Chapter 42: Claire’s POV
After showering, I get out and see Leo immediately begin staring at the floor. I sought comfort and right now, he felt like the only person I could trust.
I walk over to him in my towel, curl myself up in his lap and tuck my face into his neck. I feel him tense and then relax as he wraps his arms around me and begins to rub my head.
“It’s going to be okay, Claire. I’ll do everything I can this time.” I knew he meant what he said but I also knew that the person doing this had more dedication on hurting me than he had the availability to protect me. I simply nod by head yes against his skin and inhale his scent.
Leo carefully sits me on the tub as he stands and gets my clothes for me to dress. After helping me get dressed, he carries me to bed and lays me down. I pull Leo into a hug – silently thanking him for everything he had done for me today.
“Can you stay?” I ask in a small whisper. I see Leo’s eyes brighten and darken for a moment. He wanted to hear those words but under different circumstances.
“Only if I can have at least two pillows.” He says with a soft smile.
“Okay.” A small smile escapes as I feel Leo’s light–heartedness. Something I had experienced in a long time.
Leo goes to shower and Jasmine stays with me until he returns.
“I hired temporary security to check the perimeters of the house at night for the next week. They’re well–trained and highly recommended.” She said with a smile as she holds both my hands.
“I’m so sorry. I’ve brought so much discomfort and fear to your home, Jas. Maybe I should just leave.” I say as I look down at my hands.
“Nonsense! I get to spend time with you, enjoy your success and you’re the best roommate ever! I’d just rather you feel safe. That’s what’s most important to me right now.”
“But now you’re having to hire help for me. Are you sure? I wouldn’t blame you if you felt like I should leave.”
I see Leo come out of the bathroom and drop my voice down to a lower volume.
“Absolutely not! Your home is here. You’re not leaving until you’re ready to leave. Or
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Chapter 42 Claire’s Pov
maybe a month or two after that I might need a few months‘ notice to adjust.” She laughs softly and hugs me as I smile. She was amazing and I could never thank her enough.
“Do you want anything before I head to bed?” She asks as she gets up from my bed.
“Another hug would be nice.” I say as I open my arms. Jas never missed an opportunity for a hug. It was her love language. She comes into my open arms and gives me a squeeze.
“Night, Claire.” She says as she heads upstairs.
“Are you ready for bed? I’m sure.you’re exhausted after the day you’ve had.” Leo says as he sits on the bed next to me. I notice him wearing clothes for bed and feel guilty. I was having him come to my rescue, stay by my side and spend the night with me at someone else’s house. And now he was willing to sleep in clothing even though I knew he would feel hot and uncomfortable.
“I’m mentally exhausted.” I say as I scoot in and lay back after giving Leo two pillows. He smiles back at me as he sets them behind his head.
“You don’t have to do that, you know.” I say softly as I turn to look at him while snuggling up with blanket up to my chin.
“Do what?” He asks as he cocks an eyebrow
“I know you don’t like sleeping in clothes. You never have.” I say as I pull at his shirt.
“I just want to be respectful to you.” He says with a soft sigh and a smile. He was exhausted too.
“Leo, you can sleep in your boxers if you’d like. It’s not make but I know it’ll be comfortable for you.”
He looks over at me slowly and practically rips off his shirt and pants causing me to laugh.
“Good. I was already getting hot.” He chuckles.
I clap my hands to turn off the lights and get cozy and feel Leo pull me to his chest.
“Make sure you get some rest. I’ll be here the whole time and I’ve hired two men to watch the entrance and private gate of Jasmine’s house. She knows and has hired some men as well, okay?”
“I don’t deserve all the help you’ve both given me.” I say as I feel sleep taking hold of
- me.
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Chapter 42: Claire’s POV
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“You’re right, you deserve more and I promise you – I will be better.” I knew what he was referring to. Leo still wanted me to come back home and there were moments where I thought about it. He had changed back into the man I fell in love with but with everything going on right now. It was safer for him if I stayed away.
Hopefully, he would continue to understand even though I hadn’t told him.
