Chapter 127: Chapter 127 Why can’t he be gentle too?
Bella had no idea that far away, someone was already stirring trouble that would drag her soft life into storm again. She was just happy to be back in her own little routine, her favorite comfort.
That day, she spent a few hours working with the ElliVFX team online. She loved the hush of their group chats, the playful banter. And Rumi, her favourite, kept sending silly voice notes that made her giggle until her stomach hurt. He’s so funny, she thought.
When dinner time came, one of the maids knocked on her door. "Ma’am, dinner is ready."
"Coming!" Bella chirped, quickly saving her files and shutting her laptop. She smoothed her hair, tucked Moonbeam back on her pillow, and skipped out of her room with that same innocent, childish joy that made everyone in the house smile behind her back.
She was so happy.
She hopped down a few stairs with a tiny squeal, her bunny slippers squeaking on the floor. She hummed a tune under her breath, imagining what Jay might say when she told him about Rumi’s silly jokes.
But the smile dropped from her lips in the space of a heartbeat. Her foot landed half-on the edge of a step, her feet slipped against the smooth surface.
Her eyes widened, her small hand flailing for the railing but catching only air. She felt her stomach flip as gravity pulled her backwards, helpless, weightless for just a split second.
No, no, no—
A tiny cry escaped her lips — "Ah!" as she felt her back tilt, her hair flying around her face.
Her breath caught in her throat as she tilted backward — a helpless little bird about to fall. But before fear could even sink its claws in, strong, warm arms scooped her up like she weighed nothing at all.
Bella gasped, her heart slamming against her ribs. She inhaled his clean, masculine scent — soap and the faintest trace of his cologne, warm like cedar and rain. She blinked up, eyes wide, lashes trembling.
Leonardo’s sharp face hovered above hers, shadows from the hallway lights dancing over his chiseled jaw and stormy gray eyes — eyes that glared down at her with a mix of anger and relief.
She realised in that breathless moment — it was him. He caught me...
He held her so tightly, one strong arm behind her shoulders, the other steady under her knees, pressing her soft body against the hard planes of his chest. She felt the heat through his shirt, the solid strength in his grip.
For a heartbeat, neither of them moved. She could hear his pulse or maybe it was hers thumping so loud that the air between them almost vibrated.
Leonardo’s jaw clenched. He looked away for half a second, exhaling harshly through his nose. When he’d turned the corner and seen her slip, his heart had stopped.
Without a word, he lowered her to stand on the step, but his hands stayed on her waist, firm and possessive, fingers brushing the curve of her sides. Bella’s face turned pink, breath caught in her throat. She tried to look anywhere but his mouth — which was now too close.
He bent just enough so their noses nearly brushed. His voice, low and rough, poured over her like thunder.
"Are you out of your mind?" His eyes narrowed, gray fire pinning her in place. "You should watch where you’re walking," he growled, his breath warm against her cheek. "What if I hadn’t been there? You’re as fragile as glass, little bunny. One slip and—"
She squeaked, small hands clutching the sleeves of his shirt as if she needed an anchor. "I— I’m sorry..."
Leonardo’s eyes flicked down to her trembling lips. Something in his gaze softened but only for a heartbeat. He gave her waist one last squeeze before stepping back, jaw still tight.
"Next time," he said, voice heavy with warning, "I won’t always be there to catch you."
Bella swallowed, her heart fluttering wildly as she nodded like a scolded kitten. But inside, something warm bloomed.
He cares about me! Bella hugged that warm thought in her heart, her fingers fiddling with the hem of her sleeve as she walked into the dining hall. She felt butterflies flutter wildly in her belly when she sensed his heavy gaze on her back that silent, watchful stare that seemed to say ’Be careful, little bunny.’
When she reached the table, she froze for a second when Leonardo brushed past her and sat down, not across from her, not beside Jay as he usually did but right next to her. So close that his arm brushed hers when he adjusted his chair.
Bella’s eyes went wide. Jay, who was coming in behind them, stopped in his tracks, dramatically pouting like a puppy. "Hey! That’s my spot..." he mumbled under his breath and plopped down on her other side instead.
She couldn’t stop herself from stealing a peek at Leonardo. He didn’t look at her, he just adjusted the cuffs of his shirt, that familiar cold mask back on his face, but his knee brushed hers under the table, steady and warm, and that tiny touch made her heart skip all over again.
Moments later, Lina and Alessandro entered together. Bella’s eyes sparkled when she saw them. Alessandro’s hand rested gently on the small of Lina’s back, his strong fingers guiding her to her chair. When she moved to sit, he pulled out the chair for her, waiting for her to settle before lowering himself to his own seat.
It was simple but the tenderness, the trust in that touch, made Bella’s cheeks flush with longing. So romantic... she sighed in her head.
Why can’t Leo be like that? Her gaze flicked shyly to Leonardo beside her, then quickly away.
But Leonardo, sharp as ever, didn’t miss the soft starry look in her eyes as she watched his parents. His jaw flexed, that familiar cold fire flickering in his storm-gray eyes. He could practically hear her innocent wish: ’Why can’t he be gentle too?’