4: Breakfast with trouble

Riley’s POV

By the time the match ended, Jax looked like he was ready to break something. Preferably Leo’s face.

Unfortunately for him, Leo had won. And Leo? Well, he looked way too pleased with himself.

I was still processing everything when Leo turned to me with a grin that could sell millions in toothpaste commercials.

"Looks like I owe you breakfast, Riley," he announced, spinning his racket before tucking it under his arm.

I blinked. "Wait—what?"

Jax, still gripping his own racket like he might snap it in half, scoffed. "That wasn’t the deal."

Leo raised an eyebrow. "Technically, there wasn’t a deal at all since you didn’t agree to any of my terms as you usually do.” He paused. “But since I won, I figured I’d treat Riley to breakfast. You know, as a gentleman should."

I stared at him, then at Jax, whose jaw twitched like he was actively deciding whether or not to argue.

To my surprise, he didn’t.

Instead, he rolled his shoulders and muttered, "Do whatever you want," before grabbing a towel and heading toward his coach.

I narrowed my eyes at his retreating figure. That was… surprisingly chill of him. Suspiciously chill. I’d expected him to not agree to it, to come over and give me a list of things I ought to be doing while ‘on the clock.’

Leo wasted no time. He tossed his racket into his bag, clapped his hands together, and turned to me with an expectant look. "So? Hungry?"

I hesitated. It wasn’t like I had anything better to do until Jax needed me again, and honestly, I was starving. But breakfast with Leo? Was that a good idea? I should say no. I should go home, collapse, and sleep till Jax called for me.

But my stomach betrayed me, letting out an embarrassingly loud growl.

Leo smirked. “That’s what I thought.”

"Fine," I said slowly. "But if this is some kind of trick, I’m billing you for emotional damages."

Leo smirked. "Noted."

---

### Twenty Minutes Later

The café Leo chose was the kind of place that served coffee in tiny cups with foam art so pretty it felt like a crime to drink it. The scent of freshly baked croissants and espresso filled the air, mixing with the low hum of conversation and the clinking of cutlery.

The moment we walked in, heads turned—because of course they did.

Leo wasn’t just some random guy. He was a well-known name in the sports world, and unlike Jax, he actually enjoyed attention.

"People are staring," I muttered, stirring my coffee.

Leo, completely unfazed, took a sip of his own. "They’re staring at you, actually."

I snorted. "Doubtful."

He grinned. "You’re underestimating your charm, Riley."

I rolled my eyes but couldn’t help the small smile that tugged at my lips. Leo had that effect on people.

As we waited for our food, he leaned back in his chair, studying me with an amused expression. "So. Assistant to Jax Maddox. That’s gotta be an interesting job."

I let out a slow breath. "Interesting is one word for it."

Leo smirked. "You mean exhausting?"

"Beyond exhausting."

He chuckled. "Yeah, he’s… intense. Always has been."

I raised an eyebrow. "You’ve known him for a while, then?"

"Since we were kids. We grew up playing in the same circuits, training at the same academies." Leo’s eyes glinted with something unreadable. "We were friends once. Kind of."

That surprised me. "And now?"

He shrugged. "Now he’s Jax Maddox, and I’m me."

That answer told me everything and nothing at the same time.

Our food arrived, and for a few minutes, the conversation slowed as we focused on eating. But Leo, being Leo, didn’t let the silence last too long.

"So, tell me something," he said, stealing a fry from my plate like he had every right to it. "How did you end up working for him?"

I made a face. "Long story."

"We’ve got time."

I sighed. "It’s… complicated. Let’s just say I needed a job, and Jax needed someone who could tolerate his nonsense."

Leo laughed. "And you can tolerate it?"

“I hardly get by. Everyone knows Jax Maddox is a hard time.”

He bobbed his head back as laughter erupted from him. His laugh was warm, rich. “I think you’re handling it better than most. That man has sent more assistants running than I can count.”

I took a long sip of water. “Good to know I’m making history.”

Leo studied me for a moment, his expression shifting. “You are different.” His voice was quieter now, thoughtful. “Most people either fear Jax or worship him. But you? You don’t let him intimidate you.”

I shrugged, suddenly hyperaware of the way he was watching me. “Someone has to keep his ego in check.”

Leo’s lips twitched. “I like that about you.”

The space between us felt smaller. My pulse did a stupid little stutter.

"It’s good that you keep him in check," he spoke again, his voice warm. "He needs that."

I tilted my head. "You say that like you actually care about him."

Leo didn’t respond right away. Instead, he tapped his fingers against the table, looking thoughtful. "We have history," he finally said. "Doesn’t mean I don’t care about him. It also doesn’t mean I don’t want to beat him every chance I get."

I smirked. "I got that part."

A slow grin tugged at Leo’s lips. "You know, people say a lot about Jax and his reputation, but you never hear much about mine."

I gave him a look. "Oh, I’ve heard things."

His eyebrows lifted. "Oh yeah? And what’s the general consensus?"

I took a deliberate bite of my toast before answering. "Charming. Talented. A little too cocky for his own good."

Leo laughed. "I’ll take it."

I set my fork down and studied him. "But also… a flirt who never takes anything too seriously. At least, that’s what the headlines say."

Leo leaned in slightly, resting his forearms on the table. "And what do *you* think?"

I tapped a finger against my chin, pretending to think. "Haven’t decided yet."

His smirk deepened. "Guess I’ll have to prove you wrong, then."

We fell into easy conversation after that, the playful banter making the morning feel less like an obligation and more like… fun.

For the first time since taking this job, I wasn’t thinking about Jax Maddox.

And I had a feeling that was exactly why Leo had asked me to breakfast in the first place.