Page 176 of The Clinch
“This isn’t over,” he says, the words aimed at Leo but poisoned for me too.
Leo doesn’t blink. “It is for today.”
Drake laughs once under his breath, but there’s no humor in it. Just humiliation with nowhere to go.
He points at me first, then at Leo, a stupid little gesture that says more about his state than any threat could. “You can dress it up however you want. Same game.”
“No,” I say. My tone comes out steadier than I feel. “It really isn’t.”
He looks at me properly, maybe for the first time since he stepped into my path.
Not ownership this time. Not certainty.
Rage.
I hold his gaze and give him nothing.
Whatever he sees there makes up his mind for him. He backs away, then another step, retreat disguised as contempt.
“This city gets small,” he mutters.
“Keep walking,” Leo says.
Drake peels off down the sidewalk with that same poisoned swagger, as if leaving and winning are the same thing. He doesn’t look back until the corner, and when he does, Leo is still there, still not moving.
Then he disappears into the flow of people and traffic.
Only after he’s gone do I realize my iced tea is dripping down the side of my cup, sticky and cold.
Leo turns to look at me. His gaze drops first to my arm.
The mark is already there, angry and pink where Travis grabbed me. His hand closes harder around the keys.
“Did he hurt you?”
The question is quiet. No heat in it now. Just control pulled tight.
“No.”
It comes out thinner than I want, so I clear my throat and try again. “No. He grabbed me. That’s all.”
A couple steps in carefully. The woman hands me a scrap of paper. “Our names and phone numbers. If you need witnesses.”
I look up, surprised, then slowly take the paper from her.
“Thank you,” I whisper, my cheeks burning. They walk away, shaking their heads.
Leo’s attention lingers on the mark on my arm before it returns to my face.
“My car’s down the block,” he says. “I was Eden’s last appointment. She already left.”
“Okay.”
Leo stays silent.
“I’ll file a restraining order,” I add.
“Let me know if you need me to testify.” He glances once toward the corner where Travis disappeared, then back at me. “If he comes near you again, call 911 first.” Then, softer, “Then call me.”
