Chapter 53

Lexi's POV.

I spent the time up to my flight with a movie. As the credits rolled on, I stretched out lazily on my bed, basking in the lingering warmth of the story. But just as I was about to drift off into a blissful nap, the shrill ringing of my phone shattered the silence, jolting me awake.

I smiled when I saw Ava’s name flash on the screen. With a quick swipe, I answered, “Hi, Ava.”

“Ain’t you coming home anymore?” she sulked, disappointment dripping from her words.

I chuckled softly. “I will, just waiting for my flight back. Don’t worry; you'll see me soon.”

“When exactly?” she prodded.

“Tonight for sure,” I reassured her.

“Alright then!” Her voice brightened, like a ray of sunshine breaking through clouds. “Come quickly, and let me know when you arrive. I’m planning a sleepover at your apartment!”

“Alright,” I chuckled, amused at her enthusiasm.

“See you soon!” she sang before ending the call.

I put my phone away with a smile, feeling grateful for having such a wonderful person around me.

Returning to the idea of a nap, I was just about to settle in when a knock at the door interrupted my thoughts. With a resigned sigh, I made my way over, opening the door to reveal Sam's familiar, cheerful face.

“Hi, Lexi!” he greeted with a bright smile.

“Hello, Sam.” I couldn’t help but return his smile.

“Care for a stroll?” he asked, an enticing spark in his eyes.

As I weighed my options, sleeping in versus a leisurely walk, Sam pulled out two brightly colored packs of cotton candy, waving them enticingly. How could I refuse that playful grin?

“Okay, fine!” I laughed, stepping outside and locking the door behind me.

He handed me one pack, and I accepted it with a smile. “So, how are you doing?” He asked casually as we began to walk.

“Good," I replied. "You?”

“I’ll be fine,” he answered, but I could tell something lingered beneath the surface.

“Why? What’s wrong?” I pressed, concerned.

“I don’t think we should talk about it,” he replied, his tone a little low.

I gave an understanding nod knowing that some things are not meant to be shared.

“So, how was last night? I hope he didn't threaten or harm you,” Sam asked, concern etching his features. I knew he was referring to Leo.

A flicker of memory sparked in my mind, a flash of the steamy night I’d spent with Leo. God, why had I let things heat up like that? The recollection made my throat dry and sent a wave of uninvited desire coursing through me. I shook my head, trying to clear my mind and refocus on the moment.

“He didn’t harm me,” I replied, my voice steadier than I felt.

“So what was he talking about yesterday? That sullen night at the garage, what was it all about?” he pressed, his brow furrowing in concern.

My stomach twisted, recalling the chaos Leo had stirred at the party. “That…” I paused, struggling to find the right words.

Suddenly, a loud crash shattered the air, and instinctively, I turned toward the source of the sound. My heart raced as I watched shards of glass rain down, the aftermath of two bodies tumbling from the window, still locked in a fierce fight.

Before I fully processed what was happening, Sam pushed me aside, his protective instinct kicking in as he shielded me from the falling debris.

Everything became silent at once, as if the world had paused, then came the resounding thud of something colliding with a car. Panic surged through me, and I rushed toward the scene, my heart pounding in my chest.

A man staggered upright from the wreckage of a car, while another lay motionless on the car, his body twisted in unnatural ways. My breath hitched as I recognized the staggering figure—Leonardo.

“Leo?” My voice trembled as I took in the gruesome sight. Blood trickled down his head, and his gaze seemed unfocused, lost in a fog of pain and confusion.

Something primal pulled me to him, urging me forward. I stepped closer, hands trembling and heart racing. “You…what happened?” I stuttered, fear creeping into my voice.

Without a word, he brushed past me, urgency taking over his posture as he moved with a purpose I couldn’t comprehend. “Where are you going in such a rush?" I asked, holding his hand, stopping him.

"I need to hold him down before he escapes," he said, pulling his hand away from my grip.

"Are you crazy?" I exclaimed, grabbing his hand again. "Chasing someone in this condition is reckless!"

His eyes, full of desperation, met mine. "I have to hunt him down, Lexi. It’s urgent."

"Do you want to die?" I shot back. "Who are you even after, and why?"

"The asshole who did this to me!" he snapped.

"He's in your room, right?" I asked, and he nodded, grim determination etched on his face.

"Sam can handle it," I suggested, trying to de-escalate the tension.

"What?!" Sam burst in, his expression a mixture of disbelief and confusion. "Why should I go after him?"

"Because he's a criminal, and we’re against criminals," I stated firmly.

"And Leo?" Sam pointed at him, a challenging look in his eyes. "He’s also a criminal. So if we're to hunt down anyone, we should start with him," he said, giving Leo a hard look.

Leo let out a low, chilling scoff that sent a shiver down my spine.

"Sam, please..." I implored, hoping to sway him.

After a moment of hesitation, Sam finally relented, albeit reluctantly. "Fine. What room?"

"2103," I replied before Leo had a chance to speak. He glanced at me with surprise.

Sam's surprise was palpable as he looked at me, then nodded. "Got it."

With that, he turned on his heel and left, leaving Leo and me alone together. I turned to him. "Let’s get you treated," I said, gesturing for him to follow and he remained rooted in place.

"We're not going to a hospital. Just to my room." I assured him, recalling his deep phobia of hospitals and health workers.

Gradually, his body relaxed, and he took a tentative step forward, following me in silence.

Upon arriving in my room, I took the phone and called room service, requesting for a first aid kit. As we awaited the kit, I sat in front of him, studying his face that seemed like he was in his own world.

"What really happened? Who caused this?" I asked, searching his face for any sign of honesty. He remained quiet, his eyes dark shadows beneath his furrowed brow.

"Fine. Don't tell me, but..." I trailed off, my words caught in the tension that hung between us.

"I know you don't trust me, I don't trust you too. But sometimes we find ourselves in a situation where we don't have a choice, we just have to..." I trailed off again, looking away.

"I do...I do trust you. You're the one who doesn't trust me and I completely understand. To you, I'm nothing more than a criminal...a dangerous person...someone you should stay away from...someone you shouldn't be seen with...someone you should never associate with....someone you'll eventually put behind bars yourself," he said, holding my gaze. My heart pricked at his words for an unknown reason.

"What would you do when you finally find him?" I asked, desperately steering the conversation away from the heaviness of trust.

He leaned in slightly, his voice low and measured. "What do you do to someone who's betrayed you, cheated you, and tried to take your life?"

"Turn him in," I answered without hesitation, the instinct to do what was right rising within me.

"Liar," he scoffed, a bitter chuckle slipping from his lips. "You’d be thirsty for his blood."

"And that's exactly what I'm going to do," he continued, fire igniting in his eyes. "I'll make him understand that when you mess with the Devil himself, you get burned. You get doomed."