Chapter 179 THE END OF WAR

Chapter 179 THE END OF WAR

LEO

“She’s so stubborn. Damn it,” I muttered to myself while pacing around the living room.

“I’ll never let you out of my sight. Never!” I continued seething.

Even after Jones assured me they were nearby, I still couldn't stop worrying about Sienna.

Look at the way those insane students charged at her. I watched the video online, and I saw every second of it.

It had gone viral too.

Damn it.

What would Cruz think of me if he saw that video?

Gosh! He can't even trust me with something as simple as keeping his daughter safe.

Just days ago, I made a promise to myself to always protect, love, and cherish Sienna. It's barely been a few weeks, and this is already happening.

I let out a frustrated breath and sank into the couch.

I checked the time on my phone. It was only a few minutes past 2 p.m.

Jones should be here already. I wonder what's causing the delay.

Slipping my phone out of my pocket to call Sienna again, Mal's call came in instead.

“Man, that was so great of her!” he exclaimed excitedly without even exchanging pleasantries.

“Are you kidding? What are you talking about?” I asked, confused.

“Come on, Leo. Don't tell me you haven't seen the video. Sienna killed it with her response.”

Mal finally pulled me out of my confusion.

“Oh.” I rubbed my face.

“Oh?” Mal marveled. “Is that all you can say?”

“What else do you expect me to say, Mal? She was almost attacked by those heartless students. Can't you see that?”

“I saw that,” he replied casually.

“I'm pissed right now,” I said.

“You can't be pissed. Sienna's speech was epic. She even said she loves you in that speech.”

“That doesn't change anything. She disobeyed me. I told her not to leave, but she still went ahead and did it.”

“Look, I apologize on her behalf, but this one video has changed the narrative of what people think about you too. Did you even read the comments?”

“I don't care, Mal. What if something bad had happened to her? Cruz would be disappointed if he saw that video.”

Mal was just about to say something when a vehicle pulled into the driveway.

That must be Sienna.

“Man, I have to go now. My disobedient girlfriend just walked in,” I sighed into the phone.

“You have to be patient with her, okay?” he said, trying to calm me down.

“I will. Let's talk later.”

I ended the call immediately as Sienna and Jones walked in.

Sienna walked in with her shoulders slumped while Jones wore an apologetic expression.

“I'm so sorry, Mr. Leo. Traffic was indeed horrendous today.”

“There's no problem. I completely understand,” I replied, my angry eyes never leaving Sienna.

“Thank you for your understanding, Mr. Leo.” Jones shifted his gaze to Sienna. “And it's not her fault. I know you warned her not to leave the house. Please pardon her.”

“It's okay. I'll just talk to her,” I said dismissively.

“Thank you, Mr. Jones,” Sienna said.

“You're welcome.”

Jones walked away.

The air fell silent.

Neither of us spoke, but my eyes remained glued to her.

“Come,” I said in a soft but commanding voice.

My anger had already subsided. I just wanted Sienna to know how much I loved her.

She's my life.

I can't afford to be careless when it comes to her.

She made her way to me almost instantly, as though she'd been waiting for me to call her.

Before I could say anything, she suddenly hugged me, wrapping her arms tightly around my waist.

I closed my eyes, feeling her warmth.

I love her so much.

“Baby, I'm sorry,” she said, her voice breaking.

“Why weren't you answering your phone? I called and called,” I whispered.

“I didn't realize you were calling. The whole room was filled with loud voices.” She paused. “I'm sorry for not listening to you.”

Gently, I unwrapped her arms from around me and took her hands in mine.

“You know I love you so much, right?” I asked softly.

We were so close I could feel her breath against mine.

Close enough that we were sharing the same air.

She gave a small nod.

“And I love you too,” she whispered.

“Come here.”

I drew her closer and kissed her briefly.

“I watched the video. Mal said it got millions of views.”

She gave a small smile.

“They called me names,” she said quietly.

I tightened my hold on her hands.

“You're my queen, honey. The only woman who's ever made me forget every rule I set for myself and every ounce of self-control I thought I had.”

She chuckled softly.

“I'm more than happy that I chose you, Leo.”

“And I'll never take that for granted,” I said. “I was really scared, though.”

“Why? I wasn't going to die.”

“I have to protect you at all costs. You're my life. I can't let anything happen to you.”

“I'm so sorry I made you feel that way. I didn't expect any of that drama earlier.”

“It's okay.”

I caressed her smooth cheek.

“I want you to make me a promise, okay?”

“Yes,” she replied, her voice trembling.

“Promise me you'll never get into trouble like this again.”

Fear slipped into my voice as I said those words.

Sienna looked at me and let out a small laugh.

Yeah...

It looked simple to her.

She had no idea how disturbed I had been earlier.

I'm the only one she has now.

And she's all I have too.

That thought keeps ringing in my head.

If nothing else, her safety should be my highest priority.

“Okay,” she replied. “I promise. And I promise to listen to you whenever you speak.”

I smiled and gently patted her hair.

“Let's go inside,” I said, taking her hand and leading her toward our bedroom.

She followed excitedly.

When we got there, I sat down and pulled her onto my lap.

“I'm planning on calling Cruz,” I announced.

She immediately turned to me.

“Why? He doesn't want anything to do with you. Let's drop that plan. I'm happy without him anyway.”

I remained silent for a moment.

“You can't be completely happy with your family miles away. I'll definitely fly to New York when the time comes.”

I waved off the topic, effectively ending the conversation.

We didn't talk about Cruz again.

Then she turned to me with sadness in her eyes.

“I failed us,” she said.

My face fell.

“What do you mean?” I asked curiously.

“I just realized that the only way to win a war is by facing and confronting it, not by hiding from it.”

“Oh, so you want to go to war?” Sarcasm dripped from my voice.

She laughed and climbed off my lap.

“You're a clown.”

“Clowns are confused people. I'm confused here.”

She laughed again before her face suddenly turned serious.

“I made a mistake hiding eight months ago when this storm first came crashing into our lives. I should have stood my ground and faced it. Just like I did a few hours ago.”
Disappointment settled across her face.