Chapter 9

Leonardo

When I open my eyes, the first thing I see is Kaitlin lying next to me, her chest rising and falling with each peaceful breath. Her hair is spread out over the pillow, and she looks so serene, so beautiful, it takes my breath away.

A strange feeling washes over me as I watch her sleep. I realize that I like her—really like her. It's a foreign sensation, one I haven't felt in years. I've always kept my emotions in check, never allowing myself to get attached. But with Kaitlin, something's different.

Last night, I broke all my rules—kissing, oral sex, cuddling. I've never done those things with anyone. And yet, I want to do it again. With her, I feel human again for the first time in forever.

I want her around. I want her for myself.

The thought scares me. I've never felt this possessive about someone. I need coffee; maybe I'll think better with some caffeine in my system.

Quietly, I slip out of bed, careful not to wake her. I head to the kitchen, my mind still racing with thoughts of her. With Kaitlin, I broke every rule I made after just one night of meeting her. I even told her my real name; only business associates know my real name. What is happening to me?

As I make coffee, the aroma fills the kitchen, and just as I pour the first cup, I hear soft footsteps behind me. I turn around to see Kaitlin standing in the doorway, wearing nothing but my shirt. She looks so sexy and effortlessly beautiful that it makes my heart skip a beat.

"Good morning," she says with a shy smile, her voice still a little husky from sleep.

"Good morning," I reply, handing her a cup of coffee. "Did you sleep well?"

"Yes, very well," she says, taking a sip of coffee. Her eyes light up with pleasure. "This is good. I helped myself to one of your shirts. I hope you don't mind."

"You should wear my shirt more often; you look sexy in it." I watch as her cheeks turn red. I like that I have that effect on her.

We sit at the kitchen island, and for a moment, there's a comfortable silence between us. I watch her as she enjoys her coffee, the way her lips curl around the rim of the cup, the way she looks at me with those big, expressive eyes. I know I need to say something, to tell her what I'm feeling.

"Kaitlin," I begin, my voice serious. "I want you to stop working at Passion Palace."

Her eyes widen in surprise, and she sets her cup down. "Why?"

"Because I want you," I say, not bothering to sugarcoat my words. "I want you for myself."

She laughs, but there's no humor in it. "You want me? I'm not a toy you can just want and acquire, Leonardo."

"I'm not trying to acquire you," I insist. "I'll double whatever it is you're being paid. Just stop working there."

Her expression changes, becoming more guarded. "You don't understand, I need that job."

I understand why she needs it, but I don't tell her. I know her brother is sick and in need of a bone marrow transplant. I also know they have yet to find a donor. I'm already working on making sure that he gets a donor and that the treatment is paid for.

I also know her dad and elder brother are in prison for drug charges. I know everything about her. I did my digging the moment I knew her name. "I'll help you with whatever it is that you need the money for…"

She stands up, her eyes flashing with anger. "This is my life. You can't just waltz in and dictate what I should do."

I reach out to her, trying to calm her down, but she pulls away. "Kaitlin, sit. Let's talk about this."

"No. You're trying to control my life," she snaps, her voice shaking. "And I won't let you. I'm not some damsel in distress that needs saving."

I watch as she storms out of the kitchen. I want to go after her, but I decide to let her cool off. Maybe I came on too strong, but I'm still going to make her see the reasons she should stop working there. The thought of her being with another man makes me see red.

"Where are you going?" I ask, surprised to see her come out of the other room, now dressed in the dress she wore last night.

"I'm leaving."

"Kaitlin…"

"Last night was fun; we should never do it again." With that she storms out of my house, leaving me standing there, feeling more alone than I have in a long time.

I run a hand through my hair, letting out a deep sigh. This isn't going to be as easy as I'd thought. My phone buzzes on the kitchen counter, pulling me out of my thoughts. I see it's a call from Lionel, an old friend. He works at a stem foundation, and I gave him the task of finding a donor for Kaitlin's brother.

"Leonardo," Lionel's voice comes through the line, warm and familiar. "I've got good news."

"Go on," I say.

"We've found a donor for that girl's brother," he says. "It took some work, but we matched him with a compatible donor."

"Perfect. How soon can you get it to him?"

"We'll have to reach out to the hospital where he's admitted, and we'll work out the details."

A surge of relief washes over me. This is exactly what Kaitlin needs right now. "I want it scheduled as soon as possible. Thank you. Make sure everything goes smoothly. I want the best care for him."

"Of course," Lionel replies. "We'll take care of everything. You know you can count on me."

"I know. I appreciate it," I say sincerely. "And Lionel, thank you for doing this. I know it wasn't easy."

"Anything for you, Leo," Lionel says. "You saved my ass more times than I can count. Consider this me returning the favor."

We end the call, and I stand there for a moment, processing everything. Knowing that Kaitlin's brother will get the help he needs lifts a weight off my shoulders.

As I sit in the kitchen, finishing my second cup of coffee, my phone buzzes again. I glance at the screen and see my sister's name flashing. A small smile tugs at the corner of my mouth. Lucia and I've always been close, especially since our relationship with our parents has always been strained.

"Hey, Lucia," I answer, my tone softening.

"Leo! It's about time you answered," she chides playfully. "I've been trying to reach you for days."

"I'm sorry, I've been busy," I reply, a touch of weariness in my voice. "You know how it is."

"I know, I know. But you better not be too busy for your sister." Her tone is light but serious.

"True," I respond, nodding even though she can't see me. "How are the wedding preparations coming?"

She's getting married to Donald, the CEO of a luxury goods company in Toronto. They've been dating for the past two years, and I have no doubt he truly loves her.

"Very well," she responds. "I hope you won't be too busy to attend?"

"I wouldn't miss it for the world," I assure her. "I'll be there, I promise."

"You better be," she says, her voice softening. "How's the acquisition coming? Has Mark Barbeau caved yet?"

"Almost, I'm working on it."

My family owns an oil refinery in Canada, Sinclair Energy Inc., where I serve as the CFO. We're planning to expand our operations to New York, and once the deal is finalized, I'll lead the new company.

"I know you're always swamped with work, but this is important to me. Please don't miss my wedding, Leo. You're the only family I have that I can count on."

"I know, Lucia. I'll be there," I repeat, more firmly this time. "You have my word."

There's a brief pause on the line before she continues. "You know, I wish things were different with Mom and Dad."

"Yeah, me too," I admit, feeling a familiar pang of sadness. "But it is what it is."

Our relationship with our parents has been distant for years. Ever since the incident that drove a wedge between us, our interactions have been limited to business discussions with my father. And obligatory birthday calls from my mother. Lucia has been my rock through it all, and I've been hers.

"Have you talked to them lately?" she asks, though we both know the answer.

"Dad called about some business matters a few days ago," I say with a sigh. "And Mom called on my birthday, as usual."

"Typical," Lucia mutters. "I just wish they could see how amazing you are, Leo."

"Thanks, Luce," I say, feeling a warmth in my chest at her words. "But I've come to terms with it. I have you, and that's enough for me."

"And soon, you'll find a good woman who you'll fall in love with…"

"Lucia…"

"No matter what you say, Leo, love is a beautiful thing, and one day you're going to meet a woman who will melt that ice around your heart."

I let out a heavy sigh, knowing that arguing with her about this is futile. "You're always the hopeless romantic," I tease gently.

"Not hopeless, just hopeful," she corrects with a laugh. "And I believe you deserve to experience that kind of love, Leo. You've spent too long shutting yourself off from it."

I can't help but think of Kaitlin. Maybe Lucia is right. Maybe there is hope for me yet.