Chapter 41.

Chapter 41.
Lexi's POV.

Me? Someone's after my life because of Leonardo? Why?

"Why would anyone be after my life just to take you down?" I was confused, my mind racing with the realization of the danger surrounding us.

"Because they figured out that you're my weakness," he replied, his voice steady but laced with concern.

"Your weakness? How?" I couldn’t understand.

"I like you... I have deep feelings for you," he replied, his eyes holding mine with an intensity that made my heart race.

"But there's nothing between us. We don't have any relationship, and you didn't tell anyone about your feelings for me, did you?" I said, my voice rising slightly in disbelief.

"I don't have to tell anyone anything. Actions speak louder and better than words. They must have been monitoring me lately and they've seen it all, how crazy I am for you," he replied, holding my gaze.

"Then you have to stay away from me for my safety and your safety, too," I insisted, trying to sound resolute.

"Or we could stick together and defeat whoever is after us," he replied, a spark of determination lighting up his eyes.

I fell silent, lost in thought, as we walked. Arriving at the hotel it was in total chaos. The atmosphere was thick with tension and uncertainty. I spotted Sam, who looked frantic as he searched for me, his phone in his hand. 

"Hey!" I called out, making my way toward him.

"Oh, thank goodness," he rushed over to me, relief flooding his features. "You just disappeared. Are you alright?" He held me with a grip of worry.

"Yes, she is," Leo interjected, pulling me away from Sam's grasp. I couldn't help but stifle a chuckle at the flash of jealousy that crossed Leo's face.

Sam shot Leo a hard glare, but Leo simply shrugged it off and walked away, his focus on the situation at hand. 

We convened with the higher-ups, who delivered the grim news: they were calling off the conference and shutting the hotel down for the time being. 

"Wait, what?" I stepped forward, aghast. "There's no need to do any of that. It was just a mere accident. They won't come back again," I argued, trying to make sense of the panic.

"Actually, they would," Leo countered, his tone clipped.

And we could use that to our advantage," he added.

"Use that to our advantage? How? Does that even make sense?" Sam shot back at him, his frustration palpable.

"Hey..." Leo turned to him, leveling a stare. "...how did you get a job at the CIA?"

"Honestly, we’re struggling to understand what you’re trying to say," one of the higher-ups interjected, his brow furrowed in confusion.

"And it baffles me how you're managing a hotel and heading a conference while being so obtuse," Leo shot back, his voice laced with irritation.

"Actually, Leo...even I don't understand," I chimed in.

"Really, babe? You too?" he blurted out, disbelief etched on his face.

With a resigned sigh, he began to explain, "What I'm trying to say is that instead of being victims, we could actually be the victors. How? By leveraging their plan to catch them off guard."

"And that would be?" one of the higher-ups inquired, trying to grasp his point.

"We can’t shut down the hotel or cancel the conference. Everything will continue smoothly as if nothing’s happened," I interjected, trying to build on Leo's idea.

"Now that's the kind of intelligence I expect from you," Leo said, clicking his tongue in amusement and giving me a playful wink.

"So when they come, we all have to be alert. I especially will be on high alert. I want to catch the bastard who tried to murder my woman," he said, seriousness settling back in his tone.

“And I will be the bait,” I said, a determination creeping into my voice.

"NO!" Leo and Sam shouted in unison.

"I'm the one they want, so it only makes sense if I'm the bait for this plan," I explained, trying to convince them.

“Lexi, no,” Sam insisted firmly.

“Yes,” Leo countered, his tone brokering no argument.

"Yes what?" I asked.

"You can be the bait," he confirmed.

"What are you, out of your mind?!" Sam exclaimed, incredulity spilling from him.

“Yes...” Leo faced Sam with unwavering resolve. “And that's why I'm going to do everything in my power to protect her,” he said, determination blazing in his eyes.

"Even so, it doesn't change the fact that this is a foolish thing to do," Sam shot back, his voice laced with frustration as he gave Leo a hard look.

"So then, oh wise Mister, please enlighten us with a better solution," Leo retorted, his defiance matching the intensity of Sam’s gaze.

Caught between the two simmering men, my mind raced with options to diffuse the escalating tension. I inhaled deeply, stepping forward to interject.

"That being said..." I began, positioning myself between them. "...we'll take our leave now," I concluded, taking hold of Leonardo's hand, feeling the warmth radiate from his skin.

"Miss," one of the higher-ups stepped forward, concern etched on his face. "We sincerely apologize for the accident. Our hotel isn't conducive and safe enough. We're truly sorry and assure you that it will never happen again. We'll rectify our shortcomings," he said earnestly.

Another woman, a member of the conference team, chimed in, her tone filled with regret. "We apologize as well for putting your life in danger during your stay here. We deeply regret this."

"There's no need for an apology. Accidents happen; this was just an an ordinary incident. Nothing too scary or alarming," I reassured, exchanging warm, understanding smiles with them as I prepared to leave with Leo.

Upon arriving at my room, chaos greeted us—the aftermath of the fire left a mess strewn across the floor. One of the workers approached, handing me my purse, its exterior marred by soot and ash. Miraculously, the fire hadn’t consumed it completely. 

"Thank you," I said gratefully, opening my purse to discover my phone and belongings unharmed within. 

Turning to Leo, I extended my hand, giving him his medications. "Here," I said. "The prescription is written inside. If you have any questions, feel free to call me."

"Why are you giving me this?" he questioned, confusion flickering on his face.

"Because I'm wishing you goodnight, and I think you need rest," I answered.

"And where will you spend the night?" he pressed, concern creeping into his tone.

"Here. I'll just wait for the workers to finish," I remarked, trying to remain composed despite the situation. 

Without any further words, he held my hand and pulled me along with him. I kept telling him that I could manage, but he didn’t listen.

He dragged me into his room and locked the door. "Really, Leo, I'll be able to sleep in my room after the workers finish," I said, attempting to reason with him.

"One more word about passing the night in your room, and I swear I’ll kiss you. I’ll kiss you hard until you go breathless," he threatened, his voice playful yet firm.

I scoffed, irritation creeping up within me. "Are you seriously threatening me? With a kiss?" I shot back, but he ignored my protest.

"How many times do I have to say it? I can’t stand sharing a room with you!" I stated, frustration seeping into my tone.

Still unfazed, he strode over to the wardrobe. He pulled out a polo and a pair of shorts, tossing them at me. "Go freshen up," he instructed.

Rolling my eyes, I headed into the bathroom. As the warm water cascaded over me, I felt my anger dissipate, granting me a moment of clarity. The explosion incident lingered in my thoughts; how he had selflessly leapt in to save me. I should be thanking him, not quarreling with him.

Emerging from the bathroom, I was greeted by the sight of a dinner spread out on the table with Leo perched on a chair, engrossed in his phone. The moment he spotted me, he set his phone aside. "Let’s have dinner," he said casually.

"I already had dinner," I replied, directing my attention toward the bed. But then, I recalled how I had also turned down his dinner invitation two nights ago. Guilt washed over me. "However, I can have just a little," I offered, my tone softening.

I settled into the chair beside the table, and we shared dinner in silence, occasionally stealing glances at each other. Afterward, I helped him with his medications. Once that was done, I made myself comfortable in bed while he settled next to me, still fiddling with his phone.

"Am I that handsome?" His voice broke through my thoughts. "You've been glancing at me quite a bit," he continued, a playful smirk tugging at the corners of his mouth.

"Wanna say something?" he prodded, caught in my gaze.

"Thank you, that's what I wanted to say," I replied, my voice soft yet sincere.

He smiled at me, and then resumed whatever he was doing. 

"Leo," I called, and he turned his gaze towards me, a hint of curiosity in his eyes. "You should really rest so you don't develop a fever," I advised, my tone laced with concern.

He quirked a playful smile, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Then will you let me just stare at you instead? I can’t seem to sleep yet."

"Leonardo!" I exclaimed. His chuckle echoed in the dim light around us.

"Okay, fine." He surrendered, reluctantly putting away his phone, though the playful glint in his eyes remained. 

I attempted to close my eyes and drift off, but sleep eluded me. When I finally opened my eyes again, I found Leo peacefully asleep, a serene expression gracing his handsome features. An unknowingly smile crept up on my lips as I gazed at him, but it quickly faded as my gaze fell upon his bandaged eyebrow. A pang of guilt tugged at my heart—a reminder that he was hurt because of me.

With a tender touch, I brushed a stray strand of hair away from his face, wanting to see him clearly. He really was breathtaking. "Handsome," I muttered softly, my voice barely above a whisper as I took in his ethereal beauty.

Suddenly, realization struck me like a lightning bolt, and I instinctively moved backward, trying to distance myself from the intimacy of the moment. But before I could escape completely, his hand reached out, grounding me in place. “Where do you think you’re going?” he asked with his eyes closed, his voice low and husky, still heavy with sleep.

Feeling a rush of vulnerability, I squeezed my eyes shut tightly, wishing to disappear. But the following moments weren't something I anticipated. His warm, soft lips brushed against mine, sending a jolt of electricity through my body. Before I could even fully process the sensation, he pulled back, leaving the cool night air to wash over my still-warm lips.