Leon woke to the faint clatter of pans. For a moment, he thought he'd dreamt it — but the smell of coffee told him otherwise. Padding barefoot into the kitchen, he found Maureen standing at the stove, dressed in one of his shirts, humming softly like she owned the place.
"Morning," she said without looking up, sliding eggs onto a plate. "I thought I'd surprise you."
Leon rubbed the back of his neck. "You have a key now?"
"I have access," she corrected with a sweet smile. "Girlfriends should, don't you think?"
He didn't answer. He just pulled a mug from the cupboard, pouring himself coffee. She set the plate down in front of him, leaning against the counter with her arms folded.
"So," she began lightly, "did you enjoy your little outing last night?"
His jaw tightened. "It wasn't—"
"—a date? Sure. Just like she wasn't smiling at you like she used to, right?" Maureen's smile never faltered, but her eyes were sharp. "I'm not stupid, Leon."
He exhaled slowly. "Maureen, we've been through this."
"Yes," she said, straightening. "We have. And I told you, I'm fine with your… complicated heart. But don't mistake that for me being blind. I know Damien wants me to keep you distracted." She tilted her head. "And I will. Because unlike you, I finish what I start."
Leon met her gaze. "This isn't a game."
"Oh, it's not a game," she agreed, her voice soft but dangerous. "It's a war. And if I have to be your shield, I'll be your shield. But shields get to stay close."
Before he could reply, his phone buzzed on the table. He reached for it, but Maureen was faster. Her eyes flicked to the screen, then back to him.
"Ayla," she said, voice calm. "She says she needs to talk."
Leon held out his hand. "Give me the phone, Maureen."
She placed it in his palm, brushing her fingers against his. "We'll spend the day together," she said, her tone making it less a suggestion and more a decree. "No distractions."
Meanwhile, Across Town
Damien lounged on the balcony, scrolling through his messages until Maureen's text came in: He's with me. Don't worry.
A smile tugged at his mouth. Good. The less time Leon had near Ayla, the better. Still, he'd have to watch closely — Leon was slippery, and Ayla… Ayla had a way of forgiving him too easily.
That Evening
Leon and Maureen walked into his apartment after dinner. She'd been all charm in public, but once the door shut, her voice dropped.
"I'm planning something special for us," she said, stepping close. "Something that'll make you forget her."
Leon looked at her for a long moment, then stepped past her toward the bedroom without a word.
Maureen's lips curled. "You'll see," she murmured to herself.