Chapter 182: Five feet Apart

“We not going very far,” Leitana said with a sigh, her hand resting on her waist as she looked up at the head bodyguard. Her heart-shaped face was set into a small frown. She didn’t find this conversation necessary at all.

The tall man in the dark suit bowed his head respectfully but remained firm. “Miss Leitana, the boss gave strict instructions. We must accompany you everywhere outside the villa. We need to call him first.”

Leitana crossed her arms, her soft voice gaining a stubborn edge. “Mi Ravial will not be angry. We are just going to a café a few minutes away. Mi no need permission like a child. I am a grown woman.”

The second guard shifted uncomfortably but spoke gently. “We understand, miss. But the boss was very clear. Your safety is our priority.”

Marita, standing beside Leitana, raised an eyebrow. “Eh? Yu people dey follow her like shadow every time? Leitana no prisoner o.”

Leitana huffed. “Fine. Mi will call him myself.”

She pulled out her phone still getting used to the smooth glass screen and tapped at it slowly with one finger, brows furrowed in concentration. Marita leaned over her shoulder, eyes wide in awe.

“This phone dey too smart. How you even know which button to press?”

Leitana finally got the call through. It rang only once before Ravial picked up.

“My lamb,” his deep voice rumbled through the line, sending a familiar shiver down her spine.

She stepped a few feet away from the group so they wouldn’t hear, standing her ground even as her cheeks warmed. “Mi Ravial… why mi have to ask permission to go somewhere with my friends? Mi did not argue when you put bodyguards on me like I would disappear. Now they say I cannot even go to a small café without calling you first. This is too much.”

There was a pause on the line. Then Ravial’s low chuckle came through, dark and amused.

“Because you are mine,” he said simply, voice dripping with that possessive calm that always made her stomach flutter. “And I protect what is mine. Even from a five-minute walk. Especially when you are carrying our child. The world is not safe, little lamb. I would rather be called crazy than lose you for even one second.”

Leitana’s cheeks flushed, but she stood her ground. “Mi know you worry, but mi no be small child. Mi can walk to a café. Mi have Marita and the others with me.”

Another soft laugh. “You are the strongest thing in my world. But you are also the most precious. Five feet. That is my only condition. Stay five feet away from that little Juilliard boy. I will refrain from putting him six feet under.”

Leitana’s eyes widened. “You crazy, mi Ravial! You no fit threaten people like that!”

“I can,” he replied simply, almost sweetly. “And I will. But since you asked so nicely… go to your café. Enjoy yourself. But remember who you belong to.”

Her cheeks burned hotter. “Mi belong to myself too.”

“True,” he said, voice dropping. “But you belong to me more. Call me when you are ready to come home.”

Leitana rolled her eyes, but a tiny smile tugged at her lips. “And yu jealous for nothing. He is just friend but fine. Mi agree. But next time mi won't call every small thing.”

“Next time I will come with you myself,” he replied smoothly. “Now give the phone to the guards.”

She walked back to the group and handed the phone to the head bodyguard. He listened for a few seconds, nodding. “Yes, sir.” He handed it back to her.

Ravial’s voice returned, softer now. “Be safe, my lamb. Come home to me soon. I already miss the way you feel against me.”

Leitana’s cheeks flushed bright red. “Mi will. Bye, mi Ravial.”

She hung up and looked at the guards. The head one bowed slightly. “We can go, miss.”

Leitana turned back to her friends, who were watching the whole exchange with varying expressions amusement, curiosity, and a little awe.

“Let’s go,” she said, linking arms with Marita.

As they started walking, Lila leaned in with a laugh. “I can never understand rich people and their rules.”

Mikey grinned. “I find his protectiveness of Leitana so hot though.”

Lila rolled her eyes. “Of course you do.”

Ethan tried to move forward to walk beside Leitana, but one of the bodyguards smoothly stepped between them, his larger build creating a clear barrier. Ethan blinked. “Huh?”

He tried going to the other side. The second bodyguard moved there too. Now Leitana was neatly sandwiched between two tall, silent men.

The others exchanged looks and chuckled. Especially Mia, who smiled a little wider because she liked seeing Ethan gently blocked.

Ethan looked confused but said nothing. Leitana gave him an apologetic smile.

They made their way to the cozy café The group found a large table near the window. Marita sat right next to Leitana. The bodyguards took a table a few feet away, still watching.

Marita looked around with wide eyes. “This place so fancy! Look at di lights and di chairs. Everything dey shine.”

Lila smiled. “You think this is fancy? Then you need to see the rooftop café we go to sometimes. The view is insane.”

They ordered, Leitana got a warm herbal tea and a croissant, Marita excitedly pointed at almost everything on the menu before settling on hot chocolate and a chocolate muffin. The others got their usual coffees and pastries.

As they talked and laughed, the television mounted on the opposite wall suddenly caught their attention. A news reporter was speaking seriously.

“…authorities are still searching for the animal responsible for a series of vicious attacks over the past three nights. Three people have been bitten in the Bronx area, all with deep, unusual wounds. The victims are in critical condition. Police say they are not ruling out the possibility that it is not a dog, given the severity of the injuries…”

Kai muttered under his breath, “Told you guys.”

Ethan frowned. “That’s wild. How come they haven’t caught it yet? That’s really strange.”

Leitana stared at the screen, a small frown forming on her face. Something about the report made her stomach twist with unease.