“Hey, Leo!” I give him a side hug, but he turns at the last minute, making it a full-frontal hug. Knowing it was an accident, I silently pull myself from it but don’t make a comment.
“My girl. How are you, Cecilia?” I wince at the use of ‘my girl,’ and realize I should’ve warned Leo that Roman was coming. And maybe even have warned Roman about Leo.
“I’m great! Happy birthday!” I squeal, excited to celebrate my friend.
“Thanks, Cecilia.” He wraps his arm around my shoulder and pulls me in again, but I brush it off. “Hello, Gracie. I’m glad you could join us.” He sounds anything but glad to see her.
Gracie just glares at him.
“If Cecilia’s here, then I’m here.” It comes out as a warning.
This might not have been the best idea.
“Where’s everyone else?” I ask, looking around for his friends.
“They’re inside. I was waiting for you guys.”
He places his hand on the small of my back and leads us to the bouncer. Leo very obviously sneaks him a hundred-dollar bill, which the bouncer stares at unimpressed. I hear Gracie snort at it.
“Hey, big guy. Can you let us in?” She bats her eyelashes at him, and he eyes her up and down. His stoney expression warps into a wicked grin. He’s about to flirt with her when his gaze lands on me. His eyes widen and he takes a step back.
“IDs,” he grunts out.
Gracie looks impressed that her tactic of asking semi-nicely worked. Leo just grumbles.
I hand him my ID first. He looks at it for a full minute before handing it back, then barely glances at Gracie and Leo’s. I guess if one of us is of age, he assumes all of us are.
As we walk through the door, Leo’s expression becomes almost… sinister.
“Cecilia, baby, tonight’s the night! I finally get everything I want,” he whispers in my ear.
“I’m glad, birthday boy. I’m sure it’ll be a great night.” I force a smile on my face. I’ve never felt uncomfortable around Leo before, but for some reason, right now, I don’t want to be near him.
We stop at a table full of guys who must be Leo’s friends. He slaps some on the back and makes introductions. I don’t recognize these men. They feel dangerous.
Leo leads Gracie and me to another table nearby since theirs is full. He opens his mouth to say something, but his attention drifts behind me. He straightens and his expression darkens.
“Can I help you?” Leo grits out as a smooth voice whispers in my ear, “Hey, sunshine. I’ve missed you.”
I can’t help the grin that breaks out. I turn to face Roman who wears a matching grin.
“Hey, héroe. Thanks for coming.” I blush as he looks me over.
“You look beautiful,” he says with a wistful sigh.
He opens his arms in an offer but doesn’t force a hug. I giddily step into his embrace and wrap my arms around his neck. He squeezes me tightly against him and I feel safe. I hear an inhale and…Did he just sniff me?
“Who are you?” Leo’s tenor voice snaps, breaking us apart.
I step out of the embrace, and Roman flashes him a smile. I take in Roman’s outfit. Tonight, he’s in black slacks, a black button-up, and dress shoes. The business look works really well for him.
“I’m Roman. Celia invited me. You are?” He holds out his hand in an offer to shake and after a few seconds of hesitation, Leo takes it. Leo flinches at what must be a tight grip from Roman. My hero just doesn’t know his strength.
“Leo. This is my birthday night out. And her name is Cecilia,” Leo mutters through a tight smile.
“Well then, happy birthday, Leo. Is it your twenty-first?” Roman asks, genuinely interested. It warms my heart to see him make an effort with my friends.
Leo, however, scoffs offendedly, not realizing Roman wasn’t insulting him. “I’m twenty-four today, man.”
