Page 28 of Corrupted Union
“You look flushed,” she says.
“What? No, I’m fine. Just hungry.” My words don’t appease her because she looks at me strangely the entire meal, even when Marco has a conversation with her and even when Hannah clears away the plates.
“I’m off to bed,” I tell her before she can ask too many questions.
After being in my room for about an hour and trying and failing to read—when am I ever too distracted not to read? —Hannah knocks on my door. “Leo is here to see you.”
My heart almost shoots out of my chest. I thank her and hurry downstairs to find Leo waiting in the doorway as usual. Also, as usual, we’re alone. Emilia and Marco went off to bed.
“HI,” I say, telling myself to not blush.
He gives me a knowing look. “Did you like my gift?”
“It was … very forward.”
“I know. And I’m sorry about that. I just thought it would be fun.” He leans in close to me, giving me a good whiff of his aftershave. “So, was it fun?”
“Oh, um.” I clear my throat. “I’m not talking about those things with you. It’s personal. I still barely know you.”
“You’re right, but I want to change that. I really want to get to know you, Fran.” He’s already calling me by a nickname. “Don’t you want to get to know me?”
I shouldn’t.
And yet …
I only live once. Maybe it’s time I try being bolder. Less shy. “Honestly, the gift shocked me.”
“I can imagine.” He leans against the doorframe with that easy smile on his lips. Why does he have to be so handsome? Emilia told me to not to trust him, and I believe her, but when talking to Leo, it’s so easy to get caught up in his charm.
“But I did … try it on,” I whisper.
His eyes gleam. “Yeah? Did you also touch yourself with it on?”
I gasp, taking a step back. “Why would you ask me that?”
He holds his hands up in surrender. “I know you’re a good Catholic girl. But I wanted to put that out there. Next time you’re wearing it, touch yourself.”
“I—I,” I stutter. “I wouldn’t even know …” Oh my goodness. This is so embarrassing.
Leo gently grabs my hand, his touch electrifying on mine and entwines our fingers together. “It’s easy. You just take this hand and bring it … here.” He hovers it over my lower body. I can’t even move. “Then you see what feels good.”
It’s like everything is in slow motion. My breath. My heartbeat. The goosebumps on my skin. Leo is a mystery to me. I always thought I just wanted intellectual conversation, and while I do want that, I’m starting to think I might want … more.
I can’t move, even when Leo lets go of my hand and takes a step back. “And think of me when you do it.” He winks before walking away. Without even thinking, I shut the door and go back to my room as if in a daze.
Leoistrouble; that’s a fact.
But the question remains—am I powerless to stop him?
Or will I fall victim to him?
CHAPTER7
Francesca
The lingerie set taunts me on my bed. I pace around the room, my fingers twitching and my eyes burning a hole into the fabric. Leo wants me to wear it and touch myself. I don’t know how he’s able to be so confident and bold with his words. I practically stumble over everything I say. I could never suggest to someone I barely knew totouchthemselves and think about me while doing it.
Only Leo, I guess.