Chapter Thirteen: Tighter Chains

Ella's POV

Leo was everything I had ever wanted.

His touch, his kisses, the way his voice softened when he spoke my name—it was all mine.

But perfection was fragile.

And there were still people who didn't understand that Leo belonged to me.

I would have to teach them.

One by one.

Morning After Zack's Visit

I woke up tangled in Leo's sheets, his arm draped lazily around my waist, his face buried in my neck. His warmth, his scent—everything about him wrapped around me, consumed me.

I wanted it to stay like this forever.

But Zack's visit the night before lingered in my mind.

I had seen the doubt in his eyes. He had come here to warn Leo about me.

And that was unacceptable.

I turned in Leo's arms, studying his peaceful expression. His lips were slightly parted, his breathing steady. He trusted me. Loved me.

I pressed a kiss to his forehead before slipping out of bed.

As I padded into the kitchen to make coffee, my phone buzzed on the counter.

Zack.

I smirked.

How persistent.

I let the phone ring, savoring the small power I held over him. He was desperate now, trying to get inside my head. But Zack had already lost this game.

Leo chose me.

And nothing Zack did would change that.

By the time Leo woke up, I had breakfast ready—eggs, toast, fresh fruit, and coffee.

He walked in, still shirtless, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. "You didn't have to do all this," he murmured, pressing a lazy kiss to my temple.

"I wanted to." I handed him his coffee, watching as he took a sip, his eyes flicking to mine.

He studied me for a long moment before setting his cup down. "What's wrong?"

I blinked. "What?"

His fingers brushed my cheek. "Something's on your mind. Talk to me."

I melted at his concern. He was so different from Zack. So open, so devoted.

I sighed, setting my fork down. "Your mom. Zack. I feel like people keep trying to pull us apart."

His jaw tightened slightly. "No one's pulling us apart."

I hesitated, dropping my gaze. "But what if they do?"

Leo exhaled, tilting my chin up so I had to look at him. "Ella, listen to me. You're it for me. I don't care what anyone says."

I swallowed the lump in my throat, my heart pounding. "Promise me."

He cupped my face, his thumbs brushing against my cheekbones. "I promise."

I leaned into him, desperate to believe it.

Because I had already decided.

If anyone—Zack, Meredith, or anyone else—tried to come between us?

They would regret it.

The first test of Leo's promise came that afternoon.

His phone buzzed with a text from his mother, and I saw the irritation flash across his face.

"She wants to have lunch," he muttered.

I raised an eyebrow. "Just you?"

He hesitated. "No. She wants you to come."

I sipped my coffee slowly, calculating. Meredith had made her disapproval clear, and now she wanted to meet me again?

This wasn't a casual lunch.

This was a challenge.

And I wasn't going to lose.

Meredith had chosen an upscale restaurant, the kind that made you feel like you didn't belong if you weren't born into money.

I walked in with Leo's hand in mine, perfectly composed, perfectly in control.

Meredith's expression barely shifted as we approached, but I didn't miss the way her eyes flicked over me like she was assessing a threat.

"Ella," she greeted smoothly.

"Meredith." I smiled, tilting my head slightly. "Thank you for inviting me."

Her lips curved, but the expression didn't reach her eyes. "Of course. Leo is very… attached to you."

Leo sighed, rubbing his temples. "Mom, please."

Meredith ignored him, focusing on me. "I only want what's best for my son."

I met her gaze without flinching. "So do I."

Silence stretched between us, thick with unspoken words, unspoken warnings.

Meredith leaned back, folding her hands in her lap. "I don't doubt that you care for him, Ella. But love isn't always enough."

I smiled. "It is when it's real."

Leo squeezed my hand under the table, his touch reassuring. "Mom, I don't need your approval."

Something flickered in her expression—frustration, maybe even pain.

But I didn't care.

She would lose this battle.

Because I wasn't leaving Leo.

Not now. Not ever.

By the time we left the restaurant, Leo was frustrated, and I was buzzing with adrenaline.

Meredith wasn't done trying to break us apart.

And neither was Zack.

Because that night, Zack showed up again.

This time, he wasn't trying to be subtle.

He waited outside my apartment, his arms crossed, his expression dark.

I stopped a few feet away, my fingers tightening around my purse strap. "What do you want?"

He exhaled sharply. "I need you to listen to me."

"I'm not interested."

"Ella, damn it!" He grabbed my arm, his touch firm but not rough. "You don't see what's happening. You're losing yourself in this."

I jerked my arm free, my pulse spiking. "What the hell are you talking about?"

He hesitated. "It's Leo. I don't think he's—"

I stepped forward, too close now, my voice a whisper filled with venom. "If you finish that sentence, Zack, I swear you'll regret it."

His breath hitched, but he didn't step back.

I stared at him, my body humming with fury. He was getting too close to the truth.

If Zack didn't stop, I would have to make him stop.

And I wasn't sure how far I was willing to go.

Not yet.