Chapter 27 – A Love That Knows No Restraint

Leonidas had always been a man of control, a man who measured his every action with precision. But with her, he found himself unraveling.

For years, he had waited—watched from afar, longing, craving.

Now, she was finally his, and he had no intention of holding back.

---

Anastasia stirred awake, warmth surrounding her before she even opened her eyes. A steady heartbeat thumped beneath her ear, a strong arm draped over her waist, anchoring her against a firm chest.

She blinked, startled by the realization that Leonidas was still in bed with her.

Her face heated instantly. She had fallen asleep alone… or so she thought.

But now, he was here, holding her, as if he couldn't bear to be away.

Before she could even process the situation, a deep voice rumbled against her ear.

"You're awake."

His grip tightened slightly, his lips brushing against her temple as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Anastasia froze, unsure of how to respond.

"I-I…" Her voice came out small, unsure.

A slow chuckle vibrated against her back.

"You always wake up like this?" he murmured, burying his face in her hair. "Adorable."

Her breath hitched as his fingers lazily traced circles on her hip, his touch lingering but not demanding. He wasn't rushing her—he was enjoying her.

"I… I thought you had work…" she whispered, still flustered by their closeness.

"I do," he admitted, but work can wait.

The way he said it made her stomach flip.

Work could wait—but she couldn't.

---

Leonidas refused to let her leave the bed immediately. Instead, he pulled her onto his lap, making sure she remained nestled against him for a few more moments.

Only when he was satisfied did he finally let her go, but not without stealing one more kiss against her forehead.

By the time she stepped into the dining room, breakfast had already been prepared.

Not just any breakfast.

A feast.

Warm pastries, fresh fruit, delicate eggs cooked to perfection—every detail screamed indulgence.

She stared at the table in shock. "T-this is too much…"

Leonidas, now fully dressed in his usual sharp, black attire, casually pulled out a chair for her. "No, it's just right."

She hesitated but sat down as he took the seat beside her—not across from her, but beside her.

Close.

Too close.

As she reached for her tea, he took it from her hands, gently bringing it to her lips himself.

Her eyes widened. "I-I can do it—"

His gaze flickered to hers, amusement playing in his dark eyes. "I know. But I want to do it."

Her face burned as she took a small sip, feeling utterly spoiled.

But it didn't stop there.

When she reached for a piece of bread, he buttered it for her first.

When she hesitated with her fork, he placed the first bite on her plate.

"Y-you're acting strange today," she finally mumbled, unable to take the attention anymore.

Leonidas smirked, casually resting his chin on his palm as he observed her.

"No, this is how I've always wanted to treat you."

Her stomach flipped.

She wasn't used to this.

She wasn't used to being… cherished.

---

After breakfast, she expected him to leave for work.

But he didn't.

Instead, he took her by the hand, leading her to the large, private lounge overlooking the gardens.

He settled onto the plush couch, pulling her beside him—no, into his lap again—until she was comfortably nestled against him.

"I want to know more about you," he said suddenly, his voice softer now.

She blinked. "You… you do?"

He nodded, his fingers tracing slow, idle circles against her wrist.

"Tell me something about yourself. Something no one else knows."

She hesitated, feeling exposed under his intense gaze.

"I… I like books," she admitted shyly.

He chuckled. "I already know that. Try again."

She bit her lip, then whispered, "I like the sound of the rain… but I don't like thunder."

His fingers paused for a second before resuming their lazy strokes.

"So if there's ever a storm, I should hold you until it passes?"

Her breath caught. "I-I didn't say that—"

Leonidas leaned closer, lips brushing against her ear. "I want to hold you," he murmured, his voice sending shivers down her spine. "Even without a storm."

Her heart pounded.

He was too much.

Too much warmth. Too much intensity. Too much Leonidas.

But at the same time…

She didn't want him to stop.

--

Leonidas canceled all his morning meetings.

For the first time, he wasn't drowning himself in work.

Instead, he spent the day with her.

He walked with her through the garden, listening to her shyly talk about the flowers she liked.

He sat beside her on the balcony, reading a book while she nervously sipped her tea.

He watched her with quiet admiration, noticing the little things—how she tucked her hair behind her ear when she was nervous, how she bit her lip when she was thinking.

By the time the afternoon arrived, Anastasia no longer felt awkward around him.

For the first time, she wasn't confused about him.

Because today, he wasn't distant. He wasn't hiding.

He was just Leonidas.

And she was starting to see the man behind the mask.

---

As the sun dipped lower, Leonidas finally sighed, glancing at his watch.

"I should leave now."

Anastasia shifted uncomfortably, realizing she didn't want him to go.

Before she could say anything, he cupped her face gently, tilting her chin up so she had no choice but to look at him.

"I'll be back soon," he murmured.

Her lips parted slightly. "O-okay…"

A slow, knowing smile tugged at his lips. "Miss me while I'm gone?"

Her face burned. "I—I won't—"

He cut her off with a soft kiss to her forehead, lingering just long enough to make her heart pound.

"Liar," he whispered before pulling away.

And then, with one last glance, he left for work—leaving her completely breathless. S