CHAPTER 265: CHAPTER 265 COLLECTING MY PAYMENT

"Why are you carrying me?" Bella asked, her fists tapping weakly against his chest, her lips pouting in protest.

"Because I want to," he replied without hesitation, his tone deep and final, leaving no room for argument.

Her pulse hammered as she stayed curled in his arms. By the time he reached his room, he didn’t even bother with the handle. His long leg kicked the bedroom door open with force.

He carried her straight to the bed and lowered her down, his movements controlled but heavy with intent. Bella’s eyes widened as her back hit the soft mattress, and she propped herself up on her elbows.

Her throat went dry when Leo’s fingers reached his collar. With slow, deliberate movements, he began unbuttoning his shirt, one button at a time, revealing glimpses of his hard, sculpted chest.

Her lips parted as she stammered, "W-what are you doing...?"

Leo’s head tilted, his gaze burning into hers, his voice gravelly and wickedly low. "Collecting my payment."

Bella’s breath came uneven, her face bright red. "Y-you... what are you planning?" she asked, clutching the bedsheet like it was her last shield.

Leo’s smirk deepened, his gray eyes glinting with something wicked. He deliberately loosened another button, baring more of his chest. "You’ll know soon enough," he drawled, his tone dripping with mystery.

Bella’s gaze slipped downward before she could stop herself, her wide eyes shamelessly drinking him in. His chest looked hard as stone, his muscles flexing with every slight movement. She swallowed nervously, her little brain desperately trying to count. "Four... no, six... no... eight..." she muttered under her breath.

Leo chuckled darkly, catching every word. "Bunny," he said smoothly, "are you counting my abs?" His voice was sinful, teasing, and he leaned a little closer just to see her reaction.

Bella’s whole face turned crimson, and she immediately turned her head away. "N-no! I wasn’t—"

"Don’t lie to me." His smirk stretched wider, shameless amusement dancing in his eyes. "You’ve already stared long enough to memorize them."

"Stupid wolf!" she squeaked, burying her face in the pillow.

"Mmm." He hummed in satisfaction, stretching his body before rounding to the other side of the bed. He moved lazily, like a predator who had all the time in the world. Then he dropped down on the mattress, lying on his stomach with his broad back fully exposed.

Bella peeked from behind the pillow, utterly confused. "Huh?"

Leo tilted his head, resting it lazily on his forearm. His voice was casual, but his words carried heat. "Go to the drawer. Bring out the oil. Then massage me."

Bella’s eyes flew wide. "Wh-what?"

He lifted a brow, not even turning to look at her, as if it was the most natural request. "Didn’t you hear me? Massage. Oil. Hands. On me."

Her heart skipped a beat. For a moment her imagination ran wild, making her blush so hard she wanted to melt into the floor. "O-oh... so that’s what you meant," she muttered quickly, rushing to the drawer with her head lowered, trying not to combust on the spot.

When she found the oil, she clutched it tightly and came back to the bed. Her steps were small, hesitant, her mind screaming at her to run but her body obeying him anyway.

"I-I don’t know how to massage," she confessed meekly, her voice no louder than a whisper.

Leo finally turned his head, his gaze half-lidded, his lips curved into a sensual smirk. "Don’t worry, little bunny," he said, his voice husky and loaded with double meaning. "Just spread the oil on my back and rub me with your hands. I’ll teach you how I like it."

Bella nearly dropped the bottle.

She uncapped it and carefully poured a little oil onto her palm. She hesitated, staring at his broad, muscled back that gleamed faintly under the dim lights. Swallowing nervously, she pressed her small hands against him, spreading the oil across his hard skin.

The moment her fingers touched him, Leo’s breath hitched ever so slightly, though he masked it with a low chuckle. "Mmm... so warm," he murmured, his voice dripping with satisfaction. "Go on, bunny. Spread it properly."

Bella’s face flamed red. "I-I am!" she said quickly, rubbing her hands over his back in small, shy circles. Her fingers trembled as they glided over his muscles, feeling how solid and smooth he was under her touch.

"Don’t be afraid," Leo’s deep voice rumbled, vibrating through his chest. "You won’t break me. Harder."

She bit her lip and pressed down a little more, her hands sliding over the lines of his back, from his broad shoulders down to his waist. The heat of his body mixed with the oil, making her palms slick as they moved.

Leo closed his eyes, his voice a low rumble. "On my shoulder," he said, tilting his head slightly.

Bella obediently moved her hands up, pressing her fingers into his tense shoulders. They felt rock-hard under her small palms, the knots of tension stubborn, and she frowned in concentration.

"Mmm... harder," Leo muttered, his lips curving faintly. "Yes... right there. Don’t stop."

Bella bit her lip and pushed her fingers in deeper, trying to knead the stiffness away. "You’re so tense... do you even relax?" she asked softly.

Leo chuckled, the sound deep and sinful. "With the right touch, I can."

Her cheeks heated instantly. She looked down at his back instead of answering, pressing harder as she rubbed.

"Good," he praised, his voice turning rougher. "Now lower. Yes, to the middle of my back. Slide your hands slowly. Don’t rush. I want to feel every bit of it."

Bella swallowed nervously, her hands gliding downward, spreading the oil in careful strokes. The way he groaned under her touch made her heart skip.

"You’re a fast learner, bunny," he teased, half turning his head, his gray eyes glinting with heat. "Careful. If you keep being this good with your hands, I might never let you stop."

Bella’s eyes widened. "Y-you’re making it sound weird!" she protested, her voice high and flustered.

Leo smirked, resting his chin on his arm, utterly relaxed now. "Weird? No. Perfect." He let out a satisfied sigh, his tone rough with pleasure. "Keep going lower, Bella. Don’t disappoint me..."