Chapter 21: Leo's Apartment

Sarah pressed herself against the wall, avoiding the glare of the fluorescent lights in the corner of the room. Breathing heavily, she slipped behind the counter and pushed aside a few cans of drinks that were lying there. His body shrank under the counter, trying to blend into the darkness.

The bodyguard, in his striking black uniform, stepped quietly up to the counter. With an expressionless face, he stared at the menu displayed on the table. His companion, another bodyguard with blonde hair and a less-than-friendly smile, followed with a shuffling step.

"I think an espresso would be good for tonight," the blonde bodyguard said in a low tone.

"Alright, I'm in," the first bodyguard replied as he glanced around the room.

While the bodyguards were busy choosing drinks, Leo stepped forward confidently. He greeted the blonde bodyguard with a radiant smile. "What did you order?"

The blond bodyguard frowned, but his fellow bodyguard nodded while pointing at the menu, I'll try a cappuccino tonight."

Leo laughed amiably, trying to ease the tension. "Alright, one cappuccino and one espresso. Can you wait for it?"

Meanwhile, Sarah saw an opportunity and seized it. With quick movements, she slid out of her hiding place and strode towards the restroom door. She could feel her heart still racing as she entered and locked the toilet door behind her.

Inside the bright restroom, Sarah sat on the seat and pondered. "Why are they here? What happened?" she whispered to herself. Her mind raced, trying to find answers to the questions that filled her mind.

While Sarah was deep in thought outside the restroom, Leo kept up his engagement with the bodyguards. Conversations about coffee and small talk made them look unsuspicious. However, underneath that veneer, Leo knew that something was not right.

After ordering their drinks, the bodyguards finally left the counter. Leo quickened his pace towards the restroom. He was worried about Sarah's fate and wanted to make sure that everything was okay.

When the toilet door opened, Leo saw Sarah, who was still sitting on the seat. He breathed a sigh of relief, "Are you okay?"

Sarah nodded as she wiped the cold sweat from her forehead. "They're still there?" she asked with eyes full of fear.

Leo nodded seriously. "Yes, but we have a little time before they realize something. What's going on? Why are you avoiding them?"

Sarah shook her head. She didn't want to tell them what happened. Leo persuaded Sarah to tell him everything, "Come on Sarah. What are you going through? So that I can help you?"

Leo looked at Sarah with concern as he returned to the counter. Sarah, with a friendly smile, shook her head.

"I can't tell him. I'm sorry," Sarah said in a soft voice, and she stepped back to the counter.

Leo pondered for a moment, his thoughts drifting to the meeting with Hazel earlier. "In fact, Hazel asked me to look after her," he thought, feeling responsible for his friend's request.

Time passed, and when it was time to go home, Hazel, who was supposed to pick Sarah up, didn't show up. Leo, who felt sorry to see Sarah waiting, made a decision.

"Never mind, I'll give you a ride. Hazel seems to have forgotten," Leo said kindly, extending his offer of help.

Sarah looked at Leo with a surprised expression. "Oh no, there's really no need. I'm sure she'll be here any minute," she said, trying to calm Leo down.

Leo smiled, "No problem. I'm afraid you'll be waiting too long. Get in my car, I'll take you to Hazel's place."

"No need, Leo," Sarah said.

Leo tried to comfort Sarah, "Take it easy, maybe Hazel has her reasons. We'll try to contact her when we get there."

However, when Leo tries to call Hazel, his face turns into confusion. "Hazel isn't picking up. Aren't you afraid to wait for her outside, and this late?" asked Leo, trying to find a solution.

Sarah shook her head softly, "Actually, I don't have a cell phone. So, I can't contact him."

"What? In this day and age, you don't even have a cell phone?" asked Leo in surprise.

Sarah chuckled, "Yes, I'm a bit behind the times. But don't worry, I can wait outside. I don't want to trouble you further."

Leo looked at Sarah with kindness. "No problem. I can't let you wait outside overnight. Come on, I'll drop you off."

They arrived at Hazel's place, but Leo, who was trying to confirm the presence of Sarah's friend, was getting worried. "I'll wait outside here for a while. Maybe she's just late," Leo said as he pulled the car over.

Sarah hesitated for a moment, but seeing Leo's kindness, she agreed. "Well, thank you very much, Leo. Actually, I really don't want to trouble you."

"It's okay Sarah. I'm used to being hassled," Leo said.

Leo and Sarah arrived at Hazel's residence. However, after repeatedly knocking on Hazel's door, no answer was heard from inside. Leo scratched his head, showing his confusion.

"It looks like Hazel isn't home. How about you stay at my apartment? I'm sure it's more convenient than looking for another place," Leo said, reading the situation.

Sarah felt a little taken aback by the offer. She politely declined, "Thank you, Leo, but I think I can find another place to stay. I don't want to inconvenience you."

Leo looked at Sarah seriously, "Sarah, I feel worried about you. Earlier at the cafe, I saw that you were so scared when you saw big men. I just want to help you, and this is for your own good. Please accept my offer."

Sarah was silent for a moment, pondering over Leo's words. Feeling that Leo really cared, she finally nodded in agreement, "Alright, Leo. Thank you very much for your kindness. I will accept your offer."

Leo smiled with relief. "Good job, Sarah! I'm sure we can make you feel safer there. Come, let's go to my apartment."

The two of them walked towards Leo's apartment, talking about various things along the way. Leo tried to lighten the mood with his hilarious stories, and Sarah started to feel comfortable around Leo.

When they arrived at Leo's apartment, a warm atmosphere greeted them. Leo offered Sarah a drink and made her feel at home.

"Since there's only one room, I'll sleep on the couch. You sleep in my room," Leo said.

Sarah felt that she was hitchhiking. So, she refused and said, "Leo, I can't do that. I'll sleep on the sofa. And you should sleep in your room."

"Sarah, I own this apartment. So, you must comply with my request," Leo said. Leo pushed Sarah into the room and closed the door.

Sarah screamed and said, "Leo this is too much. I can't accept all your kindness."

"Have a nice dream," Leo said.

While they were fast asleep, there was a loud knock on Leo's apartment door. It woke Leo up, and he opened his apartment door. Sarah heard it, too. She was worried that it was Lucian's bodyguard knocking on Leo's door.