52

TWENTY TWO

Leo stopped halfway and turned back to face her, his expression dark and brooding. His eyes narrowed slightly, but Talia kept her composure, not showing any sign of concern. Her blank expression seemed to irk him even more.

"So, the chicken is more important than my feelings for you?" he asked, his voice dripping with sarcasm as a mocking smile crept onto his lips.

Talia blinked, surprised by his sudden outburst. "Wait, you're angry? Why are you so angry?" she asked, confusion evident in her voice.

Leo let out a bitter laugh, his shoulders shaking with the intensity of it, but there was no humor in his eyes. His laughter was dark, unsettling, as though he were mocking her for not understanding the depth of his frustration. Without answering, he turned and began walking away.

"Hey, stop laughing like that! Your laugh is scary!" Talia called after him, but Leo didn’t stop. He kept walking, his strides pur