Bella blinked in shock at the firmness beneath her cheek. She hadn't meant to notice, but she couldn't help it—the hard ridges of his abs pressed through the fabric of his shirt, radiating warmth against her skin. Heat rushed to her face, her heart thundering as her fingers unconsciously tightened at his sides.
Leo's body tensed like a drawn bow. Her touch… it was too much. The soft pressure of her arms, her hesitant closeness—it sent a dangerous ripple through him. His breath came heavier, his throat working as he looked down at her clinging to him like that.
"Bella…" he muttered, his voice husky now, carrying a warning edge. "Do you even know what you're doing?"
She lifted her gaze slightly, her cheeks flushed pink, but her determination remained. "I just… I just want to go shopping alone. Please, Leo." Her words brushed against his chest as she spoke, warm and trembling, making his self-control strain further.
