Chapter 58: Would You Marry Me?

Chapter 58: Would You Marry Me?

Ivy

I opened my eyes to sunlight trying to filter through heavy curtains I didn’t recognize, casting a dark golden shade across the room.

It took me a full minute — maybe longer — to remember where I was. The massive bed. The scent of Leo’s cologne clinging to the sheets. The way my body still felt deliciously sore in places I had never been sore before.

I was in Leo’s house. Asleep in his bed. And he was watching me.

Propped up on one elbow, head resting on his hand, Leo smiled down at me with that lazy, satisfied curve of his lips.

His hair was tousled from sleep, his bare chest rising and falling steadily, every defined muscle on display in the morning light. The sheet had slipped low on his hips, revealing the sharp V of his hips and the unmistakable outline of his morning arousal.

“You sleep so quietly. Like a mouse,” he murmured, his voice rougher in the morning. “Well, after so many orgasms last night, it’s only fitting you’d sleep so soundly.”

Heat flooded my cheeks instantly. Memories crashed over me — his mouth between my thighs for what felt like hours, the way he had pinned me down, the sounds I had made that I barely recognized as my own.

I buried my face against his side, hiding in the warmth of his skin. “Good morning,” I mumbled, the words muffled.

“Morning, baby.” His fingers brushed through my hair, gentle but possessive, tucking strands behind my ear. “You’re adorable.”

I blushed harder, peeking up at him. “I’m naked,” I blurted out, as if he hadn’t been the one to strip me and keep me that way all night.

“As am I.” Leo chuckled, low and deep. The sound vibrated through his chest and into me. “Want to check? I’m hard as fuck though.”

“Leo!” I shrieked, horrified and delighted all at once, covering my face with both hands. My entire body felt like it was on fire. “It’s too early to say things like that—”

Everything happened so quickly. One second I was hiding, the next he had rolled on top of me, his heavy, warm body pressing me into the mattress.

His thighs nudged mine apart effortlessly, settling between them like he belonged there. I gasped at the feel of his hard length resting hot and heavy against my core.

I bit my lip at the contact.

“Nah,” he said, voice dark with amusement. “I’m just curious to find out if you blush like this everywhere.” He slid down my body with predatory grace, strong arms hooking under my thighs and spreading them wide. His breath ghosted over my most intimate area, making me tremble. “Can I check?”

My heart hammered wildly. I held my breath in anticipation, every nerve ending lighting up as his mouth hovered so close. The memory of his tongue last night made my core clench.

But before his lips could descend, my stomach let out a loud, embarrassing rumble that echoed in the quiet room.

I groaned and fell back against the pillows, covering my face again. “Oh my God. This is so embarrassing.”

Leo’s laughter was deep and hearty, shaking the bed. He crawled back up my body instead, settling comfortably between my spread thighs, his weight a comforting pressure. “You’re hungry,” he said, still chuckling. “That’s fucking cute.”

“I’m mortified,” I whispered, peeking at him through my fingers. My cheeks were burning. “I really want to crawl into a hole and die right now.”

He leaned down and nuzzled my neck, inhaling deeply like he couldn’t get enough of my scent. “I’m hungry too. But it’s for a different kind of food.” His voice dropped, sending shivers down my spine. “I’ll have my fill once you’re full. Come on, let’s go find something for you to eat.”

Before I could protest, he scooped me up into his arms like I weighed nothing, one arm under my knees, the other supporting my back.

I squeaked, instinctively wrapping my arms around his neck. My bare breasts pressed against his chest, and the cool morning air kissed my exposed skin.

“Like this?” I asked, voice small. “Naked?”

He arched a brow, carrying me effortlessly toward the door. “I’m naked too. Don’t get shy on me now, Ivy. I’ve seen every inch of you. You’re beautiful.”

My heart fluttered at the compliment, but anxiety still twisted in my stomach. “What about Mrs. Kathy? She’s going to see us.”

Leo shook his head, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. “No, she won’t. I gave her a one-week break. It’s just us now.” He pressed a kiss to my temple. “Besides, I don’t want her hearing your cries of ecstasy. Those are mine too.”

I buried my face in his chest, inhaling the warm, masculine scent of him mixed with the faint traces of last night’s activities. My silly heart wouldn’t stop racing, and the blush refused to fade.

Leo’s chuckle rumbled through him, pleased. “How do you feel about it?” he asked as he carried me down the hallway. “Do you want to put clothes on?”

I peeked up at him from beneath my lashes, suddenly nervous. I didn’t want to offend him. Didn’t want to trigger that temper I had glimpsed at the lake and at the match — the one that still made me careful with my words.

“I asked you a question, baby,” he repeated gently, sensing my hesitation. “Do you feel comfortable?”

I bit my lip and shook my head, praying this doesn't go south. “No. Can I have a shirt at least? That’ll be fine.”

He smiled softly and turned around, walking back.

He set me down just inside his massive walk-in closet. He disappeared for a moment, returning in a pair of black briefs that did nothing to hide his arousal, and holding one of his white t-shirts. “Let me help you.”

I lifted my arms obediently as he slid the soft cotton over my head. The shirt smelled like him — clean laundry, faint perfume, and something uniquely Leo. It fell to mid-thigh, covering just enough while still feeling intimate. I tugged at the hem self-consciously.

“Thank you,” I murmured.

My stomach grumbled again, louder this time. Leo laughed and took my hand, tugging me toward the stairs. “When was the last time you ate? That belly sounds angry.”

“Yesterday. I had oats for breakfast,” I admitted as we descended the grand staircase. The house felt enormous and empty without staff, sunlight streaming through tall windows.

Leo paused mid-step and turned to me, eyebrows raised. “Oats? Yesterday? What are you trying to do, starve yourself? Or get sick?”

I shook my head quickly. “No, it wasn’t intentional. There was just… so much on my mind. I didn’t even realize I’d forgotten.”

He looked at me for a long moment, something soft and protective flickering in his eyes, then continued leading me to the kitchen. “Well, you’re lucky to have me. I’ll keep you fed.” His voice dropped on the last word, dark and full of promise. “And fed.”

The double meaning sent a fresh shiver through me. My body responded instantly, a low throb between my thighs. I knew exactly what he meant.

The kitchen was a chef’s dream — gleaming counters, top-of-the-line appliances, everything spotless thanks to Mrs. Kathy. Leo opened the massive fridge and grinned. “Bless her. She prepped meals for us before leaving.”

We both laughed as we surveyed the neatly labeled containers. I picked out a hearty-looking breakfast casserole and popped it into the microwave.

Leo came up behind me, wrapping his strong arms around my waist and pulling me back against his chest. He rested his chin on my head, one hand splayed possessively across my stomach.

“Ivy…” he murmured, voice suddenly serious.

“Yes?” I leaned into him, savoring the warmth.

“Would you marry me?”

I froze. Every muscle in my body locked up. The microwave hummed in the background, but the words echoed louder in my head.

Had I heard him right? It felt like my brain had short-circuited.

“Ouch,” Leo chuckled after a beat, though I could hear the slight edge beneath it. “I guess that’s a hard no.”

I spun in his arms immediately, shaking my head. “No — it’s not that. It’s just—” I searched desperately for words that wouldn’t trigger him.

Words that wouldn’t make him angry like he had been at the lake. My heart raced for entirely different reasons now. “I don’t want to get married right now.”

Leo’s hands settled on my hips, holding me gently but firmly. His expression was calm, almost curious. “I’m not asking you to literally marry me tomorrow, Ivy. I’m just asking… if you would. Like asking if you’d have dinner with me. Or sex with me.” A pause, his eyes darkening. “Or have my child.”

The last part hit me like a bucket of cold water.

My mind reeled. Marriage. Children. With Leo. The man who had nearly killed Anderson. The man whose temper still made me tread carefully. The man who made my body sing but whose intensity sometimes terrified me.

I swallowed hard, stepping back just enough to create a little space. My fists clenched at my sides as I mustered every ounce of courage I possessed. “I think I understand what you mean,” I said slowly. “But… no. I don’t think so.”

The microwave beeped, breaking the heavy silence. Leo studied me for a long moment, his expression unreadable.

The air between us felt thick, charged with everything unsaid.