chapter 21: Moment She Stopped Running ( Part two)

The fire flickered low in the hearth, casting golden light over the wood cabin. Outside the world was silent. The Countryside wrapped in peaceful darkness. But inside, the air was thick with tension _heavy, intoxicating, charged with something neither of them could ignore anymore.

Anastasia sat on the edge of the bed, her hands clenched together on her laps, her heart pounding loudly she was sure he could hear it, as she watched him take off his shirt, and way his well defined muscles flex with every movement.

Leonidas stood before her, his gaze unwavering, dark as midnight, burning with need __but he didn't move. He was patiently and calmly waiting. For her.

She swallowed, fingers curling against the fabric of her dress, she had made a choice to stay. To stop running. But now, in the quiet intimacy of this moment, fear crept in ^_ not of him, never of him__ but the unknown.

Sensing her hesitation, Leonidas moved closer, crouching before her, his large hands settling gently on her knees. He didn't push, didn't demand. He only waited, his presence steady and unwavering.

"Anastasia," he murmured, his voice low, soothing, " if you are not ready__"

"I am," she whispered, though her cheeks flamed at the admission. "I just..." She exhaled gripping the sheets beneath her. " I have never...."

Leonidas expression softened, his thumb brushed along her knees,a comforting touch.

" I know." He said, his voice filled with quiet understanding. "I won't hurt you. "

She believed him.

Even with his overwhelming physique and rippling muscles, even with the hunger in his gaze, he had never been anything but careful with her.

Still when he reached for the hem of her dress, she tensed. He noticed. He always noticed.

"Look at me. " he murmured

She lifted her gaze to his.

" I will be gentle. " he promised.

Her throat tightened, she gave a shaky nod.

His fingers traced the edge of the fabric before lifting it, the cool air of the room brush against her bare skin. Heat bloommed on her cheeks as the material smoothly slid up, exposing more and more, until she was left bare before him.

A small embarrassed sound escaped her, and instinctively, she moved to cover herself.

But Leonidas caught her arms, his grip, gentle but firm.

"Don't, " he said softly.

She swallowed, her whole body tingling under his intense scrutiny.

His gaze roamed over her, slow, reverent, his throat working as if he was struggling to breathe. She had never felt so vulnerable, so exposed, and yet, the way he looked at her....

It wasn't just desire.

It was awe.

You are beautiful, he rapped, his fingers trailing lightly over her shoulder, sending shivers down her spine.

She bit her lip, looking away, but he wouldn't let her hide, his hand slid under her chin, tilting her face back to him.

"I want you to see what I see," he murmured.

Her heart ached at the tenderness in his voice.

And then he kissed her.

Slow, unhurried, as if savoring every second, every trembling breath she gave him. His hands explore her carefully, mapping the soft curves of her body with aching restraint. He could have taken her fast __but he didn't.

He was patient, because she mean more to him.

His lips moved from her mouth to her to her neck, down the delicate slopes of her shoulder, worshipping every inch of her. Every time she shivered, every time she whispered, he slows down, giving her time to adjust, to feel, to accept.

When he finally settled between her legs, her breath hitched, her nails digging into his shoulders. Flicker of fear crossed her eyes, and he saw it, immediately.

Leonidas cupped her cheek, his thumb brushing along the flushed skin. " Breath," he murmured, his voice hoarse and barely audible. "I won't hurt you, Ana..."

She swallowed hard, nodding. But when he pushed forward, a sharp, unexpected pain tore through her, and she let out a soft muffled cry, her fingers trembling against his skin.

He froze instantly, muscles tense,his breathing harsh. "Are you OK,?" His voice was hoarse with restraint.

Tears pickled her eyes, but she shook her head quickly. "I__I need a moment ."

Leonida's jaw clenched. His entire body was shaking with the effort to hold back, to stop himself from moving, from taking more. He quickly pressed his lips against her forehead, reign in his control, then he gently kisses her nose,her cheeks, whispering soothing words against her skin.

"I have you," he murmured, "you are doing so well."

The warmth of his voice, the way he held her, the way he kissed her, it was enough to make the pain dull, to make her body relax into his.

She exhaled shakily, squirming beneath him. The sting remain, but there was something else now __ a slow, blooming pleasure that mingled with the intensity of his touch.

Her fingers digging into his back, but this time around , is for pleasure. Unable to contain himself, he crashed his lips to hers, as if his life depends on in. This time when he moved, it wasn't pain she felt ___but something deeper, something overwhelming and new.

She gasped, her whimpers swallowed by his mouth.

Leonidas groaned, his control slipping slightly, tried his best to remain careful, reverent, holding her as if she was something precious.

And when pleasure finally overtook the pain, when her body relaxed completely into his, she let out a quiet broken whisper.

"Leonidas...."

His forehead pressed against hers, his breathing heavy, His last restraint slip like a broken dam, and he moved like a mad man with the strength of a stallion.

And then he made love to her __ strong, deep with a devotion that left her trembling in his arms.

By the time it was over, she was exhausted, her body boneless in his embrace. He held her close, his lips pressing soft kisses to her temple, her shoulder, anywhere he could reach.

He didn't pull away, he didn't leave her. He simply wrapped himself around her. Keeping her warm and safe.

The last thing she remembered before sleep claimed her was the feel of his hand tracing slow, lazy circles on her back, his voice, a quiet, possessive murmur against her ear.

" You are mine now, Ana...."

And for the first time, she didn't run from it.