“Fuck the power dynamic.” I sit down on the bench next to him.
Leo immediately shifts away slightly and puts distance between us, clearly trying not to touch me. It annoys me more than it should—this careful avoidance, like touching me might break whatever control he’s clinging to.
Fine. If he wants to play it that way, I’ll make it harder for him.
I scoot closer deliberately, closing the gap until our legs are pressed together from hip to knee. Leo’s whole body goes tense and his jaw clenches. His hands grip his knees harder and his pulse jumps in his throat, his breathing going slightly faster.
Good. At least I’m not the only one affected here.
“It can’t happen again,” Leo says, his voice strained.
“Why not?” I demand, turning to face him more fully. We’re so close now that I can smell cedar and bergamot and can see the different shades of brown in his eyes.
“Because you’re my captive,” Leo says, but he doesn’t move away from me.
“You’re avoiding the real issue.” I watch his eyes narrow. “You called what we did a mistake. You had sex with me and then immediately called it a mistake and refused to talk to me about it.”
His jaw clenches so tightly I can see a muscle jumping. “I didn’t?—”
“You did,” I cut him off sharply. “Don’t lie. You said ‘it was a mistake’ and then you literally left the house rather than face me. So let’s talk about that. Was it a mistake, Leo? Really?”
I can see him struggling with the answer. “The circumstances?—”
“Fuck the circumstances,” I snap.
Leo scoots away. I follow him, making sure to press my leg tightly against his. Desire courses through me and even though I’m so pissed off, I want to straddle him right here and fuck him.
“Do you regret it?” I ask Leo, my heart thumping as uneasiness suddenly replaces the desire, leaving me feeling empty. “Did you not want it?”
Leo glares at me, his full lips pursed. “What kind of question is that? Clearly, I wanted it.”
“So what’s the issue then?” I press. “Is it because you’re my kidnapper? We already crossed that line, Leo. We already had sex. You don’t get to act like it’s only wrong the second time.”
“We have to talk about how this whole situation is fucked, Emma” Leo argues, but he doesn’t move away from me. “Even if you don’t want to hear it.”
“The situation was fucked when you kissed me in the kitchen three days ago,” I shoot back, my stomach twisting as I see him wince. “It was fucked when you told me you wanted me. It was fucked when I told you to take me. We both made choices, Leo. Don’t act like you forced me into anything.”
“I didn’t force you,” Leo says tightly, looking irritated that I even suggested it. “But that doesn’t make it right. You’re still my prisoner. I’m still using you against your father. The situation is still?—”
“Still what you want to hide behind?” I interrupt, annoyed. “What a convenient excuse not to deal with your feelings.”
Leo’s eyes flash with anger. “I’m not hiding,” he snaps.
“You are,” I insist. “You had sex with me and it scared you. It made things real and made you feel something you weren’t prepared to feel. So you called it a mistake and ran away like a goddamn coward.”
“Cut that shit out, Emma,” Leo starts dangerously, his mouth set in a scowl that would terrify anyone else.
But I’m not anyone else and I’mnotafraid of him. “Why?” I demand. “Why shouldn’t I call you out? Do you not like it that I’m pointing out that you’re terrified of what happened between us?” I lean closer, close enough that I can feel his minty breath on my face. “You want to know what I think?” I murmur, making sure to keep my eyes on his face and not his mouth. “I think it wasn’t a mistake at all. I think it was the most honest thing that’s happened between us since you took me. And that scares the shit out of you.”
Leo swallows heavily but keeps his gaze on me, his eyes dark and intense. His hands are clenched so tight on his knees that his knuckles are white.
“I’m not scared,” he says, but his voice lacks conviction.
My lips curve in a smile. “Oh Leo,” I whisper. “You’re a terrible liar. You’re terrified. But you know what? So am I.”
That seems to catch him off guard and he blinks owlishly at me.
“I’m so fucking scared,” I continue, the words spilling out now. “Because I shouldn’t want you. You kidnapped me. You’rekeeping me from my family. By all rights I should hate you. And part of me does hate you. But another part of me?—”