Chapter 9

Nine

It was impossible for Jonathon to sleep, knowing Leo was nearby. Historically, he had found that the amount of time he spent tossing and turning was relative to his own location and its proximity to Leo's. He could sleep like an infant in Las Vegas, knowing there was an ocean between them and that it was probably the very last place Leo would ever visit. And Jonathon would be restless in the United Kingdom and a shambles in Europe, the closer he got to Austria and the higher the odds of seeing Leo.

This wasn't the first time Leo had visited New York City while Jonathon and Muriel were in town. But thankfully, Leo deplored the excessive use of planes and jets by the wealthy and only ventured across the Atlantic for important occasions and kept his visits brief. Whenever he was in the city, Jonathon would use every excuse to remain at home, safely inside the Olympia, and would spend the entire time anxious and depressed until he knew Leo was on his way back to Europe.

Before the gala, Muriel had told Jonathon that their old friend, the current Margrave, was in town. She had lamented at the fact that the Margrave and his entourage would only be there for the weekend and that there would be no time to call on him before they returned to Austria. That had been just fine for Jonathon, but it looked like Leo had changed his plans.

It was safe to assume that Jonathon was the reason and that only confused and upset him more. Why couldn't Leo stay on his side of the world and why couldn't he take a drink to the face like an adult and leave Jonathon alone?

He was far too angry to sleep so Jonathon gave up, punching his pillow and pushing himself upright. Milo was snoring softly on the bunk below so Jonathon carefully eased himself over the side and down the ladder. He pulled on his Converse and slipped onto the balcony in his pajama pants and a T-shirt, despite the blustery night.

He had been in the mood to skulk about the building's forgotten corridors and stairwells, but a whiff of pot stopped him before he dropped onto the balcony below Milo's. Jonathon followed the smell around the balcony, climbing over the dividing wall and slipping between a row of string-light-covered topiaries.

Jonathon gave his head a shake and rubbed his eyes, afraid he might be sleepwalking, when he found Giles Ashby, reclining on a daybed and smoking a blunt. But there he was, wrapped in a cozy-looking quilt and reading what looked like a romance novel as an outdoor heater burned in the corner next to him.

"Would you care to join me?" he asked, holding the blunt out to Jonathon.

He offered Giles an apologetic grin and waved awkwardly as he approached the bed. "Sorry, I couldn't sleep and I like to wander the building when I need to think."

Giles sat up, alert as he reached over the armrest and offered Jonathon another quilt. "Fin made these for me with Luna's and Milo's old T-shirts and pajama tops and sweatshirts," he explained. "Do you wander the building often?"

"All the time," Jonathon said. "I know all her secrets and all the best hiding places. She's been my closest companion, most of my life, and she comforts me when I'm feeling down or lost."

"I love this building," Giles stated with a fond chuckle. "Can I go with you next time? When I'm not under the influence," he clarified.

"Sure," Jonathon said, thanking Giles for the blunt and the quilt. He took a quick drag, then passed it back so he could wrap himself up and get comfortable. "I thought you didn't like to leave 8B," he said and Giles shook his head.

"I don't mind leaving 8B, it's everything outside of it that I mind. I love old buildings like the Olympia and architecture—particularly stations and terminals—is a passion of mine."

That was surprising and somewhat ironic, given Giles's severe anxiety disorder. "Really? I would think that busy places like stations and terminals would be difficult for you."

Giles coughed and laughed as he nodded. "I can't go when people are there. I'd have a nervous breakdown or get in a fight or both. But I love to go when they're quiet. Those busy places are magical when they're empty and some are architectural masterpieces. Take Grand Central Station!" he said, then ducked and shushed himself, giggling as he handed the blunt to Jonathon. "I can get loud when I'm high and Riley's sleeping. I love this city and there are places I miss, like Strawberry Fields and the planetarium, so I try to go out when I know they won't be crowded. When I'm feeling up to it. I just feel up to it less and less these days."

"I can understand that. I get even more quiet when I smoke," Jonathon said and took a long pull, smiling as his body became lighter and tingled. The quieting of his thoughts was immediate and the tension seeped from his muscles as he took another drag. "That's nice. I didn't realize how much I needed to smoke. I already feel so much better. Thank you."

"Any time," Giles insisted. "I like having company when I smoke. But I think I talk too much for Riley unless he's smoking too. He's not much of a smoker, though. Says he'd rather be bouncy and bubbly."

"He doesn't need it," Jonathon agreed. "Save it for us sad and stressed boys."

That made Giles laugh. "I doubt I'll run out."

"Good. I'll probably be sad for a while," Jonathon predicted, causing Giles to frown.

"I hope not. I know that things between you and the Margrave seem terrible right now, but there's still a chance you two could work this out."

Jonathon choked and giggled. "Are you high?" he asked, making Giles laugh as he nodded.

"Very. But that doesn't mean that you can't give him another chance."

"Why should I?" Jonathon countered. "He lied to me and I was destroyed, but I kept waiting and hoping he'd realize he made a mistake or that he might miss me and change his mind. And who says he wants another chance? I doubt he had an epiphany when I threw that drink at him."

"Depends on how hard you threw it," Giles said with a finger gun.

Jonathon rolled his eyes. "I should have thrown it harder. He probably wants to tell me he's sorry and that he did it for my own good. That way he can fly back to Austria with a clear conscience."

"I don't know…" Giles took a hit and scrubbed the back of his head as he exhaled. "He didn't have much of a conscience when he stood you up ten years ago, from the sound of things. Why stick around now so he can apologize if he doesn't really care?"

"Maybe he wants to hurt me again, for old time's sake?" Jonathon guessed. "He made me believe he cared before and it turned out to be a lie. I won't let him have another chance just so he can demolish whatever's left."

"No, we can't let that happen," Giles agreed.

Jonathon didn't like how somber Giles looked and regretted bringing down his mood so he decided to change the subject. "I don't want to talk about Leo anymore. What's the best airport in the world?"

That worked like a charm. Giles fumbled the blunt as he swung upright, but caught it and gave it another hit before passing it to Jonathon. "The Denver International Airport!"

"Denver?" Jonathon said dubiously. "Denver, Colorado. The Colorado in this United States?"

"Yes ." Giles stated as he nodded, utterly serious. "It's twice the size of Manhattan. It's the largest airport in the Western Hemisphere. It has these gorgeous outdoor lounges where you can sit and watch the planes for as long as you want."

Jonathon widened his eyes, pretending to care about the Denver International Airport. "Fascinating." He wanted to dwell on Leo without bringing Giles down and so Jonathon was content to listen as he rattled off facts and compared it to his other favorite airports.

For as long as Jonathon lived, he would never understand how he could have been so wrong about Leo von Hessen and how anyone could be so heartless. Leo could have used Jonathon and kept matters between them purely physical. Jonathon could have made it out of Austria with his pride and his heart intact if Leo hadn't made him believe in fairy tales.

How could you do it?

Jonathon thought back to "their" ball and what should have been the most magical night of his entire existence. It had all been so perfect and Leo had made Jonathon believe that he was magical and somehow deserving of a prince.

But in hindsight, the evening would serve as the most epic example of gaslighting Jonathon had ever witnessed. It still took his breath away when he recalled how easily Leo had managed it and how completely Jonathon had fallen for the entire sham of an evening.

Their "magical" private ball—like most unfortunate events—started innocently enough over breakfast, with a bit of mischief and a flashy white suit.

"It's the Opera Ball, dearest. You'll be expected," Sabine had scolded Leo but he smiled at her over his paper, looking rather pleased as he reclined and crossed his legs.

"No, I won't, because you provided me with the perfect excuse. I'm here to take a break and recover. Going to a ball wouldn't be very restful, would it?"

She blinked back at him, then smiled at Muriel. "I'm sure you still appreciate tradition and decorum. Will you be attending the ball, Ms. Hormsby?"

"Bah! Of course," Muriel said over the rim of her cup. "Not because I appreciate tradition and decorum, though. Can't think of anything more boring. I'll be there for the gossip and the tails. Men rarely dress up these days and it's nice to pretend they still have standards and good taste."

Jonathon sighed at his yogurt and shrugged. "It's so much work and you have to have the right frame. I look like I'm on my way to Mass with my parents because I'm so skinny and I don't have the shoulders to pull off a real suit." He risked a quick glance at Leo, in his perfect charcoal tweed three-piece suit and hummed appreciatively. "Although, I do appreciate a man who can pull one off," he said and licked the yogurt off his spoon.

That got a wry chuckle out of Muriel. "Don't we all?"

But Sabine's brow had quirked and she looked confused while Leo shifted in his seat and mumbled about the rain. If Jonathon was any good at telegraphing his thoughts, Leo knew who was pulling his suit off later.

"Will you be attending?" Sabine asked Jonathon and he shook his head, wrinkling his nose at Muriel.

"I did bring that white suit you made me get, but I doubt they'd let me attend as a debutante," he said, making Muriel gasp excitedly.

"Oh, you should! The heads you'd turn. You might accidentally find a husband," she drawled, causing Leo's brows to pinch and he looked like he was about to say something but Sabine clicked her teeth.

"If you insist on making a clown out of yourself, Mr. Hawthorne. But I ask that you refrain from doing so while you're the Margrave's guest," she said with a placid, plastic smile.

"He can wear what he wants. I don't care," Leo said simply.

A delighted hoot burst from Muriel. "There you have it! Jonathon's making his debut tonight," she declared but Jonathon scoffed and shook his head.

"Jonathon is doing nothing of the sort. Unless he can dance with who he wants to dance with, he's staying here and enjoying his book."

The Opera Ball was one of the reasons Muriel had come to Sch?nbühel after the holidays. The Austrians were famous for their rich, romantic history and the Opera Ball was the pinnacle of the season. While listed as a public event, it was still extremely exclusive with tickets selling out a year in advance. It was also one of the most traditional and revered of the Viennese society balls, so many prominent politicians and aristocrats would be there.

Jonathon was both relieved that he would miss it and shocked that Leo wasn't going. He had said as much when he met Leo in the library an hour later. "Why didn't you tell me you weren't going to the ball?"

"Why would you assume I would?" Leo countered, then winced sheepishly. "I had assumed that you would be going with your aunt," he said and Jonathon's face twisted and his tongue pushed out as he gagged.

"God, no. I hate dressing up."

"That's a shame," Leo had replied as he towed Jonathon into their secret alcove by the stained glass window. He raised Jonathon's hand and kissed his knuckles, licking between his fingers. "I adore you like this," he said, gesturing at Jonathon's simple navy cardigan, white T-shirt, jeans, and Converse. "I adore you naked." Instead of sitting, Leo turned Jonathon so he was facing the chair. "But I want to see you in your white suit," he whispered into Jonathon's hair, making him shiver as goosebumps spread down his neck.

Jonathon started to nod, then remembered how tight it was and how silly he felt in it. "Could I show you a picture? I'm pretty sure Muriel still has one on her phone. She swore I looked like a model and she was going to find me an agent, but I told her no and threatened to poison her martinis," he muttered, earning a strained chuckle from Leo as he nibbled on Jonathon's ear.

He reached around Jonathon's waist and dealt with the fly, then pushed his jeans and boxer briefs down. "Wear the suit when you come to me tonight," he ordered in a low, deep growl that made Jonathon's knees knock as he started to sweat.

"Do I have to?"

A hand slid around Jonathon's throat, the thumb strumming his carotid. "I want to see you in this head-turning suit. In my mind, you are magical and I need to see it for myself."

"You'll probably be disappoi?—"

The hand around Jonathon's throat squeezed, silencing him and his doubts. "I could never be disappointed. You are always beautiful to me."

He made Jonathon feel beautiful as he was lifted and set on his knees, facing the back of the armchair. Leo took out his cock and coated it with lube, then proceeded to obliterate what was left of Jonathon's resistance.

Jonathon was still tingling and floating as he waved Muriel and Sabine off when they left for Vienna. The ball wouldn't end until around 5 AM so they wouldn't be home until the next morning, leaving Leo and Jonathon with the castle to themselves for the rest of the night.

At dinner, Leo made a scene, complaining that it was silly for them to be seated so far apart when it was just the two of them dining. He said he didn't feel like shouting and insisted that Jonathon's seat be moved closer to his so they could have a decent conversation. Unfortunately, Jonathon couldn't think of a single thing worth discussing and spent most of the meal staring dreamily at Leo and blushing every time their hands touched.

There was an attack of the nerves when Jonathon found the garment bag and took the suit out. He worried he'd look like a glitzy Colonel Sanders in the iridescent white fabric and matching vest so Jonathon went shirtless and left the bow tie. A fresh haircut would have been nice to keep his hair out of his eyes, but Jonathon made do with some extra pomade and was actually impressed as he swept it all back into a tall, messy quiff. He snuck into Muriel's room for a touch of blush and lip gloss and a spritz of rose perfume.

Jonathon paused in front of the standing mirror in her dressing room, rather pleased. "I clean up quite nicely," he noted and turned to check out the backside and grinned. "Am I husband material? Because that ass could rip up a marriage," he said with a cocky wink at his reflection.

He felt like an extra glamorous and dangerous twink as he peeked around corners and darted down corridors, clinging to the shadows. His hair got a quick pat before Jonathon tapped on the door and rested his shoulder against the jamb.

The door swung open a moment later but the flirty greeting Jonathon had prepared went poof!— vaporized as Leo bowed and offered a gloved hand. He was exquisitely turned out in a classic black coat and tails, stealing Jonathon's breath and his heart.

"Wow," he whispered as Leo kissed his knuckles. "You look incredible."

Leo straightened, pulling Jonathon with him as he backed into the sitting room. "You are perfection, Jonathon. So beautiful," he whispered, raising Jonathon's hand and pressing a reverent kiss to his wrist as Leo gathered him in his arms.

The lights were turned down and they were surrounded by candles and flowers as a waltz played softly from the speakers overhead. "How did you do this?" Jonathon whispered shakily, shocked that Leo would go to so much trouble.

He shrugged as he turned Jonathon, setting them spinning. The coffee table and armchairs had been pushed out of the way, transforming the sitting room into a private ballroom. "I wanted to see what you would look like if I could take you to the Opera Ball, and you said you would only go if you could dance with who you wanted," he explained with a dismissive shrug. "I hope that would include me."

"Thank you!" Jonathon popped up onto his toes, capturing Leo's face for a deeply grateful kiss. "This is the most amazing thing anyone has ever done for me and I've never felt so beautiful."

"You are radiant, mein Liebster." Leo cradled Jonathon's jaw tenderly as they kissed and slowly waltzed, circling the rug. "I'm so glad you decided to humor me and wear the suit. You look even more magical than I imagined."

Jonathon gulped as his nerves fizzed and his heart raced. He couldn't believe that Leo—a real-life prince—would do all of this for a nobody like him. "Would you say I look finger lickin' good," he attempted with a weak laugh.

"I'm sorry?" Leo stared at him, lips pursing. "Wh—? Finger… lickin' —?" He shook his head slowly. "I suppose… You always look tempting and taste like heaven," he said, making Jonathon giggle as Leo blushed and stammered.

"It's an American thing," he explained with an eye-roll, sliding an arm around Leo's middle and settling against his chest. "I still can't believe you did this. How?" Jonathon laughed, awed at all the flowers and candles.

"Most of the staff left after dinner." Leo murmured the words against Jonathon's temple, his hand sliding lower and curving possessively around an asscheek. "I went on a little raid before I put on my tuxedo."

Jonathon leaned back, shaking his head as he tried to picture Leo sneaking around the castle with armfuls of vases and candelabras. " You went on a little raid?"

"It was nothing," Leo said firmly, ending the matter.

A bottle of champagne was chilling in a bucket, making Jonathon snort. Leo must have raided the kitchen and the silver pantry as well. "Regardless, I'd much rather be here with you than stand around with a bunch of stuffy aristocrats, eating goulash and drinking flat wine."

"I would always choose to be here with you." Leo tipped Jonathon's chin back and pecked at his lips. "When I think about how badly I did not want to come to Sch?nbühel, I feel like a fool. I would have run to get here if I had known you were waiting for me."

"Really?" Jonathon asked, dazedly. "Me too." He wanted to tell Leo that he would come back whenever, that he would wait forever, but one didn't invite themselves to stay at a prince's castle. Unless they were Muriel. "I'm glad I was here and it wasn't as bad as you feared."

"This transition has been a slow, gradual process," Leo began, sighing heavily. "It will continue to be gradual and I must play along. The Foundation is attempting to make Max's abdication seem like a positive outcome and my succession is meant to signal a new beginning for the House of Hessen. This is all uncharted territory and I am probably the last man they'd want for the job, but we'll find a way to make it work. It's rather lovely, though, to have found so much joy while I'm here, despite their efforts to make me bored and miserable for a month," he said conspiratorially, making Jonathon smirk.

"We've certainly shown them. I'm having the time of my life."

"So am I," Leo declared, then led Jonathon though a sweeping turn and twirled him. "I don't think I've ever enjoyed myself more at a ball."

They danced several waltzes, teasing and laughing like they were in a glittering ballroom. Leo had even offered Jonathon his arm and escorted him to the ice bucket for a toast.

"To the star of the night, my Jonathon." Leo raised his glass like he was addressing his guests, his eyes glowing with sinful promise as they held Jonathon's. "You shine so brilliantly and you have captivated me from the moment we first met."

Their glasses tapped and Jonathon remained cool as they took their first sips, then offered Leo a nod before draining his and passing it back.

"Pardon me," he said and dropped to his knees, shocking Leo.

"Jonathon!" he scolded, but it turned into a strained laugh when Jonathon yanked Leo's belt through the buckle and ripped open the fly of his tuxedo trousers.

"You're about to see stars," Jonathon predicted with an adoring groan as he eased the waist down and freed Leo's hard-on. "You turned tonight into a dream. But if this is my dream, it's going to be filthy, Leo."

"Okay…" he said, nodding jerkily and leaned away to put their glasses down. "Gott!" He grabbed the edge of the table when Jonathon opened wide and swallowed as much of Leo's length as he could. "Oh, Gott!" His fingers tangled in Jonathon's hair and Leo hissed appreciatively. "Das ist so gut…" He guided Jonathon's head back and forth but his control was slipping. Jonathon could feel Leo's body trembling and his grumbles were getting higher and tighter. His body grew warmer as Jonathon used his hands and his lips to reward Leo and melt his brain.

It was only fair after the way he had swept Jonathon off of his feet.

Jonathon raised his eyes to Leo's, winding his tongue around the head as he stroked. "Make it hurt, sir," he pouted. "Make me swallow every inch of this and then, fuck me like you own me."

"Jonathon!" Leo muffled a scandalized swear, his eyes huge as he leaned back and watched Jonathon gag around his length. "Schei?e," he panted.

Jonathon moaned lewdly, his nails scraping Leo's firm, round ass and thighs. He opened wider and inhaled as he pressed forward until his nose mashed into the hairs at the base of Leo's cock. His throat burned as tears spilled from his eyes, but Jonathon had never felt higher or more aroused.

"Schei?e…!" Leo groaned as he gave in and bucked against Jonathon's face, holding onto his head.

"Mmmmm!" Jonathon was already so close. Heat and pleasure plumed in his core and there was a gnawing, hungry ache that had him restless and writhing as Leo unraveled above him.

"Jetzt!" was all the warning Jonathon got before his head was pulled back and he was hauled to his feet by his armpits. Leo spun him, plucking at Jonathon's belt and his zipper as he was lifted and rushed into the bedroom. He was thrown onto the bed and Leo's hand planted on the middle of Jonathon's back, pinning him to the mattress as his feet dangled off the floor.

"Fuck!" Jonathon howled when Leo held him open and slathered lube onto his hole and fingered him roughly. "Now, sir. Please, break me," he begged in a ragged whimper. He clawed at the coverlet and Jonathon's eyes crossed as Leo filled him with a brutally deep thrust.

"Mine! Fuck! Du geh?rst mir! You are… Mine! " Leo's pelvis slapped hard and fast against Jonathon's ass, whipping them both into a wild frenzy. "Du bist mein!"

"Yes! Always!"

Leo bent over Jonathon, a hand twisting in his hair as feral growls thundered in his ear. "My Jonathon." He rolled his hips, grinding with every possessive thrust.

Pleasure erupted and spilled from Jonathon, a bright rush of joy as he came with a delirious sob. He existed solely for Leo's pleasure, every single cell and molecule humming with devotion and obsession. And it was pure bliss for Jonathon, knowing that Leo craved his body and his submission. He felt owned—possessed—to his very core and so completely under Leo's command and Jonathon felt loved.

He knew it was way too soon, but Jonathon had never felt anything as strong as the desire to belong to Leo in every way possible. He was ready to confess his love and do anything to be with Leo. Jonathon couldn't imagine anything that would make him happier but he knew Leo had huge responsibilities and a legacy waiting for him in Vienna.

The thought snatched Jonathon from ecstasy and sent him plunging into cold loneliness. He pushed off the bed, attempting to fill his lungs as they tightened only to hear Leo sob his name. Lush heat flooded his passage while Leo held him tight, one hand around Jonathon's throat and the other arm wrapped around his chest.

"I thought I was dreaming the first time I saw you," Leo huffed, rubbing his nose in the back of Jonathon's hair and breathing him in. Suddenly, Jonathon could breathe again and he wasn't cold and scared. "It was like I made a wish and the star itself had come to soothe my lonely soul."

Kisses rained on Jonathon's hair, the back of his neck, and his cheeks before Leo pushed off the bed and eased out. He scooped Jonathon up and placed him on the pillows, crooning softly as what was left of the crumpled white suit was peeled off and draped on the armchair.

"Shall I read to you?" Leo asked when he returned with their glasses and their book tucked under one arm.

Jonathon thanked him and took the book. "We're almost to the end," he noted sadly. They started with Rapunzel and it was Jonathon's favorite but he had also enjoyed Sleeping Beauty, the Frog Prince, and Snow White.

"We'll find another," Leo replied, distracted as he scooted under the duvet and slid an arm around Jonathon. He pulled him close, nuzzling his cheek. "We'll read as many books as you wish." He took Jonathon's hand and raised it, sniffing and kissing the inside of his wrist. "The first time I saw you, I was reminded of a star, but tonight you're like a rose: beautiful, alluring, timeless... Spend the night with me. Sabine and your aunt won't get in until morning and they'll go straight to their rooms and pass out," Leo predicted. "I rarely see Sabine before noon, the day after a big ball."

"Muriel won't send for me until it's time to walk her down for cocktails before dinner," Jonathon said. "But the whole night? What about the staff?"

"I told Frau Fischer that we would all sleep in and order breakfast in bed if we were hungry," Leo said with a pleased grin. "No one will have any reason to bother either of us until we call them, so you shall sleep here tonight," he declared with a firm nod.

"I can stay here tonight? I've never slept with anyone before. I've always slept by myself," Jonathon said excitedly.

Leo hummed as he pulled Jonathon closer. "You will stay here and I can spend the whole night cherishing you."

And cherish Leo did. He read to Jonathon, whispering in his ear as they sipped champagne. After, Leo crawled down to Jonathon's feet and kissed them as he kneaded the arches and his calves until he was limp and drowsy. Leo licked and kissed his way up Jonathon's back, whispering his adoration and admiration. His sentiments were so close to the whispers in Jonathon's heart that they gave him hope.

He fell asleep sprawled on Leo's chest but Jonathon woke up in his own room, no sign of his suit or their secret, private ball save for the bouquet of white roses on his bedside table. The castle was quiet the next day, with Sabine and Muriel staying in bed and sending for trays in the afternoon. Which was a good thing because Jonathon couldn't help but blush and sigh dreamily every time he thought about what had occurred in Leo's sitting room.

And it was so much worse every time their eyes met. Jonathon would beam and he dropped things whenever Leo smiled back at him. They flirted discreetly as they ate lunch and went at each other like starving animals in the Rose Tower later. Jonathon's feet barely touched the ground that day and Sabine would have surely noticed if she hadn't been sleeping off the Opera Ball.

He didn't have to do all of that.

Jonathon often wondered if Leo was being self-indulgent or if there was something selfish and cruel in his nature that he kept hidden away. What about Jonathon had brought that out, or what had he done to deserve to be toyed with so mercilessly? He could have bounced back if it had been a normal fling and Jonathon had merely had a crush on Leo.

Instead, Leo had cast a beautiful spell upon Jonathon, enchanting and filling his head with silly fairy tales. It would have been so much easier to get over an average man and put a run-of-the-mill fling behind him, but Leo had to go and make it extraordinary and he had to be the perfect fantasy prince.

Yes… I do think I'll be sad for the foreseeable future, Jonathon predicted, returning to the present and 8B's balcony. He wiggled his shoulders, sinking deeper into the quilt and admiring the blunt while Giles rhapsodized about airports and train stations. Jonathon couldn't see how it was possible to get over a man like Leo von Hessen. He wished he had thrown a much bigger drink in Leo's face for making him believe that he was worthy of a prince and that they could live happily ever after.

I will never forgive him and I am not coming out of 8B until Leo has left Manhattan.

Why would he? Jonathon had nice friends there who cared about him and there were snacks and plenty of weed.