Chapter Fifteen: Getting Lost

Evelyn's POV 

The car pulled up in front of us, sleek and black, with tinted windows that gleamed under the dim airport lights. It wasn’t just any car—it was a limousine. 

My stomach churned. Of course, Leonard would choose the most extravagant option possible. Was he trying to impress my dad? Or worse, me? Either way, it wasn’t working. If it had been just me, I might have refused outright, but Dad was already walking toward the vehicle, his shoulders slumped in exhaustion. With no other choice, I followed him.

Dad slid into the spacious backseat with a relieved sigh. I hesitated for a moment, then climbed in after him. Leonard was already seated, lounging comfortably in the seat opposite us, a faint smile playing on his lips. He looked like he belonged there, effortlessly confident, his suit pristine even after the long flight. 

I, on the other hand, felt out of place in my travel-worn clothes. Determined not to give him the satisfaction of seeing me squirm, I straightened my posture and folded my hands neatly in my lap. I was careful to cover every part of my body that seemed open, so Leonard wouldn't have the luxury to look. He wasn't a pervert, but temptations are always the weakness of every man. I didn't want to be the devil he sought for. 

The interior was luxurious, the leather seats soft and inviting. Small lights ran along the roof, giving the space an ambient glow. It was all too much—too showy, too Leonard. I could feel his gaze on me, subtle but persistent. Heat crawled up my neck, but I refused to look at him. Instead, I focused on my dad, who had leaned his head back and closed his eyes, clearly drained from the ordeal of the day. Within minutes, he was softly snoring.

Leonard took the opportunity to pour himself a glass of wine from a bottle nestled in a small compartment beside him. He swirled the glass lazily, taking a long sip, the motion somehow both casual and deliberate. I glanced at him out of the corner of my eye, annoyed by how at ease he seemed.

“Would you like a glass?” he asked, breaking the silence. His voice was low, almost soothing. I shook my head. “Not right now. Maybe later.” He nodded, as if he expected my answer, and returned his attention to his drink. The way he tilted his head back and slurped the wine’s contents was oddly captivating. Against my better judgment, I found myself speaking. “Actually... I’ll have a glass.”

Leonard’s lips curved into a small smile, and he reached for the tray. He held it out toward me. “Help yourself.” I hesitated, then took the bottle and studied the label. It was a French red, and after scanning for the alcohol content, I decided it was light enough. Pouring a modest amount into a glass, I took a tentative sip. It was smooth, with a rich, fruity undertone that spread warmth through my chest.

“This is... good,” I admitted, begrudgingly. Leonard raised his glass slightly in acknowledgment. “I have good taste,” he said simply.

The wine worked its magic, loosening the tension in my shoulders. Before I knew it, I was pouring a second glass, then a third. Each sip seemed to melt away the stress of the day. Leonard watched me for a while, amusement flickering in his eyes, but eventually, he closed them, leaning his head back against the seat.

The bottle was nearly empty when I realized the car had been driving for quite a while. The streets outside were unfamiliar, and I couldn’t help but feel a pang of unease. We should be there already. I mean, how far could it be? 

Glancing at Leonard, I noticed he seemed unnervingly still. Was he even paying attention? “Excuse me?” I called out, leaning forward slightly. When he didn’t respond, my anxiety spiked. I unbuckled my seatbelt and moved toward the front.

“Hello?” I said more firmly, tapping on his lap. It was the only place I could touch without feeling like I was invading. Still no response. Frowning, I opened the small partition between the front and back seats and reached out to tap the driver's shoulder. The driver jolted and turned, his eyes wide with shock.

“God, you scared me!” I exclaimed, my heart racing.

The driver blinked, clearly disoriented, before muttering, “Sorry, ma’am. I didn't realize you wanted something. You could have dialed the button on your chair.”

“You want something, Eve?” I heard Leonard's voice behind me. “I was only out a second,”

I turned and glared at him. “A second? You’d get us lost eventually if you keep that up!”

Leonard, now fully awake, let out a low chuckle. “Relax, Evelyn. Look outside. We’re already here.” His eyes were out the window already and he kept them glued like he was specific on something he wanted me to see. 

Confused, I turned to the window. Sure enough, the car was pulling into the driveway of a towering building. Its modern design was sleek and imposing, the lights from its windows glowing softly against the night sky.

Leonard’s voice broke through my thoughts. “If you wanted to touch me, you could’ve just asked.”

I whipped my head around to face him, my cheeks flaming. “Excuse me?”

He smirked, leaning back in his seat. “No need to be shy. There’ll be plenty of time for touching later.”

My mouth fell open, and I clenched my fists, willing myself not to lash out. Instead, I took a deep breath and stomped back to my seat, fuming. Leonard’s soft laugh followed me, his amusement at my expense only fueling my irritation.

I didn’t bother responding. Whatever game he was playing, he was doing it well, but I wasn’t gojng to let him win. But as I sat there, glaring out the window, I couldn’t ignore the tiny flicker of curiosity his words had ignited. 

What exactly did he think was going to happen tonight?