Page 29 of Sins of Leo

“How is that?”

“Because each time I use it, your eyes spark and your cheeks turn pink.” His lips pinched. “I gotta go.”

The abruptness let her know he’d not meant to say that. “Go where?”

He pulled the journal from his pocket. “Gonna get this scanned.”

“What am I supposed to do while you’re gone?”

He had the most devilish grin as he quipped, “Have a drink for me.”

As he left, she eyed the bar and almost did pour herself a glass. She could have used something to calm her frazzled nerves, and she did see some wine there. However, imbibing would be tugging the tail of an alcoholic lion. It wouldn’t be nice or fair. If only she had her kitchen.

She turned from the bar and blinked because, against the wall opposite the bed, where she’d have sworn sat a desk, there was now a double-wall oven, fridge, counter with sink, and an island with a mixer sitting on top.

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” she muttered as she approached. She hesitated to touch, wondering if it were a mirage. Solid quartz counter. Name-brand mixer. In the cupboards, she found mixing cups and measuring spoons, plus all kinds of dry ingredients to create a culinary masterpiece. In the fridge, eggs, milk, butter, plus packages of meat, potatoes, all kinds of veggies and fruit.

She pursed her lips. Was the stuff even real? Did it matter? “Thanks,” she muttered before rolling up her sleeves. She washed her hands and went to work, making bread dough, finding relaxation in the kneading of it. While it rose, she put together a beef stew, the fragrant smell from the pot soothing her further.

By the time Leo returned, she’d concocted a feast and even managed a smile when he walked in and exclaimed, “What smells so fucking good?”

CHAPTER 8

When Tower forcedRuth into his apartment, Leo couldn’t flee fast enough. He had to run before he did something he’d regret.

And, no, he wasn’t talking about having a shot of something that burned the belly.

He feared giving in to temptation of the carnal kind. The more Buttercup antagonized him, the more he found himself fighting an urge to kiss her. He’d not wanted to do that with anyone since Kylie. To add to his odd attraction, Ruth was nothing like her.

Kylie had been petite and dainty and outgoing. She constantly flirted, fluttering her lashes at Leo, moving provocatively, dropping things on the floor in front of him for an excuse to bend over. She was hyper-feminine in dress and mannerisms, and quick to pout if she didn’t get her way. She also very timid. If he raised his voice, even slightly, she’d tremble and tears would well. It led to him being soft-spoken and coddling.

In the beginning.

The coquette he’d fallen for changed after they got married. As if a switch flipped, Kylie turned into a completely different woman, one cold and indifferent, prone to bouts of temper—andthe insults! It was a wonder his dick didn’t shrivel and die with some of the things she’d said. She’d gone from super loving to hateful, and he never did figure out why. To make the situation worse, she went through bouts where she’d return to being the seductress he’d fallen for. She’d apologize for her behavior, they’d fuck, and Leo would think things were good until a coffee cup came flying at his head for daring to breathe. His quick marriage to Kylie made him regret ever listening to his dick.

Back to his attraction to Ruth. It made no sense. She didn’t flirt, didn’t tease. Ruth didn’t shy away from calling him out, nor did she tiptoe around his feelings. She spoke her mind. Even argued. Strangely, he enjoyed it.

He couldn’t recall the last time he’d had so much fun bantering. And her face when he’d shot down all her suggestions for a hobby? She’d been so mad—and cute—he’d just wanted to kiss her. After all, sex could be a hobby, right?

He doubted she’d agree, not to mention would most likely slap him if he so much as tried to seduce her.

Which he wouldn’t. He’d sworn off women, remember?

Just in case he proved weak—and stupid—he left on the pretext of bringing the journal to Aquarius. He trotted down the stairs to the seventh level, where most of the administration of the Zodiacs happened, and found Aquarius at his desk.

Leo dropped the book on the surface with a thump. “Need you to scan this.”

The other warrior spun his chair and leaned back with an arched brow. “Well hello to you too, brother.” Not actually related, but when you worked this closely with people, they became family.

“For fuck’s sake. Hello. How are you doing? I’m fucking just peachy. Now scan this.”

Aquarius smirked. “Someone’s in a mood. Eager to get back to the woman you brought home?”

“It’s not like that,” Leo huffed. “Ruth is my shrink.”

“Wait, you’re finally seeing someone? Good for you, bro. I hope she can help you.”

Did everyone think he had a problem? Probably, and with good reason. It still stung.

---