54

TWENTY FOUR

Leo took a few slow, deliberate steps toward Marco, his eyes dark and piercing. His hand came down on Marco’s shoulder, a firm pat that felt more like a threat than comfort. Marco shifted uneasily, trying to steady his breath, but the air felt heavy between them. Leo leaned in, his face so close that Marco could feel the heat of his breath. Marco coughed slightly, his throat tightening under the weight of Leo’s closeness.

"You know what I despise the most?" Leo’s voice was low, almost a whisper, but it carried a venomous edge. His eyes never left Marco's, sharp and accusing. "Thieves."

Marco’s brows furrowed in confusion, his heartbeat quickening.

"People who greedily steal what doesn't belong to them," Leo continued, his voice rising with fury. His jaw clenched as he spoke, each word dripping with contempt. "And then they sit there, at ease, enjoying all the benefits. They forget about the *real* glory of the person who *earned* it."

Marco stiffened as Leo’s grip on his s