The golden sunlight slipped into the study, catching the floating dust. Soft. Slow. Quiet.
Leon stepped further in. The door clicked shut behind him. Aria looked up from the parchment, still holding the edges tight. Her wide violet eyes met his.
He smiled.
Not like a lord. Not like a fighter.
Like trouble.
That teasing, dangerous smile that made hearts trip.
"You're always so diligent, little maid."
A blush rose. Her breath hitched. "I-I… just doing my duty, Lord Leon…"
But she didn't move away. Her eyes dropped, shy, but her body stayed still. She was used to him now. Maybe even… waiting for him.
Leon stopped inches from her. Just one breath apart. His hand lifted—slow, certain. A strand of hair, tucked gently behind her ear.
"You look like you're about to run again."
"I—I'm not," she whispered. Her hands trembled. Her chest rose quick, then quicker. Blush deepening.
He leaned in. His lips brushed her ear. "Liar."
Before she could speak, he kissed her.
Soft at first. Then deeper.
Her lips trembled. But she didn't move. Didn't stop him.
She never did.
Her fingers clutched his robe. Their mouths parted, met again. His tongue slipped in—slow, teasing, then firm. Searching for hers. Commanding.
She met it. Hesitant. Curious. But willing. Their tongues danced. Swirled. Tasted.
A low sound slipped from her throat. Her knees faltered.
Leon's hands slid to her waist. He gripped her hips—soft, round, warm. He squeezed. Then massaged. Heat rose from her skin.
She shivered. Broke the kiss, panting.
"Haa... Lord Leon…"
He looked at her, eyes warm, breath heavy. A soft smirk played on his lips. "You blush so easily. So soft. So warm. I wonder if I might just bend you over my desk right now."
"Ah—!" Her body jolted. Her face went bright red.
She stepped back, trying to escape.
But his arms circled her waist. Holding her still.
"Don't run," he whispered. Lips brushing her neck. "You always try. But you never want to."
"I-I don't know what to say…" she murmured. Her lashes fluttered.
"Then don't say anything. Just feel."
But her hands pressed lightly on his chest. Not pushing away. Not resisting. Just stopping.
"L-Lord Leon… I have something important to report."
He blinked. Loosened his hold slightly. Let her speak.
"Yes, little maid?"
She glanced down. Steadying herself. "Lord Darin came yesterday. I… I tried to tell you, but…" Her face flared red again. She clearly remembered the moans that blocked her from entering.
Leon tilted his head. The smile dimmed a bit. "So?"
"He said… there's a suspicious group searching around the outer ruins of the city. They've been seen near the ancient site east of Moonspire."
That made him pause.
His brow furrowed. He searched his old life's memories. The eastern ruins—yes. Collapsed towers. Broken stone. Forgotten arches. Nothing important.
Just dust and time.
"I don't recall anything significant…" he muttered. His arms dropped. He turned. Sat at the desk with a thoughtful sigh.
Behind him, Aria stood still. A little flushed. But her face had changed.
Something small. Quiet. Like disappointment.
He noticed.
"You want to call Darin here?" he asked calmly.
"Yes, Lord." She nodded. Trying not to sound... let down.
He shook his head. "No."
Her eyes flickered. Uncertain. "Then, my lord, what should I—"
He reached out. Took her hand. Gentle.
And pulled.
Before she could react, she landed on his lap.
She gasped. Body stiff. Breath caught.
He shifted her. Settled her sideways across him. Her chest rose and fell fast.
"Now that's better," Leon murmured.
"L-Lord Leon!" she squeaked. She tried to rise, but his arms wrapped around her. One on her waist. One on her back.
"Where are you going, little maid?" he teased. Voice low. Dangerous.
"M-M-My position… if someone comes—if they see—!"
She looked up. Eyes wide, full of confusion. And something deeper.
Desire.
She didn't want to leave. She just needed a reason to stay.
"My position… being seen like this…" she whispered. Her cheeks burned. "It would be… improper…"
Leon leaned closer. Breath warm on her lips. "I think this is the most proper position for you."
Her eyes widened. Lips parted. But no words came.
He cupped her face. Kissed her again.
Deep. Slow.
Not hunger.
Claiming.
She melted. Her limbs softened. Her lips followed his, tender and slow. Her tongue met his once more—shy but willing. He welcomed her. Guided her. Took his time.
When they finally broke apart, both gasping, Leon stared into her dazed eyes and whispered:
"I feel comfortable and good when you're here. So from now on… I'll change your position."
She blinked.
"From my side… to my lap."
Her blush grew. Her fingers gripped his robe. "Lord Leon… that's…"
"That's final," he said with a grin. "Now, sit still. I'm not done enjoying this."