chapter 9; tangled emotions

The party was in full swing, the bass of the music reverberating through Ella's chest as she tried to focus on the scene in front of her. Leo had been by her side, but the moment Chloe appeared, something shifted. Chloe's smile was venomous, her words sharp as she teased Leo about their past.

Ella could see it—Leo's discomfort, the way his eyes flicked between Chloe and her, his body tense. The more Chloe spoke, the more Ella felt herself slipping into the background, her confidence waning.

Leo's hand found hers again, but it didn't feel as secure as before. He was distracted, and Ella could feel it. The words Chloe had said echoed in her mind: You're just a rebound. They gnawed at her, making her feel small and unimportant in a room full of strangers.

Without realizing it, Ella stepped back from Leo, her head spinning. She needed air. She needed space. She found her way to a quieter corner of the room, away from the crowd, away from Chloe and Leo's conversation. She didn't know anyone here, and her mind was clouded with too many thoughts.

It was only a matter of minutes before the alcohol began to affect her. She didn't want to feel this way, but she couldn't stop herself. The drinks had been too strong, the situation too overwhelming. She kept sipping, trying to drown out her emotions, the insecurities, the fear that Chloe might be right—that Leo might eventually turn back to her.

The room spun, the laughter of others blurred into the background. Ella found herself growing more and more disoriented. Her vision became blurry, and before she knew it, she was stumbling toward a door that led to a quieter space—one of the rooms in the house.

She could barely hold herself up, her body sagging as she collapsed onto a bed. Her eyelids fluttered as exhaustion took over, her thoughts slipping into unconsciousness.

It wasn't long before a figure entered the room. Ella didn't see him at first, too far gone in her drunken stupor to realize what was happening. The guy walked in, eyes widening as he saw her lying there, vulnerable and unaware. He was a tall, broad figure, and his gaze lingered on her for too long.

He didn't waste any time. The moment Ella was still, he began to undress himself, his intentions clear. He moved closer, his breath thick with anticipation. As he reached for her, his fingers brushing against the hem of her dress, the sound of a door crashing open sent him into a panic.

"Oi! What the hell do you think you're doing?" Leo's voice rang out, full of fury.

The guy froze, his hands still on Ella's dress. Leo rushed forward, anger flashing in his eyes. "Get the hell away from her!" he shouted.

The guy quickly backed off, raising his hands in surrender. "She was out cold! I wasn't doing anything—just taking a few pics," he stammered, but the look on Leo's face told him everything he needed to know.

Leo moved swiftly, pushing the guy aside, his eyes not leaving Ella. "You think you can just do whatever you want because she's drunk? You're a fucking bastard," Leo spat, his fists clenched.

Ella stirred, her eyes fluttering open, confusion clouding her mind. She didn't understand what was happening, didn't realize the danger she'd been in until she saw the fight unfolding before her. Leo was protecting her—again—but this time, it felt more personal, more urgent.

"Leo…" Ella whispered, her voice barely audible. She tried to sit up, her body weak and unsteady from the alcohol, but her vision swam. She felt dizzy, her heart pounding in her chest.

Leo immediately rushed to her side, lifting her into his arms. "Shh, Ella. It's okay. I've got you," he said softly, his words a comforting balm to her frazzled nerves.

The guy was already gone, running out of the room in a panic as Leo carried Ella away from the scene. "Don't worry. I won't let anyone hurt you," he reassured her, his voice tight with emotion.

As he made his way out of the room and through the party, the sounds of laughter and chatter seemed distant, almost surreal. Leo didn't care about the party, the music, or the people. All that mattered was Ella.

"Leo…" Ella mumbled, still half-dazed. "I... I'm sorry. I shouldn't have drunk so much."

Leo shook his head, his lips pressed into a firm line. "No, Ella. Don't apologize. You didn't deserve that. I should've been watching you more closely. I'm sorry."

He pushed through the door into the cool night air, taking Ella outside, away from the noise, away from the chaos. He sat her down gently on a bench, his hands cupping her face as he looked into her eyes.

"I've been looking for you all night," he confessed, his voice low and raw. "I should've known something was wrong. I'm so sorry, Ella. I'm here now. I'm not letting anyone hurt you."

Ella's heart ached as she looked at him. Despite the whirlwind of emotions she felt—anger at herself for getting so drunk, fear at what had almost happened—Leo's presence was the one thing that made her feel safe.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking with emotion. "I don't know what I'd do without you."

Leo smiled softly, brushing her hair back from her face. "You don't ever have to worry about that. I'm here for you. Always."

And in that moment, Ella realized just how deep her feelings for Leo had become. It wasn't just the kisses or the stolen glances. It was the way he protected her, how he made her feel like she was worth fighting for.