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“Have you talked to them lately?” she asks, though we both know the answer.
“Dad called about some business matters a few days ago,” I say with a sigh. “And Mom called on my birthday, as usual.”
“Typical,” Lucia mutters. “I just wish they could see how amazing you are, Leo.”
“Thanks, Luce,” I say, feeling a warmth in my chest at her words. “But I’ve come to terms with it. I have you, and that’s enough for me.”
“And soon, you’ll find a good woman who you’ll fall in love with…”
“Lucia…”
“No matter what you say, Leo, love is a beautiful thing, and one day you’re going to meet a woman who will melt that ice around your heart.”
I let out a heavy sigh, knowing that arguing with her about this is futile. “You’re always the hopeless romantic,” I tease gently.
“Not hopeless, just hopeful,” she corrects with a laugh. “And I believe you deserve to experience that kind of love, Leo. You’ve spent too long shutting yourself off from it.”
I can’t help but think of Kaitlin. Maybe Lucia is right. Maybe there is hope for me yet.
Chapter 10
Kaitlin
It’s been hours, and I still can’t get the conversation with Leonardo out of my head. How dare he try to control my life? The audacity of him, thinking he can dictate my choices just because he has money. I hate that he’s right in some ways. I shouldn’t be doing this. But the reality is, I need the money.
He promised to double my pay, but at what cost? His type always wants to control everything because they hold the purse strings. He who pays the piper calls the tune, right? I refuse to be a puppet.
I pause for a second. But what if I agree to it just so he can pay for Andrew’s treatment? But then I’ll remain his puppet for life, or at least until he gets tired of me.
My phone buzzes, pulling me from my thoughts. It’s a reminder for tonight’s date. I have to escort a business official to a gala. My ride will be here in a few minutes. I take a deep breath, trying to refocus my mind. I can’t afford to let my emotions get in the way of my work.
“Are you sure you’re all right?” Bianca asks me as she gets dressed for her date. She’s attending a pool party with her client. “You’ve been acting off all day.”
“I’m good,” I say with a sigh. I still haven’t told her about Leonardo.
“How was your date last night?” she asks.
“Kaitlin, your ride is here,” Joel’s voice cuts through the intercom before I respond to Bianca’s question.
“I’ll see you tomorrow morning. Let’s meet up for drinks; we haven’t done that in a while,” she says, hugging me.
“Okay,” I say, nodding before picking up my purse and heading out.
When I arrive at the venue, I take a moment to compose myself before stepping out. The gala is being held at a secluded hotel on the outskirts of town. My client, Mr. Harris, is waiting for me near the entrance. He’s an older man, probably in his late fifties, with a distinguished look about him. He greets me with a warm smile, his eyes appraising me.
“Kaitlin, you look stunning,” he says, offering me his arm.
“Thank you, Mr. Harris,” I reply, slipping my arm through his.
I do my best to keep my mind on the task at hand, but Leonardo’s face keeps flashing in my mind. His intense gaze, the way he looked at me as if he could see right through me. I hate that he has this effect on me.
“Are you all right?” Mr. Harris asks, his brow furrowed in concern.
“I’m fine,” I assure him, forcing a smile.
The gala is in full swing, the ballroom buzzing with conversation and the clinking of champagne glasses. A few minutes into the event, I feel a presence beside me. I turn, and my heart skips a beat when I see Leonardo standing there, his expression dark and intense.
“Get your hands off her,” he directs at Mr. Harris, his voice low and menacing.
