Page 10 of The Hitman
“And?”
“He’s a total nerd. Loves video games and anime… not exactly things I’m into.”
I grin as I assemble a grilled cheese in the pan, and the salty aroma seemingly tugs him a step closer.
“Here’s the deal with kids—they don’t really care if you’re into the same things they are as long as they feel loved and supported. Think about it. You’ve both been dealing with the trauma of your sister’s accident, his entire life has been placed on hold indefinitely,andhe’s stuck in a box in the sky where he can barely play soccer without breaking a million-dollar vase.”
“Half a million.” He arches a brow, and if I didn’t know better, I’d say he was teasing me.
After plating the three sandwiches I made, I switch the burner off, then turn to face him. “My point is, you can’t expect him to be all cheerful and happy if you’re keeping him prisoner.”
“This again?” he says, leaning close enough for the mint-heavy words to fan my lashes.
I soften like the butter that’s coating my fingers. “He doesn’t need you to be perfect, Jaxon. He just needs you to try.” I let that hang for a second before adding, quieter this time, “People tend to shut others out because, at some point, they started believing no one would stay if they saw the real mess underneath.”
A chord strikes through me the moment I finish the thought. This isn’t just true for Leo, but also for me.
I left the comfort and safety of a wealthy family to explore who I was as a person, and who I became was a heart-leading, messy woman with a healthy dose of stubborn hope and a tendency to care too deeply for people who keep their walls too high.
And maybe that’s why I see Leo so clearly. Because I know what it’s like to both fear and crave connection.
Jaxon’s stormy eyes hold mine, making it harder to breathe. But I see the moment his armor cracks when he shakes his head. “Even if I wanted to send him back, I can’t.”
“Why?” I whisper.
A muscle flutters along his jaw. I wait for him to respond, but instead of giving me an answer, he tips his head toward the sandwiches I’ve made. “Grilled cheese?”
I barely manage to mask my disappointment.
He doesn’t trust me yet, and I have a feeling that when it comes to a man like Jaxon, trust has to be earned.
“I know it’s not the fancy stuff you’re used to eating around here, but who knows, maybe it’ll speak to your inner child.”
The mood lightens when he huffs. “God, I hope not.”
“Your childhood was that bad, huh? I should’ve known.” I lick the salty oil from my thumb before wagging a finger at him. “The broody billionaire types always have a tragic backstory.”
Jaxon chuckles half-heartedly. “Actually, Isa and I had great parents. They’ve always loved and supported us, but even still, I could never stay out of trouble.”
“Ah, a rebel.”
Humor crinkles the corners of his eyes. Like he forgot to be broody for half a second. “Through and through.”
“Where are your parents, anyway?” I ask, curious as to why they’re not involved in Leo’s care.
“Around,” he says without further explanation.
“That’s not suspicious or anything.”
“You’re awfully inquisitive for a nanny,” he goads me.
“And you’re awfullysecretive,” I retort, deepening his smirk.
The space between us grows smaller. I’m helpless to resist the invisible tug I feel toward him, even though I know I should. His dark brows furrow when he leans a little closer, searching my face with eyes full of whatever thoughts he’s warring with.
I jump when his phone trills in his pocket, shattering the moment.
“Sorry.” He blinks as he pulls away to answer it.
