20. Dead Girl Walking

I don't know what to think when a hand secures itself over my mouth and I'm pulled up against a hard chest. My breath leaves my body and I fall into fight or flight. My instincts kick in and I elbow the man in the ribs, maneuvering from his grip with ease, shoving the form against the front door. I don't even pay attention to who it is until I'm glancing up at them.

"If you wanted it rough, all you could've done was ask." Leon smirks down at me, looking just as arrogant and conceited as he does when he's in the office. How do I have this man pinned against my door,and yet he still acts like the massive prick he is? He doesn't care at all. "I didn't think you'd be into this kind of stuff."

His words throw me off slightly, surprised at his easygoing tone, and playful banter. But it doesn't fool me. None of his acts do. "What the fuck are you doing creeping around my house at this time of night? I thought you were some kind of criminal or something!" I almost yell at him, careful not to disturb the neighbors. I don't need any unwanted attention drawn to us.

Leon looks at me, narrowing his eyes. The playful look is gone, and I begin to feel that fear seeping in beneath my skin. He's turning right before my eyes. All I can do is make a small squeak as I'm suddenly propelled off of the door, and spun around. Leon pins me against the door with ease and all that false bravado I felt just seconds earlier is just that. False.

"You know, I always forget you're not the brightest." He cocks his head slightly, analysing me. Judging me. He leans in, his break fanning my cheek. I can feel crimson filling my cheeks as his face brushes up against mine. "Where have you been, my Phoebe?"

"I'm not 'your' Phoebe," I spit, struggling to get out of his tight grasp. "Get the hell off me."

Leon hums into my ear, as if entertained by this whole situation. "But you are, aren't you? Remember our little deal? You're mine." His words hold some kind of finality to them, which has fear burying itself deep within the pit of my stomach.

"No, and it isn't a deal. You blackmailed me into it. It's sad you had to go to such great lengths to get a girl. How are you doing in the sex department?" I feel a sense of power as my words reach his ears. I watch as his expression changes from entertained to angry. Or at least I think it's anger. His eyes darken and his lips purse.

He pushes me further against the door, until a pain begins to form in my back. I don't know if he can tell, but he seems to ease up for a second, before hissing into my ear, "Open the door."

I'm confused now, and shake my head as much as I can, trapped beneath his arms. "What? No."

"I wasn't asking."

"You're not coming inside. I won't let you." I say firmly. He doesn't seem discouraged however.

"Who's going to stop me?"

"Rory! My roommate owns the place and she doesn't like it when I let strangers in the house. And she's inside right now and she'll be pissed—"

"I know she isn't inside, Phoebe. Don't you think I account for these things?" A small evil smile curls upon his lips. And kill me if it isn't the sexiest thing I've ever seen. This man is the devil incarnate and yet for some reason he was blessed with looks that rival the gods. Holy shit, I am not simping over this monster. I absolutely refuse.

"How do you know that?"

"Do you really want to know?"

I nod my head eagerly.

"I had a man watch your apartment for the past day and a half. He kept a record of everyone who went in and out of this house, and sent that information to me." He says it so casually, as if he were just reciting the weather, not telling me he's been watching my roommate and I for the past day. That's illegal!

"You're lying. That's insane, why the hell would you even do that?"

"When I make an investment, I like to make sure they behave."

"I'm not an investment, and you're disgusting!" I cry out. "You're a sick weirdo who likes to threaten and stalk young women!" I yell that last part a little too loudly and once again, his hand clamps over my mouth.

Leon takes a deep breath, like he's reigning in his anger. "I am one of the wealthiest men in the country with unlimited resources at my disposal. I can do a lot more than stalk and threaten you. I could wipe you from the face of the earth if I wanted to. But I'm not going to do that, because as much as you hate it, we need each other. And until my company merges, then you are going to have to accept my way of things. That starts with answering my calls and messages and not hanging up on me."

My eyes glimpse down at his forearm which holds me against the door. His veins bulge and wrap around his corded muscle. As much as I try to wind this man up, I need to remember just how dangerous he is. He hides behind a facade of civility, and beneath it is a predator, waiting for its opportunity to strike. To go in for the kill.

While I don't know exactly what Leon's motives are, I can rest assured that they are not good. And perhaps it would make things a lot easier if I just submit to him and did things his way. But the thought of doing that is horrifying.

"Are you going to let me into the house, Phoebe?" He asks.

I contemplate for a second until I decide there's no use in resisting right now. He's going to get his way no matter what. I need to learn to pick and choose my battles. "Yes, okay."

Leon smiles and lets me go. I finally feel like I can breathe slightly better and take in a deep breath. I haven't escaped the danger yet, though. So I scramble through my bag until I find the keys, and shove it in the door, unlocking it.

As soon as he's sure it's open, Leon pushes me inside and closes the door immediately after, locking it behind him. Something about that unsettles me, despite everything about the man doing just that.

"You can't just do as I say, can you?"

"Not when you have to be a dick about ordering me around."

Leon rolls his eyes, as he shrugs his suit jacket off. I hadn't even noticed he was still in his work attire. How sad, did he only just leave the office? I wouldn't be surprised, he doesn't seem like he has much of a life other than his precious company. "Are you going to tell me where you were?"

"No." I say simply.

"Phoebe, I don't think—" I cut him off before he can say anything else.

"No, I think you need to understand that I have my boundaries, and despite our arrangement, it doesn't mean I will let you suddenly be privy to the intricacies of my life. You need to respect that I have privacy, just as you do. And if you respect mine, I will respect yours."

For the first time, I feel like Leon looks at me like I'm an actual person, and not just a nuisance here to ruin his life. Even though it seems he's doing that more to me. "Okay." He says after a few seconds.

"Okay?"

"Okay, I will respect your privacy."

I feel a slight relief within me. "Thank you."

Leon approaches me, and I make no effort to move. He stares at me with that burning intensity, and it melts my brain, making all thoughts evaporate. "But promise you will be honest with me." His voice is gruff, almost hesitant. He sounds unsure, and that makes me even more concerned. I know I will never be able to be fully honest with him. I'm rarely honest with myself. But I suppose I could try.

"Okay." I say breathlessly.

He reaches a finger towards my face, and for a second I think he's about to brush a stray hair behind my ear, but instead his fingers crawl around my throat. I feel his fingers dancing along my pulse point. A silent threat as to what was coming if I didn't keep my word. If I were anyone else, I'd be slightly scared.

But I've been a dead girl walking for quite a while now.

"Phoebe," He whispers my name, leaning into my ear. I can smell that woodsy cologne, staining his skin. "What are you doing to me?" It sounds like he's talking to himself more than me, but it doesn't make me any less confused.

"I don't understand..."

His fingers tighten around my throat, just enough to make my breathing slightly difficult. He leans away from me, until his face is right before mine, and his breath tickles my lips. His eyes stare into mine, and I can almost see his soul within them. For a second I'm stunned as to what I should do or say.

But then all of a sudden he lets go of me, stumbling backwards, barely able to look my way..

"Pack a bag, we're leaving." He says abruptly.

"Where to?"

"Your new home."

***

Authors Note

Hey guys!!!

How are ya'll? Just wanted to drop by and ask if you guys want me to include spice and smut in this? I've been debating it but have been unsure, so please let me know! Also don't mind the fact that I haven't edited this chapter at all lmaooo

Love ya'll!

-FoggyCloudyWords