Chapter 25

Leo took the long way back to the marina.

It gave him time to think. Time to feel like himself again.

Jackson had called him while Ruby was dozing. He'd replied with a text, trying not to wake her, explaining where he was and that he'd be back soon.

He'd considered just sneaking out of the guest house. Leaving Ruby while she was peacefully asleep. But that felt like a scumbag thing to do, and he was never a scumbag with women. Always a lover.

It happens to the best of us, he thought. Losing our minds over a set of pretty eyes. Xavier had been right when he'd brought up Jackson and Charlie - Leo had always been supportive of their relationship. But things were different in his own situation. There were certain things a man could control and certain things he couldn't. He trusted Jackson to take care of Charlie. But given his own past, he didn't trust himself with Ruby.

He'd had his share of flirtations and lovers while on missions for Roth, but there had never been any expectations