Chapter 5

"Leandro..." I uttered, meeting his dark grey eyes full of malice. I took a step back when he moved to jump in the water. He dove near my direction so my face got drizzled. 

I continued moving backwards, my eyes never leaving him as he tried to recover from the fall. Leandro is handsome, he almost has the same physique as Jack. Though, the latter has more bulk. His family's riches only added to his appeal so he got all the girls at his disposal. But now that they're slowly losing their power and money, I wonder what vile plans he is planning underneath his sleeves. 

Alicia ran quickly next to me; alarmed and concerned. Leandro's reputation is really not a joke 'cause even the kids knew how fucked up he is.

"Hello, girls! May I join the party?" He smirked teasingly and I felt Alicia's tight grip on my hand. The kid hid fearfully behind me. I tried to force out a laugh, trying to cover up the tension I was feeling.

"Oh, uhm...W-we would love to have you here with us but we're actually just about to l-leave," I chuckled awkwardly. 

"Too soon, huh? Why not stay here a little longer and hang out with me? It'll be fun," his smirk grew wider as he neared us. A scream almost escaped my mouth when he forcefully grabbed me on the arm. Alicia started crying.

"Leandro-"

"Hey, it's okay. We're just gonna hang out," he glanced playfully at Alicia and patted the kid on the head. His eyes didn't stay long on her, it eventually darted back to me. "Besides, I miss your big sister here. Haven't seen you in a while, Janina."

He let go of my arm, yet his long fingers traced my shoulder....up to my neck. I looked at him alarmed before swatting away his sinful hand, he let out a dark hideous laugh.

"What's the matter? Don't you miss me?"

My teeth gritted in irritation. I never really liked him. He's too arrogant and forceful, something that turns me off. He's shoving his feelings to me without proper courtship. I had to turn him down multiple times before he finally lost interest. Honestly, I just thought he was challenged by me because nobody really has the guts to reject him.

"Nina, let's go..." Alicia whispered, tugging my arm desperately for an escape. I held her hand tightly before turning my back against Leandro. Though, he was quick to catch my arm.

I looked back at him, now annoyed. "Let us leave. You can have the cove to yourself."

"But I'd like to have some company."

"Then you should've brought your gang mates with you," I retorted, rolling my eyes. 

Speaking of 'gang mates', it's unusual to see Leandro without his friends. Most of the time, he's always seen around with his little pack who happens to have the same reputation as him. Same muscled men with their big dirty trucks while puffing cigarettes everywhere. Birds of the same feather, flocks together indeed.

His eyes tensed as he looked away from me. I saw how his adam’s apple moved harshly after a hard gulp. "They're currently busy with their lives."

Busy? I have to laugh. What stuff could they be possibly busy about? Pestering the neighborhood? Harassing women on the streets? Illegal drag racing? Partying and drinking?

"I see," I nodded. "But no one is busy enough for you when you have the money and power, right?"

And now that he's slowly losing both, where are his so-called friends now? I genuinely feel bad for him.

"What did you say?" His eyes narrowed darkly at me. Alicia trembled at his change of tone so I had to wrap my free arm around her thin shoulder to calm her down.

"Please, just let us go. You're scaring the kid."

"What's happening here?" A voice interrupted us from behind me. I know that voice perfectly well! 

I turned around to see Jack nearing us as he slightly struggled to cross the rock formations to get in our location. He's wearing the same white sleeves shirt I bought for him when he was still healing and unable to work. His muscular arms were contracting sensually as he leaned in the rocks for support. 

"Jack!" Alicia breaks free from my grasp as she runs quickly to meet the man halfway.

Leandro snickered, finally freeing my arm from his rough hand. I rolled my eyes at him before turning my back to head towards the cove to pick up our stuff. 

Jack glanced warily at Leandro as he followed behind me. He picked up Alicia and carried the kid on his back. 

"Was that man bothering you?" He asked, slightly alarmed. 

"Relax. I didn't do anything." Leandro's laugh echoed in the cove. I didn't notice that he followed us all the way here. I threw him a glare. He must be really thirsty for attention right now.

Jack's head tilted in his direction. His thick, dark eyebrow knitted in obvious irritation as he glowered at the man. 

"Do you need anything?" He asked, not a bit fazed by Leandro's big presence. The latter smirked haughtily at him.

"Your cousin..." Leandro glanced at me. "I've been trying to take her out for a date but she keeps rejecting me. Do you know a way for me to win her heart?"

Cousin.

I rolled my eyes. Right! Willowvale is such a conservative town so we had to make up some stories about Jack being our close relative. If we didn't do that, everyone would assume he's my boyfriend and I'm housing him in our home without marrying each other first. I'll be shamed in the worst possible way and people would constantly talk about our lives, as if their opinion matters, and as if they have big contributions to my life.

"You're a suitor?" His green eyes darkened even more. I held onto his arm to meddle in.

"No he's not. Let's go, Jack."

"Uh-huh. Is there a problem with that?" Leandro asked cockily, arms crossed against his chest. 

"I don't like you for Nina!" Alicia snapped as she rolled her eyes at the man, now having the guts to act brave after she got Jack as her ally. 

Jack's lips curved into a smirk. I widened my eyes at him but he didn't seem to get the signal. The exchanging of arrogant glares from the men in front of me continues. I drew in a frustrated sigh.

"Aww, little girl. Why not? I'll buy you tons of chocolate."

"Instead of spending the remaining money on your bank account for your father's treatment, you'll waste it on chocolate? Really?" Jack fired back sarcastically and I got a little scared when Leandro's face reddened. He has such a short patience, I'm afraid this would end up resulting in a physical fight.

"And besides, too much chocolate is not good for kids," Jack shook his head as he let out a dramatic sigh. He looked at Leandro as if he's utterly disappointed. "You're not doing a great job being a suitor. Better quit it."

"Let's go, Janina." Jack grabbed me in the arm and pulled me along with him.