Chapter 291: Chapter 291 Do it
He tilted his head, studying her as if memorizing every inch of her. "Say it again," he murmured, his voice husky now. "Tell me how I look."
Her throat went dry, her words tumbling out in a rush. "You look... amazing. Handsome. Too handsome, actually." She puffed her cheeks and tried to look away. "That’s what I meant."
Leo chuckled low, the sound rumbling deep in his chest. His lips curved into something darker, his eyes glinting as he leaned even closer, their foreheads nearly touching. "Now that," he whispered, "sounds better."
Bella tried to push lightly at his chest, but her small hands against the hard muscle only made her more flustered. "Y-you’re too close..."
His smirk didn’t fade. "I like being close." His gaze dropped briefly to her lips before meeting her eyes again. "Especially to you."
Bella’s breath caught, her entire face turning crimson. She didn’t dare move, afraid her knees would give out.
Leo stayed there, hovering just close enough to make her heart race, his violet shirt clinging perfectly to his frame, as though it had always been meant for him.
"I... I should go..." Bella whispered, her small hands pressing against his chest in a desperate attempt to push him away. But Leo didn’t budge. His arms braced firmly on the desk, trapping her in place, his tall frame towering over her like a shadow that refused to move.
"And what’s that?" His voice was low, deep enough to make her breath stumble.
Bella blinked in confusion, her lashes fluttering. "W-what?" she asked, her voice trembling.
Leo tilted his head slightly, his eyes darkening as they locked on her. His finger lifted, pointing toward his cheek, where the faint warmth of her kiss still lingered. "This," he said softly, his eyes burning into hers. "Kiss."
Her whole body stiffened. Her eyes widened in shock as her face flushed crimson. That kiss... she hadn’t even thought about it properly. She had only done it to distract him. "I-I..." Bella stammered, her lips parting uselessly as her heart pounded like a drum.
Leo leaned in closer, his face lowering until the heat of his breath mingled with hers. His eyes dropped deliberately to her lips, his voice deep and dangerous. "It’s called a kiss," he murmured, his words brushing against her skin like fire.
Bella’s knees went weak, her chest rising and falling rapidly. She wanted to step back, but there was nowhere to go. Her palms pressed against his shirt helplessly, the steady thud of his heart echoing against her touch.
"Do it again," Leo demanded, his voice husky.
Bella gasped, her eyes going wide. "W-what?"
"Do it." His control was fraying—she could hear it in the rough edge of his voice, see it in the way his jaw tightened. He wanted to kiss her himself, but he restrained, forcing her to come to him instead.
Bella’s hands trembled as she lifted them, cupping his face gently. The moment her soft fingers brushed his skin, a shiver ran through both of them. Her cheeks burned hotter, and slowly, hesitantly, she leaned forward and pressed a kiss to his right cheek.
The touch was feather-light, but it sent a jolt down Leo’s spine. His hands moved on their own, sliding firmly around her waist, pulling her closer until her body brushed against his.
"One more," he ordered, turning his head slightly, offering his other cheek.
Bella bit her lip nervously, but obeyed. She leaned in, her lashes brushing his skin as she kissed his left cheek.
Leo’s eyes darkened further, his grip tightening around her. "One more," he murmured again, his voice low, rough, almost pleading now.
This time he dipped his head lower. Bella froze, her lips trembling, then she steadied her hands against his jaw and kissed his forehead gently.
He closed his eyes for the briefest moment, savoring it. But when he opened them, hunger gleamed in their depths. "One more," he whispered, his voice husky, his breath fanning against her lips.
Bella hesitated, her heart slamming in her chest. Then, gathering courage, she leaned in and kissed the tip of his nose, her touch so delicate it made his entire body tense with restraint.
Finally, his gaze dropped directly to her lips. Their faces were so close now, her breath mixing with his, her cheeks flaming red. Bella’s lashes lowered shyly, her lips trembling with anticipation. Her toes curled upward against the floor, her whole body aching with nervous longing.
Leo leaned down slowly, inch by inch, his lips hovering just above hers. The world seemed to fall away, the silence so thick that even the sound of their breathing felt loud. They were about to meet—
RINGGGG. RINGGGGG.
The shrill sound of his phone shattered the moment. Leo froze, his jaw clenching in fury. Bella gasped and darted back instantly, her hands flying to her burning cheeks as she stumbled away, her heart racing.
Leo leaned back heavily, his fists tightening. His eyes were dark with frustration, his chest heaving with the effort of restraint. Who the hell dares to block me now? he thought, his expression turning icy as he yanked the phone from his pocket.
Jay.
Leo’s face darkened even further, his thoughts murderous. Little sh*t.
He swiped the call open, his jaw clenched tight. "What?" he snapped, his voice cutting like a blade.
On the other end, Jay’s cheery, sing-song tone rang out. "Where is my Bella Bell??" he demanded, his voice loud enough to make Leo’s temple throb. "She didn’t reply to my messages, and I miss her already!"
Leo’s grip on the phone nearly cracked the casing. His teeth ground together, his free hand flexing at his side in barely contained rage. Of all times... this idiot calls now? His chest still burned with the memory of Bella’s lips hovering inches from his, her trembling breath against his skin, her toes curling so cutely as she leaned into him. And now interrupted by this.
Meanwhile, Bella’s wide eyes darted to the open door. She didn’t wait a second longer. Taking full advantage of Jay’s perfect distraction, she gathered her courage and bolted. Her small frame dashed past the threshold, her footsteps light but quick, her cheeks burning so hot she felt like steam was coming off her face.