A Secret With Leo - Part 1

Everyone in this story is 18+

The club’s music spilled into the streets, its steady bass pulsing through the crowd. Leo led the way, with Sophie and me just behind, her arm linked through mine.

“Is this place even any good?” Sophie asked, eyeing the neon sign. Her amber eyes missed nothing, even with the extra height her heels gave her.

“You’ll love it,” Leo said. He always knew the best spots.

I glanced at him. The neon lights played off his sandy hair, casting a soft glow.

Sophie smirked. “Well, let’s hope it’s cool.”

We handed over our IDs and stepped inside.

An hour later, the crowd moved like waves under flashing strobe lights, bodies pressed close, lost in the beat pulsing through the club. Sophie grinned up at me, her arms around my neck, swaying with the rhythm. Her laughter was light and infectious, and I couldn’t help but smile back. I loved nights like this—just the three of us, no worries, no plans.

She pulled me closer, her lips brushing my ear as she whispered something I couldn’t catch over the music. Then she kissed me, soft at first, then deeper, her fingers tangling in my dark hair. I kissed her back, sinking into it, into her.

But out of the corner of my eye, I saw Leo.

I tried to focus on Sophie—the way her body pressed against mine, the way her lips moved. Yet my gaze kept drifting, drawn to Leo across the dancefloor. He was laughing, his hand lightly touching the arm of a guy—a tall guy with a sharp jawline and messy hair. They shared that effortless connection I had seen Leo create with strangers before, so easily.

Then Leo leaned in, and before I even registered it, their lips met in a slow, deliberate kiss.

I clenched my fist. My other arm around Sophie’s waist tightened, and she moaned softly. I kissed her harder, trying to stay present, to keep my mind here. But my eyes kept flicking back to Leo, now fully caught up in the kiss, his hands resting on the other guy's hips.

Sophie pulled back just enough to smile, completely unaware. She pressed a quick kiss to my lips before leaning into my chest, swaying to the music.

Suddenly, Leo opened his eyes and met my gaze for a fleeting moment. I quickly darted my eyes back to Sophie.

“Are you good?” she asked, her voice loud enough to cut through the music.

I blinked, pulling my gaze from Leo. “Yeah, of course, babe.” I brushed a strand of her hair behind her ear. “Perfect.”

She smiled, resting her head against my chest, completely at ease. I tightened my arms around her, trying to focus on the girl in my arms.

The cool night air hit Sophie’s flushed cheeks as we stepped out of the club, her laughter loud and slightly slurred as she clung to my arm. The buzz from the alcohol and music wrapped around her like a pleasant haze.

“Where’s Leo?” I asked, looking around the sidewalk.

“He’s probably off somewhere being his usual free spirit,” she giggled, shaking her head affectionately.

I glanced back at the entrance, a frown tugging at my lips. “We should wait for him.” I pulled her gently toward the wall to lean against while we waited, trying to act casual.

She shrugged, resting her head on my shoulder. “He’s fine, babe. You know Leo—he’s always doing his own thing.”

“Yeah… but still. He should be out any minute.”

We lingered for a moment, Sophie humming quietly and swaying slightly against me. I glanced at my phone, pretending to check the time, though my mind was elsewhere—waiting, wondering what was keeping Leo.

Just then, Leo emerged from the club, weaving through the stragglers outside. His hair was slightly mussed, and the dimples in his cheeks were apparent as he smiled, looking calm and carefree as he approached.

“There he is!” Sophie exclaimed, throwing her arms up in exaggerated cheer. “The man, the myth, the legend!”

Leo grinned at her, hands slipping into his jacket pockets. “Alright, alright, settle down.” He shot a glance my way; I looked down at some gravel, forcing a smile.

“So, what happened to your man candy?” Sophie asked playfully, nudging Leo gently.

He scoffed, rolling his eyes. “I don’t know. He just disappeared. Classic story, right? I turn around for one second, and poof—gone. Probably wasn’t that great, anyway.”

Sophie pouted dramatically. “Boo, we need to find you a better one next time.”

I chuckled, my smile more genuine now. “Speaking of next time… what do you say we head back to our place? We can keep the night going—an afterparty, just the three of us.”

Sophie’s eyes lit up. “Ooooh, yes! I love that idea. More drinks!” She wobbled slightly as she stepped toward the curb, her balance clearly off.

I steadied her, my hand slipping to her waist to keep her upright. “Looks like you’ve had more than enough, Soph,” I teased.

“Nonsense,” she slurred, waving me off. “I’m perfectly fine.”

Leo raised an eyebrow, smirking. “Yeah, sure you are.”

Sophie giggled, her head falling onto my shoulder again as we began to walk, my arm around her to keep her steady. She hummed quietly to herself, her steps uneven as the alcohol settled in.

As we made our way down the street, Leo fell into step beside us, hands still tucked in his jacket.

“Well,” Leo said with a grin, “looks like we’ve got ourselves an afterparty. Hope you’re ready for a fun night, Adrian.”

I glanced at him, a small smile tugging at my lips. “Oh, I’m ready. Let’s see if Soph here can survive it.”

Sophie gave a playful groan. “I can survive anything; I’m a warrior,” she declared, her words slurring even more as Leo and I laughed with her.