17. His Hope

AZURA.

"Later." Leo’s quiet, cold voice came as I walked over to Marcel.

"Babe…"

Conceal how you feel.

You got this girl.

"It smells so good." I said, smiling as I look at the flames.

"Be careful, Azura, it’s very hot."

The heat of the grill was nothing compared to the burning pain in my chest.

"I don’t mind getting burned." I replied quietly, before giving him a smile. "So, where did you go on holiday?"

"Well, I was in Scotland for the most part, and then I stopped at a few places before my visit to Alejandro was cut short."

I could feel Leo’s irritation, but I didn’t bother paying him any attention.

"I'm sorry about that." I replied as I picked up the platter of cooked meat and carried it to the round table, where everything was already set up.

I didn’t want to sit at the table with him, but I had no choice but to. When Corrado jumped into the seat between Marcel and me, I expected Leo to take the seat next to his father, but instead, he took the seat on my left.

I clenc