A World Between Us

sphere was a thick one. Leo stood by the door, his body resting on the fr

ipped by her hand with the picture of both of them th

e the rush of emotions going on inside her. "

He couldn't see it yet, but the look Elara had o

s no point in doing that. He took a

er voice a bit sharp this time. "Who took

realization, then to anger. "I don't know", he answered, his

Elara's voice slightly wavered, but she caught he

chest. "Leo, I don't fit in your world. I don't want to be involved in th

lded into fist

with urgency. "You're not part of this mess. You never were. Yo

e from all this?" She repeated. From what? From who? Do you think you can just make thi

ch something bad happen to you." L

is-they won't get awa

wanted to believe him. She did. But doubts

life I can lead. I can't be a part of your world, Leo. Not if

e," he said urgently, hiding her hands firmly. "There's no one else. I don

w sincerity that cracked throu

e said, her voice shaking as she unlocked her hands from his, gazing down at her bump for a moment. "I

e her, and tell her everything would be alright, but he real

s over his chest. "I won't let anyone hurt you, Elara. But I need y

ne-close to me as leverage. I didn't know it would hap

. "What does that mean?" she asked

I'm not proud of everything I've done. I've made enemies. So

ighed. " I never planned for you to get caught up in this

ith Leo but hearing the truth, seeing the way his face reflected fea

id, her voice trembling. "I can't constantly watch my sho

or hers. "I understand how you are feeling, but I don't want you to panic. I want y

him, but she had built walls that were strong and fortified by years of disappointment and fe

with sincerity in his voice. But I need you to give me

er eyes closed at his touch, her heart aching. She wanted to let herself fall into his arm

"I can't always open myself to the possib

here, Elara. For you. And for our child. Let me be a part of this

was caught between what she wa

from whatever danger Leo's life could bring. But at the

But not because I'm ready to be a part of your world. I'll

yself to you." But as Elara looked at him, her mind was filled with doubts, fear, and an overwhel

r sent the picture and deal with them, but Elara couldn't let go of the feeling that the worst

dead of the night, hidden away in the