Chapter 52
Leo stands there in a black trench coat, tall and long-legged with an air of effortless elegance.
I can't help but stare.
Actually, aside from his slightly delicate features, Leo has an outstanding build and height.
He doesn't carry Leopold's lordly superiority.
Instead, his entire presence radiates something comfortable—inviting, even.
I glance down at the ground and notice a crumpled paper ball.
On a whim, I pick it up and toss it right back at him.
Leo catches it one-handed, then his lips curve upward slightly.
"I was actually a little mad."
"When you sent me that message, I thought something happened to you. I rushed to the location—you weren't there. Thought you were messing with me. Had to ask around before I found out you'd all gone to the hospital."
His honesty amuses me. The oppressive gloom weighing on my chest lifts a little.
"Still mad now?"
Leo comes over and sits beside me, perfectly blocking the wind.
The biting cold vanishes instantly, replaced by warmth and security.
"A bit. Unless..."
He leans closer, deliberately drawing out his words.
"Unless what?"
I don't pull away, letting his breath envelop me.
Leo stops when his lips are barely an inch from mine.
His voice drops, low and mellow.
"You kiss me."
I do it immediately. No hesitation.
Leo freezes. He turns his head to look at me, a smile spreading from the corner of his mouth to his eyes.
"That obedient? You keep this up, I won't be able to stop myself from wanting more."
I smile faintly, meeting his gaze. "Why not?"
Leo's eyes darken—like bottomless pools.
"Really?"
I smile but say nothing.
Suddenly, Leo bends down. One hand grips my waist, the other slides under my knees, and he sweeps me into his arms.
I don't struggle. I let myself lean against his chest.
Through his clothes, I hear his strong, steady heartbeat.
Back in the car, his long fingers easily undo the bow at my neck.
My blouse instantly slides down to my chest.
The sudden chill raises goosebumps all over my skin.
"Turn around."
His voice cuts through the quiet.
My heart clenches.
Didn't he used to prefer face-to-face?
Why the position change this time?
Confused as I am, I still comply.
Darkness surrounds us.
With my back turned, I can't see him.
My nerves spike. Even my breathing becomes controlled.
His fingers trace down from my nape, along my spine, stopping at the dimples of my lower back.
My heartbeat accelerates.
Intimacy blooms in the air.
When he still doesn't proceed, I can't help asking softly, "Aren't you ready yet?"
A muffled laugh sounds behind me.
"I'm just checking if you're hurt anywhere. What did you think I was going to do?"
It's like someone dumped a bucket of ice water over my head.
I turn to look at him.
Can't get a single word out.
Leo notices my mood shift and immediately reins in his amusement.
"What's wrong?"
I press a hand to my chest, adjusting my position to sit properly.
"I'm not seductive enough. I don't know how to act cute or be accommodating in... these matters."
"Besides this body that looks decent enough, I have nothing to offer."
"So that's why you all have zero interest in me, right?"
Leo's expression tightens. "How could you think that?"
"Sophia pouts a little, and my ex-fiancé practically wants to give her the world. But here I am like this, and you still won't even sleep with me."
My mood plummets. "If it's not that I'm not attractive enough, then what is it?"
Leo takes a deep breath. "This has nothing to do with attraction. I was worried you were hurt and wouldn't say anything, so I wanted to check for myself."
"Besides, you're incredibly addictive. How could you possibly lack appeal?"
My gaze flickers, but I don't speak.
Leo sighs. Then he grabs my hand and presses it against his firm abdomen, slowly sliding it downward.
The moment I touch something burning hot, I jerk my hand back like I've been scalded, flustered beyond measure.
"Now do you believe me?"
Embarrassment and panic flood through me. I want to find a hole to crawl into.
So mortifying.
Lesson learned: never question these things without cause.
That night, I'm thoroughly exhausted well past midnight. Even then, Leo shows no signs of letting up.
Eventually, my stamina gives out completely. I pass out.
When I wake again, it's nearly noon.
The moment I move, soreness radiates through my entire body.
But as a dance student, I quickly find stretches to ease the ache.
I'd planned to shower, but I realize my body's already clean—even my undergarments have been changed.
Leo must have done it.
A smile tugs at my lips as I change clothes and head downstairs.
Leo's in the kitchen wearing an apron, busy at work.
Sunlight bathes him entirely.
The scene is beautiful.
If every future day could look like this... that wouldn't be so bad.
The thought barely forms before I suppress it.
Ten years of feelings crumbled so easily against reality.
How much more fragile would something like what Leo and I have—a relationship sustained by money—be?
But then my mind flashes back to Leo throwing himself at me without hesitation, holding me tight in his arms...
Are we really just a financial transaction?
"What are you thinking about? I called you twice and you didn't respond."
Leo's voice suddenly sounds by my ear.
I snap back to the present and meet his smiling eyes. My lips curve upward reflexively.
"Nothing. Just... It's been so long since I've seen you busy in the kitchen. Couldn't help wanting to watch."
Leo's expression softens. He quickly kisses my forehead.
"Don't just watch. Eat plenty."
I suspect he means that in more ways than one, but I don't call him out.
After breakfast, he drives me to the dance company.
As I'm about to get out, I tell him, "My parents went back to their place. You can come back anytime."
Leo's smile turns teasing. "Are you inviting me to move in with you?"
The word "move in" makes my face heat involuntarily.
Why does he make it sound like we're making this fake relationship real?
"I suppose so."
Leo's expression grows even warmer. "See you tonight, then."
"See you tonight."
I open the car door and step out.
Just as I'm about to close it, I hesitate, then decide to seek his opinion anyway.
"Leo, bartending isn't sustainable long-term. Maybe... you should consider a different job?"
Seeing his expression shift, I quickly explain, worried he'll misunderstand. "I don't think there's anything wrong with your work. I just think it doesn't suit you. You could choose something better, more stable."
"But there's no rush. Think it over. I'll help you, too."
I know I'm overstepping. The more I talk, the more uncertain I feel.
Just when I think Leo will refuse, he surprises me by agreeing.
"Alright. I'll seriously consider your suggestion."
My mood instantly brightens. I wave at him before heading into the dance company.
Right after changing into my practice clothes, I receive a notice that the director's called a full company meeting in the conference room.
I head straight there.
The moment I reach the doorway, I hear someone asking Sophia a question.
"Sophia, I heard you're about to audition for the Royal Ballet Company. Is that true?"
"How did word get out when nothing's been decided yet?"
Sophia's tone carries shy modesty—indirectly confirming the rumor.