He slipped his hand under the blanket, careful and slow, resting it above her abdomen. His palm was warm, his touch firm yet cautious. He started to rub in small circles, just enough pressure to ease the tension.
Bella gasped softly at the sudden warmth, her lashes fluttering open for a moment. "Leo… what are you doing?" she asked, her voice weak but flustered.
"Massage," he said simply, his tone deep, calm, and certain as if the word alone was law.
Her heart skipped. He was so close she could smell the faint trace of his cologne, the warmth of his skin, the quiet strength in the way his fingers moved.
"Does it help?" he asked quietly, his eyes fixed on her face.
She nodded slowly, her voice small. "A little…"
"Good." His thumb brushed along her waist before resuming the gentle circles, slower this time. The tension in her muscles began to fade, replaced by a heavy, pleasant warmth that made her relax completely.
