Page 53 of Sins of Leo

CHAPTER 16

Leo closely watchedRuth as she tried to get Santos to talk to her. A short conversation, and yet enough time for Maria to plop herself in Ruth’s vacated seat.

“Evening,” she stated with a full-lipped smile.

“Hey.”

“How did you enjoy your meal?”

“Delicious. Thanks for recommending we try it.” The banal conversation roused his wariness.

She leaned forward, the neckline of her blouse gaping enough for him to see she wore no bra. “I was wondering if you still needed a guide? I’m not doing anything tomorrow if you’d like to see the sights.”

Leo didn’t immediately reply because he found himself fascinated by the tight expression on Ruth’s face as she returned to the table.

Could it be jealousy? The sparks in her eyes certainly indicated it.

Hot damn. That was a first, as Kylie never seemed to care if a woman paid him attention, but no denying his Buttercup wasn’t happy.

Meanwhile, she had nothing to worry about. Ruth was the one who consumed his thoughts—and inflated his cock. He stood, and before Ruth could say anything—and without warning either—he said, “Maria, I’d like you to meet my wife, Ruth.”

At the mention of wife, Ruth stumbled but didn’t fall since Leo caught her and tucked her close.

“I see your wife has recovered from her mishap,” Maria stated coolly, having leaned back in her seat.

“It was a close thing. First a spider tried to attack then a snake in the outhouse. Luckily, I saved her from both, and she’s doing better now that she’s put some food in her belly.” With ease, he managed to let Ruth know about the lie he’d told earlier to explain her unconscious state.

Ruth slid an arm around Leo’s waist and melted into him. “You must be Maria. Leo mentioned you’re a guide for these parts.”

“Not anymore. I’m actually here visiting my mother. But given Santos no longer offers tours, and your husband seemed interested in exploring, I offered my services.”

“How kind of you.” Ruth sounded sweet, but Leo caught the subtle undertone. “Apparently, your mother knew my father, Dr. Octavius Warmstone.”

“She did. Quite well, actually. He spent many late evenings in our house.” The feral smile, along with the insinuation, had Leo stiffening.

To his surprise, Ruth didn’t tense. On the contrary, amusement tinged her next words. “Funny, I don’t recall him mentioning anyone other than a witch in his journal.”

Maria put forth a fake smile and laughed. “I’m sure he didn’t want to reveal much, seeing as how he was married at the time.”

Ruth shifted slightly against Leo but remained pleasant. “Not happily, so I’m glad to know he found pleasure where he could. Although I am surprised.”

“By what?” Maria asked warily.

“Well, you’d think he’d have used his paramour as a guide, after all, more time alone, and yet he chose Santos over her. Guess she was only good for one thing.”

“The wrong choice, apparently, or he would have emerged from the jungle,” spat Maria.

Whoa. The conversation had turned ugly, and Leo prepared to step in when Ruth laughed.

“Perhaps he would have, but at the same time, your mother obviously didn’t know how to guide him to what he sought, which means, while it’s lovely you offered your services, we’ll have to pass.”

“Then I guess you’re not going to be exploring, since Santos won’t take you.”

“Even though Santos has refused, I wouldn’t hire you. I’d rather be lost in the woods than put my trust in someone of your character.”

“What’s that supposed to mean?”

“It means, despite knowing Leo was married, you thought it appropriate to not only approach him but very obviously put your feminine wiles on display. You should value yourself more. A man who would cheat on his wife because you have nice breasts isn’t a man worth having,” Ruth stated with a shake of her head.

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