Chapter 14: The Fracture (Daniel POV)
Chapter 14: The Fracture (Daniel POV)
I’m standing in Leo’s apartment, my phone back in my pocket after he grabbed it and saw Dad’s text. “End it by tomorrow, or he’s done.” Leo’s in my face, his voice loud. “Don’t lie, what’s he doing to you?” His eyes are sharp, digging into me, and I can’t look away. My hands shake, my chest tight, and I step back, rubbing my neck hard. “He’s serious, Leo,” I say, keeping my voice low. “He told me to end it with you, or he’ll target you. He’ll destroy you, your art, everything.” Leo laughs, short and rough, and crosses his arms. “Let him try! I’m not running from some old man’s threats.”
I move closer, my boots scuffing the floor, my voice rising. “You don’t get it. He’s got a PI out there, digging into you. He kicked me out of the company yesterday, this isn’t a game.” Leo steps up too, right in my space, his paint-stained hands in fists. “And I’ve got two days left to keep this place. I’m not backing down because your dad’s mad. We can fight him.” I shake my head, fast and hard. “You’re crazy. He’ll ruin you, Leo. I can’t let that happen.” He grabs my jacket, pulling me in. “Then don’t let it. Stand with me.”
Before I can answer, I see movement outside the window, headlights flash, then a camera’s click. I pull away, rushing to the blinds, and peek out. It’s him, the PI, same black car, snapping photos again. My stomach drops, cold and heavy. “He’s back,” I say, turning to Leo. He’s at my side in a second, looking out too, his jaw tight. “That jerk,” he mutters, and heads for the door, grabbing his boots. “Let’s get him again.” I grab his arm, stopping him. “No. He’ll just run. It’s proof he’s watching you.” Leo pulls free, glaring at me. “Good. Let him watch me win.”
He turns to his easel, the painting he started last night, jagged face, red and black, angry. He picks up a brush, starts adding strokes, fast and hard. “Max set up a buyer,” he says, not looking at me. “Ten grand. I’m selling it today.” I stand there, hands in my pockets, watching him work. “Rumors are out there, Leo. That video’s hurting you.” He stops, brush dripping, and looks at me, eyes fierce. “I don’t care. I’m doing this.” He finishes it in an hour, wiping his hands on his jeans, paint smearing everywhere. “Come with me,” he says, wrapping the canvas in a sheet. I nod, following him out.
We drive to the bar, same dingy place, Max waiting with the buyer, a woman this time, short hair, sharp suit. She looks at the painting, nods slow. “Rough, but strong,” she says, pulling out cash. “Ten grand, like we said.” Leo takes it, counting it quick, and slams it on the table. “I’m winning,” he says, grinning at me, his voice loud. Max claps him on the back, but I see him glance at me, worried. “Rumors are bad, man,” he mutters low. “Be careful.” Leo ignores him, turning to me, and grabs my shirt, pulling me in. “See? I’ve got this,” he says, and kisses me hard. His lips crash into mine, warm and bold, his hands tight on my arms. I kiss him back for a second, feeling his fight, but Dad’s threat hits me again, sharp and cold. I pull away, my hands dropping, my face tight.
Leo steps back, frowning. “What’s with you?” he asks, voice sharp. “We can fight him together. Don’t give up.” I look at him, his grin fading, and shake my head slow. “It’s not that simple.” He grabs my hand, squeezing hard. “Yeah, it is. Stay with me.” I want to, bad, but my phone buzzes in my pocket, loud and heavy. I pull it out, Dad. I answer, stepping away, my heart pounding. “What?” I say, my voice rough. His voice comes through, low and hard. “Last chance, Daniel. The board’s vote is final, you’re out unless you comply by morning. End it, or he’s next.” My throat goes dry, my hand gripping the phone tight.
He hangs up, the line dead, and I stand there, staring at the screen. Leo’s watching me, his eyes narrow, paint still on his hands from the sale. “Who was that?” he asks, stepping closer. I shove the phone back in my pocket, my voice low. “Dad. He’s done with me, company’s gone unless I do what he says.” Leo’s face hardens, and he grabs my arm again, pulling me to him. “Then don’t. We’ve got this, together.” He kisses me again, softer this time, pleading, his lips warm against mine, his fingers digging into my skin. I kiss him back, my hands on his back, but my head’s spinning, Dad’s voice, the PI, Leo’s safety. I pull away, slow, my eyes dark, locked on his.
He looks at me, breathing fast, his hand still on my arm. “What’s wrong?” he asks, voice sharp again. I step back, my chest tight, my hands shaking. “I can’t do this to you,” I mutter, my voice low, barely there. He grabs me, hard, his fingers tight on my jacket. “What’s that mean?” he snaps, his eyes wide, searching mine, but I don’t answer, just stand there, torn apart inside.