Clara folded her arms, hiding the bruise again.
“What do you want?”
His answer came without hesitation.
“You.”
The word fell between them like a blade.
Clara stared at him.
Then she laughed. Not because it was funny. Because fear had found a ridiculous mask.
“No.”
Leo tilted his head. “No?”
“You should get used to hearing that from me.”
His eyes darkened, but his voice remained calm. “Do you understand what I mean?”
“I understand men like you always think wanting something makes it yours.”
“You misunderstand me.”
“Do I?”
“I want you protected.”
“I was fine until your men walked into my diner.”
“You were drowning in debt, working yourself to collapse, living in an apartment with faulty wiring and a brother whose medicine you can barely afford.”
Clara went still.
Leo’s voice lowered.
“Do not mistake survival for safety.”
Shame burned up her throat. “You had me investigated.”
“Yes.”
“That’s disgusting.”
“That is efficient.”
“It’s a violation.”
“It is the reason I know your landlord ignores repairs, your brother’s cardiologist has recommended a specialist you cannot pay for, and your electricity will be cut off next week.”
Clara’s hands curled into fists.
“Stop.”
“I can fix all of it.”
“I said stop.”
