Chapter 14: Chapter Fourteen

**Leonardo**

Morning sunlight filtered through the canopy as we trekked through Skuleskogen National Park, the crisp air carrying the earthy scent of damp leaves. It had been an early start—packing our things and traveling from the reserve to this breathtaking stretch of nature. The drive through winding roads and dense forests had been scenic, but long and far from relaxing. Alexander’s royal escort hadn’t stepped away for even two seconds, ensuring not even a sliver of privacy for the kind of conversation I needed to have with him. 

Now, after a brief stop in a nearby town where we’d settled into another modest lodge for the night, we were finally out in the open. The conservationists ahead of us, some of whom had travelled with us from the previous location, chatted about moose migration patterns, their voices mingling with the occasional rustle of branches and distant bird calls. I wasn’t really listening. My focus was squarely on Alexander, walking several feet ahead, his posture as rigid and unyielding as ever.

The tension between us was thicker than the forest air, and I knew exactly why. Last night.

I smirked to myself, remembering the way he’d melted under my touch, his defenses crumbling despite his protests. He could deny it all he wanted, but his body had betrayed him. And yet, here he was, acting like I didn’t exist. It was annoying as hell, but I wasn’t gonna let it take away my ten seconds of glory.

He glanced back briefly, catching my eye. His glare could’ve frozen hell over.

“What’s wrong, Your Highness?” I called, keeping my tone light. “Didn’t sleep well?”

“Don’t start,” he snapped, turning his attention back to the path.

I grinned, picking up my pace to walk beside him. “I thought we had a breakthrough last night. What happened to all that... bonding?”

He stopped abruptly, whirling to face me. “Whatever you think happened last night was a mistake. I should’ve pushed you out of my room the second you walked in.”

“A mistake?” I tilted my head, feigning innocence. “Funny, because it didn’t feel like a mistake when you kissed me back. When you pulled me closer.” I stepped into his space, lowering my voice. “When I stroke your cock...”

His cheeks flushed, but his glare didn’t waver. “I was caught off guard. It meant nothing.”

“Nothing?” I echoed, a laugh escaping me. “If that’s what nothing feels like, I can’t wait to see what something is.”

He exhaled sharply, his frustration palpable. “I was homesick and exhausted. You took advantage.”

“You can blame it on me if that helps you sleep at night, but you almost came in my hand, Charming. Don’t fool yourself.” I almost laughed to his face.

“Just leave me the fuck alone, Leonardo.” 

I watched him stalk off, his broad shoulders tense, and shook my head. *You want me, Alexander. Sooner or later, you’ll admit it.*

We spent the next hour assisting the conservationists, tracking signs of moose activity—hoofprints, droppings, the works. Alexander was in his element, his knowledge of wildlife and ecology shining through as he asked insightful questions and offered suggestions. *That’s my cute nerd.*

Meanwhile, I wasn’t exactly a natural. At one point, I accidentally stepped on a brittle branch, the loud snap echoing through the forest and startling a nearby moose. The massive creature bolted, its antlers crashing through the underbrush.

“Nice going,” Alexander muttered, shooting me an exasperated look.

“What? It’s a moose. It’ll come back,” I said with a shrug, earning a few chuckles from the conservationists.

Alexander’s lips twitched, and for a fleeting moment, I thought he might actually smile. Instead, he shook his head and focused on his notepad. “Try not to scare off the rest of the wildlife.”

“No promises,” I quipped, but the sight of that almost-smile warmed something in my chest.

As the day wore on, we worked side by side, marking tracks and setting up motion-sensor cameras. Despite his earlier annoyance, Alexander surprised me by offering pointers, explaining the importance of certain patterns and behaviors. I listened, genuinely interested, and when he mentioned the crown’s efforts in wildlife conservation, I couldn’t help but be impressed.

“You really care about this stuff,” I said, my tone softer than usual.

“Of course I do,” he replied, glancing at me. “It’s not just about appearances. It’s about making a difference.”

I hesitated, the words slipping out before I could stop them. “My father is the typical Italian patriarch—macho, demanding, and proud of a family line full of tough men where weakness isn’t tolerated. Men are meant to be cold-blooded, resilient, raised to fight for what they believe in.”

Alexander’s expression softened slightly, curiosity flickering in his eyes. “Do you not believe in that? In helping... the people, nature...?”

I forced a faint smirk, though it felt hollow. “Feelings like that are considered a weakness. You’re taught to fight, not to feel.” My voice dropped, tinged with a vulnerability I couldn’t quite hide. 

He frowned for a split second with curiosity. “So, is this all there’ll ever be to you?”

I was ready for his sarcasm, but not for the hint of disappointment I saw in his face.

“Everyone has a choice, and no one can make you not feel or not care. Those are your own emotions. Otherwise you’re nothing; a puppet.”

“It’s not that I don’t care. I’ve just never been allowed to stop and feel. Maybe because I never had anything—or anyone—to care about. Not really. Not until…” I stopped myself, cutting off the words before tightening the noose around my neck.

The admission hung in the air, half unsaid, raw and unpolished. For a moment, his gaze lingered on me, his usual guarded composure giving way to something softer, something that felt real. For the first time, I felt the strange pull of connection, the vulnerability of letting someone see behind the mask I wore so well.

*What the hell are you doing, Leo?* I asked myself, inwardly panicked, but I couldn’t look away from him—those piercing eyes that, for once, seemed to truly see me.

I felt exposed and a tad insecure for the first time—my sarcastic defense mechanism thrown out the window. Leaning forward, I braced myself for the rest of my embarrassing confession. My words faltered as I soaked in his reaction—the way his gaze softened, his attention locked entirely on me. He leaned in, just a millimeter closer, and I caught the subtle shift in his breathing, the faint rise and fall of his chest.

And then there was his mouth—the way he instinctively ran his tongue over that smooth, maddeningly perfect lower lip. My heart stumbled, each beat growing louder in my ears as the space between us seemed to disappear, molecule by molecule. My breath hitched, and for a fleeting second, I swore his eyes flicked to my lips. A charge hummed in the air, thick and undeniable, setting every nerve in my body alight.

“Leonardo,” he said softly, his voice a low murmur that sent a shiver racing down my spine.

My name on his lips felt like an unspoken promise, and my pulse quickened, begging me to close the distance. Just one move, one moment, and—

The volunteer from yesterday appeared, her sunny smile cutting through the fragile thread between us. She was all warmth and ease as she handed Alexander another bottle of water. He immediately moved away from me, as if I could burn him on contact. They both stepped aside, smiling and chatting like a sweet couple, their voices low and comfortable, leaving me standing there like an outsider.

My mood darkened instantly; my chest tightened as jealousy flared hot and sharp, but I clenched my jaw, forcing a smile. *Damn it, Alexander. What fucking game are you playing?* 

I knew he didn’t give a shit about this girl; she didn’t worry me at all, but somehow, her presence was a glaring reminder of everything I wasn’t—easygoing, approachable, whatever it was that had Alexander smiling at her like that.

As they laughed at something she said, anger crept over me. What the hell was I even doing here? Chasing after a guy who was hot one day and cold the next? I’ve almost opened myself to him, and two seconds later, he’d dismissed me without a second thought. 

*How low have you sunk, Leo? Making a fool of yourself, just like Dad would say. Enough is enough. Leonardo Vittorio doesn’t chase.*

Frustrated, I turned and started to walk away, trying to shake off the unwelcome pang of jealousy. Maybe I should stop this nonsense, stop pursuing someone who probably saw me as nothing more than a nuisance.

But then, it happened.