CHAPTER 235: CHAPTER 235 LITTLE BUNNY & BIG WOLF

His large hand reached out suddenly, covering hers before she could pull away. Bella’s breath caught as she looked up at him. His thumb brushed slowly against her knuckles, deliberate and teasing.

"You spoil me, you know that?" His voice was like velvet over steel, soft but commanding.

Her lips parted. "It’s... just pasta."

"No." He leaned closer, his eyes dark, intense. "It’s you. The way you cook, the way you sit here just for me." His words hung heavy, Deep, making her heart pound faster.

Bella quickly pulled her hand back, biting her lip nervously. "E-eat before it gets cold."

Leo chuckled under his breath, low and knowing, before picking up his fork again. But even as he ate, his eyes stayed on her like he was tasting more than the pasta, like he was savoring her.

Leo had to admit even to himself that the pasta Bella made was honestly delicious. Far better than what he’d expected from someone who’d looked half-asleep while cooking. He ended up eating more than his usual portion, and when his plate was empty, Bella quickly gathered it up and carried it to the sink.

She turned the tap on, rolling up her sleeves. "I’ll wash—"

"Don’t." His voice was firm, and when she looked back at him with wide, tired eyes, he added, softer, "The maids will do it later."

Bella hesitated, then gave a small nod, rubbing her eyes like a child. She really was sleepy.

Leo’s lips tugged upward slightly as he watched her. Obedient little bunny, he thought, strangely amused at how she could be stubborn one moment, then so quietly compliant the next.

When they walked out of the kitchen, he noticed her steps dragging. The same girl who had practically dragged him out of his room earlier now looked like a zombie, barely keeping her eyes open as she shuffled after him.

He slowed his steps, turned and the sight made him chuckle under his breath. She was walking crookedly, like she might fall asleep standing.

Before she could protest, he swooped down, slid one arm behind her knees and the other around her back, and lifted her easily into his arms.

Bella gasped, her arms instinctively flying around his neck. "W-what are you doing!?"

"You’re too slow, little bunny," he murmured, his tone carrying both amusement and warmth. His chest rumbled faintly as he said it, and Bella blinked up at him, her lips parting.

Her cheeks burned as she buried her face against him. "...If you call me little bunny again, I’ll call you big wolf," she muttered.

That actually made him stop mid-step. His gray eyes glinted as he tilted his head toward her, lowering his voice until it brushed against her ears like silk. "Then I’ll eat you, little bunny."

Her eyes went wide, a squeal escaping her lips as she quickly clapped a hand over his cheek, pushing his face away while giggling nervously. "D-Don’t eat me, wolf!"

Her laughter was light and contagious, and Leo found himself chuckling too, shaking his head at her antics. Still carrying her effortlessly, he started up the stairs again, her head resting on his chest.

When he laid her down on his bed, Bella had already drifted off completely, her breaths soft and even, lashes resting like little fans against her cheeks. For a man who rarely let his guard down, Leo found himself frozen for a moment, simply staring at her.

Did he ever mention—at least to himself—how unbearably cute this girl was? Because right now, she looked so damn innocent it almost hurt. That ridiculous, fluffy pink night dress she was wearing wasn’t helping either. It clung just loosely enough to remind him she was delicate, soft, and his to protect.

He leaned closer, his tall frame bending over her, his shadow falling across her sleeping face. His gray eyes dropped to her lips, full and slightly parted, and something in his chest tightened. He could so easily steal a kiss right now. One brush, one taste, and she’d never know.

But no. Not like this. Not when she wasn’t awake to glare at him or blush or pout. That, he realized, was what he wanted—her awake, her reactions, her fire.

So instead, his lips curved in a faint, rare smile, and he pressed a slow, lingering kiss to her forehead. Her skin was warm against his mouth, and for the first time in a long time, he felt his restless mind go quiet.

Later, after dimming the lights, he slid into bed beside her. Without thinking, his arm reached out, wrapping around her waist. She was so small, so soft, so warm that he instinctively pulled her closer until her back was snug against his chest.

She shifted a little in her sleep, and her hand, tiny compared to his, landed against his arm. Something inside him gave way at that—her trusting him even unconsciously. His hold tightened, his lips brushing against the crown of her hair.

***

Bella’s eyes blinked open, the soft morning light spilling through the curtains. She turned her head slightly toward the nightstand, and her eyes widened at the glowing red numbers.

10:23.

"Oh my god..." she whispered, mortified. She never slept this long.

But when she shifted to sit up, she realized she was trapped.

Leo’s arms were locked firmly around her waist, one arm tucked beneath her and the other draped across her middle, holding her like she was his most precious possession. His entire frame was pressed against her from behind, his long legs tangled with hers under the blanket. And worse—his face was buried right at the curve of her neck, his breath warm against her skin.

Bella froze, her heart thumping wildly. Oh god. Oh god oh god.

Her cheeks flamed red as she felt the faint brush of his lips moving with each breath, his stubble grazing her skin ever so slightly. She bit her lip, not daring to move, because any slight shift made him tighten his grip like he was afraid she’d vanish.

Her mind screamed at her to get up, but her body was melting. This position... it was too much. Too close. Too intimate.

"Leo..." she whispered softly, almost like testing the air.