CHAPTER 351: CHAPTER 351 LEO APARTMENT

Next Day

Bella was glowing with excitement because Leo was taking her to his secret apartment near his company. Almost no one knew about it, which made it feel special to her.

She sat beside him in the back seat of the car, her white top and wide-legged pants making her look effortlessly elegant. Leo had chosen the outfit himself that morning. He had even frowned for five whole minutes deciding between two shades of white, which still made her giggle whenever she remembered it.

The sunlight streaming through the tinted windows brushed over her face, making her skin glow.

Bella rested her elbow on the window, watching the passing streets before turning toward Leo. "Leo, if you already know everything, then why do I still have to pretend to be a man?" she asked, her tone almost pleading. "It’s so uncomfortable."

Leo’s arm rested behind her shoulders, and his other hand was lazily placed on his thigh. "Because," he said calmly, "I don’t want you getting noticed. My enemies are always watching. You remember the last attack, right?"

"Yes, yes, I remember!" she said proudly. "And I saved you! I destroyed Pablo’s base, even though you scolded me later because I got out of the car when you told me not to. And then you said you hate girls crying." She puffed her cheeks, making him glance down at her in amusement.

"You remember all that?" he asked, tilting his head.

"Of course!" she said, crossing her arms. "I remember everything. I don’t forget anything."

Leo’s lips curved. "You’re dangerous then, bunny. You remember too much."

Bella gasped dramatically. "That’s rude! It’s called a sharp memory, not dangerous!"

"Hm," he said, pretending to think, "then maybe I should start being careful with what I say around you."

"You should," she said quickly, narrowing her eyes. "You talk too much sometimes."

Leo chuckled, his low laugh making her heart flutter. "Says the one who keeps count of everything I say."

"Because you say important things," she mumbled under her breath, looking away, her cheeks pink.

The car grew quiet for a moment, their reflections soft in the window. Then Leo leaned a little closer, his voice a quiet murmur near her ear. "You know, bunny, I don’t remember half of what I tell people. But I remember everything I tell you."

Bella froze, her lips parting slightly, and she looked away again, flustered. "You... you always say things like that on purpose," she muttered.

"Maybe," he said softly, his gray eyes glinting, "because I like seeing you blush." His voice was husky and deep as his gaze lingered on her adorable, blushing cheeks. He wanted to bite them badly.

"Leo!" she gasped, hiding her face with her hands, and he chuckled, clearly pleased with himself.

After a few more minutes, the car stopped smoothly in front of a tall, luxurious building. The structure was stunning, a mix of warm brown brick and dark stone, with broad black balconies on every floor. The sunlight gleamed against the large glass windows, reflecting the green mountains rising behind it. The path leading to the entrance was paved with clean gray stone, lined with neat hedges and small cypress trees swaying in the breeze.

Bella stepped out, eyes wide. "Leo, it’s so beautiful," she whispered, her voice full of awe.

He adjusted his cuffs, walking beside her with easy grace. "It’s quiet. No one knows about this place except me and a few of my men."

Four bodyguards followed behind at a respectful distance, scanning their surroundings. Bella glanced at them and whispered, "Are we going into battle or something? They look so serious."

Leo gave her a sideways look, his lips twitching faintly. "With you around, bunny, there’s always a risk."

"Of what?" she asked, blinking innocently.

He just smiled, his eyes filled with protectiveness, as her hand brushed his while they walked side by side toward the glass entrance. The sunlight glinted on his dark hair, and the breeze caught a loose strand of hers.

Leo led her through the marble-floored lobby, his hand gently resting at the small of her back. The soft echo of their footsteps mingled with the hum of the air conditioning. The scent of citrus hung faintly in the air.

"The apartment’s on the fifth floor," he said, pressing the elevator button.

Bella’s eyes widened as the golden doors slid open with a soft chime. She peeked inside and whispered, "It’s so shiny. Do rich people clean it every hour or something?"

Leo chuckled under his breath, guiding her in. "Not every hour. Maybe every two."

"Funny," she muttered, crossing her arms but secretly smiling.

When the doors closed, a quiet stillness filled the small space. The mirror inside reflected them together, her bright, curious eyes and his tall, composed figure beside her. Leo glanced at her reflection, watching how she fiddled with the strap of her bag, her nose scrunching slightly when she tried to hide her smile.

"You’re nervous?" he asked.

Bella shook her head quickly. "No... maybe... a little. This place feels too perfect."

He turned toward her, lowering his voice. "It’s just a place, bunny. It’ll only feel perfect when you’re in it."

Her heart skipped. "Leo..." she whispered, her voice caught between a laugh and something softer.

He leaned a little closer, his tone teasing but warm. "What?"

"You always say things like that," she accused, pressing a hand against his chest. "Stop making me blus..... no, I mean fool for no reason!"

Leo smiled faintly, his gray eyes gleaming like polished steel. "It’s not for no reason," he murmured.

Bella blinked up at him, her breath caught. "Then why?"

"Because you look beautiful when you blush," he said simply, and the words hit her harder than she expected. She turned away quickly, pretending to study the buttons on the elevator panel, her cheeks pink.

"You’re a bad guy," she muttered under her breath.

"I know," he said, utterly unbothered, his voice soft with amusement.

The elevator chimed again, and the doors slid open to reveal a quiet, private hallway. Only two doors stood on either side, sleek and dark, with warm lights above them.

"This floor is completely mine," Leo said, stepping out first. "No neighbors. Just peace and privacy."

Bella followed him, her steps light. "So, if no one else lives here, what do you do when you’re bored?"

He glanced back at her, one brow raised. "I find ways not to be bored," he said meaningfully.

Bella stared at him, suspicious. "That sounds dangerous."

Leo smiled slightly. "Only for you, bunny."

Her heart fluttered again as he unlocked the door and held it open for her, his voice low and smooth. "Welcome to my other world."