Leonel cut him off, voice dropping lower, dangerous. "It's not about meaning to, Cass. It's about what happened. And what it means."
Cassian's stomach twisted. "I don't know what it means… I just… I didn't want to lie to you anymore."
Leonel's gaze softened slightly, the anger mingling with something deeper protectiveness, longing, and hurt. "You should never hide anything from me, Cassian. Never."
Aiden shifted beside him, his own jaw tight. "We'll handle Lucian, don't worry about him right now." He patted cassian's head
Leonel's fists unclenched slowly, his breathing evening out, but his gaze remained locked on Cassian. "He won't touch you again. Not without consequences. Do you understand?"
Cassian nodded, feeling the weight lift slightly but only a little. "I… I understand."
Leonel's eyes softened as he finally stepped closer, brushing a hand lightly against Cassian's cheek more a grounding gesture than a gentle touch, but enough to make Cassian's heart stutter.
