Episode 20

WITH MADISON

After standing for a few seconds at the doorway of my room, still reeling from the recent events, my gaze remained downcast—I didn't want him to see the blush on my cheeks, but I had yet to recover from that moment. I wasn’t sure what was happening to me; having him so close had set my nerves on edge like never before.

"DAMN IT!" I yelled, storming into my room—I didn't want to go to his room, let alone sleep with him in the same bed. I felt odd, uncertain of what might happen; that's what scared me, I prayed for protection silently in my mind.

I headed into the bathroom for a shower. Twenty minutes later, I came out, brushed my teeth, and combed my hair. I was unsure about what to wear; the only pajamas I found were slightly revealing, but they seemed suitable nonetheless, so I put them on.

Once ready, I grabbed my pillow and left my room, stopping halfway down the corridor as I hesitated. But thinking that I needed to earn his trust, I continued to his room with slow steps. Standing in his doorway, I was about to knock when the door swung open on its own—it seemed to have been left ajar, which struck me as odd. Entering, Leandro wasn’t on the bed; it looked like he was in the shower. I sighed, clutching my pillow, and sat on the bed waiting for him. I was so nervous I began fidgeting with my fingers. I’d never slept with anyone before—well, with my girlfriends, yes, but never with a man, especially not any man, but a mobster, the leader of them. To think I went from the other side of the world to Italy with the mafia.

The nervousness had me on my feet, going to look out the window. The usual guards surrounded the house, standing vigil. Apparently, not even if I wanted to, could I escape this time. As I looked out, I suddenly felt hands wrap around my waist.

LEANDRO'S THOUGHTS...

I’d gone into the bathroom for a cold shower—I was burning up from the close encounter with Madison moments ago. Nervous and unsure of what to do, I had only managed to tell her to come to my room once she changed into her pajamas. After almost 40 minutes under the shower, I stepped out with a towel wrapped around my waist. Finding Madison gazing out the window, the sight of her in that provocative pajama set sent my hormones racing. Her delicate figure fit perfectly into the suggestive garb. Struggling to maintain control—yet my 'little friend' had other ideas—I impulsively went and wrapped my arms around her waist. She jumped, startled and looked at me a bit scared.

MADISON: "What the HELL are you doing?" I exclaimed nervously as I jerked his hands away from my waist rapidly. I could feel his well-defined body and his chest against my back—for a split second, it felt so right—but what am I saying? Ugh!

LEANDRO: "I—I—" he tried to sound assertive, "just claiming what's mine, nothing more," he said gravely.

MADISON: "I am not an object, nor do I belong to anyone," I retorted with a scowl.

LEANDRO: "Oh yeah?" he said, edging closer, pinning me against the wall, eyeing me intently.

MADISON: "I TOLD YOU NO!" I protested, trying to push him away by placing my hands on his bare chest. That touch only made me more nervous, and I could feel my cheeks beginning to burn again. He simply watched me with a flirtatious smile. "Please, just stop," I pleaded, a hint of fear in my voice.

Leandro mustered every bit of restraint to not consume her; she was still a girl. He clenched his fists and stepped away from her.

LEANDRO'S THOUGHTS...

Damn it! I can't do this. Whatever it is that's happening, I feel something for her. I don't want to hurt her, but how much longer can I hold back? And her, dressing like that, she's provoking me, awakening so many desires. I wish she could feel the same, but no, she only wants to escape me.

I returned to the bathroom to change. Coming out fully dressed, I saw Madison sitting on the bed, bundled up in the sheets.

LEANDRO: "There was no need to bring your own pillow—there are plenty here," he said, pointing out where the pillows were.

MADISON: "I know, it's just a habit of mine. It makes me more comfortable," I said, trying to sound calm, though still somewhat anxious from earlier.

LEANDRO: "About what just happened—" he tried to continue.

MADISON: "Yes, that. Don't do it again, because next time I will kill you, you hear?" I said, glaring at him.

LEANDRO: "You, kill me? With that physique?" he sneered mockingly.

MADISON: "What's wrong with it?" I said sternly, crossing my arms. "You're used to different kinds of bodies, but trust me, with these hands and these feet—" I demonstrated by showing my hands and feet, which made Leandro smile. It was nice to see him laugh, and I was taken aback; I hadn't realized I had stopped talking; lost in my thoughts until Leandro spoke—

LEANDRO: "Hey, did a mouse get your tongue?" he teased.

MADISON: "Don't be an idiot," I shot back, annoyed. "As I was saying, I might look weak, but I'm not, so don't push me," I declared, making myself comfortable before turning over to sleep.

LEANDRO: "Just don't kick me, or I'll throw you out of the window, you hear?"

MADISON: "Not my problem. You forced me to sleep here; now you deal with it," I muttered as I began dozing off. But just then, I felt long arms wrap around my waist—it was definitely Leandro, pulling me close with a single tug.

MADISON: "Hey, let go already," I tried to remove his hands from my waist.

LEANDRO: "Shhh, don't move. Just sleep," he said, continuing to embrace me. Holding her near and clutching her slender waist felt so right; I didn’t want to let go for anything.

MADISON: "Ugh, let go of me, Leandro!" My voice was almost a whisper.

LEANDRO: "The more you struggle, the tighter I'll hold," he murmured, closing his eyes. Reluctantly, Madison gave in and tried to fall asleep. Indeed, they were both exhausted—it had been a long night for them both, and soon enough, both were sound asleep.

The next morning...

They were still in each other's arms, but this time Madison had her head on Leandro's chest, and he held her by the waist and shoulders. They resembled a real couple, though not one sentimentally.

Leandro woke up first, watching her sleep for a few seconds with a smile, then got up to shower as he had work to do, with his friends from the United States arriving today. He left the bathroom fully dressed and exited the room, but not before giving Madison a longing glance.

LEANDRO'S THOUGHTS...

She looks so beautiful sleeping. Could I really be falling for her? Am I truly falling in love? I was a bit confused. Deciding to leave the room to head to the airport with my men to pick up my friends. I just hope Jennifer doesn't come here and cause a scene if she sees her in my bed. Just in case, I’ll warn the staff. I looked at my watch—it was 08:00 am. I hurried out; my men were already waiting for me in the van. I hopped in, and we headed to the airport.

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