She dropped her hand, exhaling slowly. "Okay, maybe a little. But Leo…"
"And the way he said proper welcome," Leo continued, his voice gaining momentum. "Who says that? What does that even mean? Proper welcome. Like there's an improper welcome and he chose the proper one. Which is still inappropriate, apparently."
Bella tilted her head. "You really don't like him."
"I don't trust him," Leo corrected again, but this time the words carried something heavier. "There's a difference. I don't trust men who touch what's mine and smile while doing it."
Bella's heart softened. She reached out and took his hand, threading her fingers through his. "I'm not his," she said quietly. "I'm yours."
Leo looked down at their joined hands. His thumb moved slowly over her knuckles.
"I know," he said after a long pause. His voice was quieter now. "But he doesn't. And he needs to."
Bella squeezed his hand. "Then tell him. Not with violence. Just… clearly."
