it!” I shove him, not hard, just enough to make him look at me. “Protecting me? By shutting me out? I need you with me, not against me!”
He grabs my shirt, pulling me close, his breath fast. “I’m not against you. I’m keeping you safe. He’ll ruin you if I don’t, ” He stops, cutting off, and lets go, stepping back. I stare at him, my heart racing. “If you don’t what? Finish that!” He shakes his head again, turning away, and I’m about to yell when the door bangs open, loud and sudden. Mia storms in, her hair loose, eyes wet, holding a bag like she’s been crying. “Leo,” she says, voice shaky, stopping when she sees Daniel. “I miss you. I’m sorry about before, can we talk?”
I step toward her, my voice hard. “No, Mia. Go. I told you, we’re done.” She drops the bag, tears spilling now, and reaches for me. “Please, I just want, ” I cut her off, loud. “Go! I don’t need this!” She stares, hurt flashing across her face, and grabs her bag, running out. The door slams, echoing loud, and I turn to Daniel, my hands shaking. “See? I’m cutting everyone off but you. Don’t leave me hanging!” He looks at me, eyes soft for a second, and I grab him, pulling him close, my arms tight around him. “We’ve got this,” I say, my voice low, clinging to him like he’s all I’ve got left.
He nods, slow, his hands on my back, but he’s stiff, not holding me like he means it. I pull back, searching his face, and then the door bangs again, harder this time. It swings open, and Daniel’s dad walks in, his face red, eyes narrow. Behind him is Rita, the woman from before, her skirt stiff, her smile fake. D aniel’s dad stops, pointing at me, his voice loud. “You’re done, Daniel. Marry her, or he’s finished, I’ll make sure of it!” Rita steps forward, her hand out, voice soft. “Daniel, we can fix this. Just listen.” I shove between them, glaring at him. “Get out! He’s not yours to control!”
He laughs, cold and short, and looks at Daniel, who’s frozen by the mattress. “You heard me. The board’s done, you’re out. Marry her now, or I bury him. PI’s got enough already.” My fists clench, my blood hot, and I step closer. “Bury me? Try it!” Daniel grabs my arm, pulling me back, his voice low. “Leo, stop.” I shake him off, turning to him. “No! Fight him!” He smirks, crossing his arms, and Rita stands there, watching, her hands clasped tight. Daniel looks at me, then at Rita, his face pale, eyes dark. He steps away from me, slow, and whispers, “I’m sorry.” Dad’s smirk grows, his voice sharp. “Choose.”