Chapter 140
When we finally stood face to face, there was no need for words, at least not
His gaze softened as he reached for me, pulling me into his arms,
right away.
The tremor in his touch was barely noticeable, but I felt it–an undercurrent of fear that hadn’t fully subsided from what had just happened.
“Are you okay?” His voice was low, almost shaky, a stark contrast to the strength he usually exuded.
It was the first time I’d ever heard him sound so vulnerable.
Surprised by the raw emotion in his voice, I hesitated for a beat before answering, “I’m fine.”
I managed a small smile, though I felt the weight of the day settle on me at last.
“Just a bit shaken from everything.”
Leo’s arms tightened around me for a second longer, his breath warm against my temple.
“Do you have any idea how scared I was when I realized you were Liza?” he whispered. “So close… I could’ve lost you.”
His words struck a chord in me, and for the first time, I felt the true gravity of what had happened out there on the track.
I hadn’t let myself think about it until now, but when Leo held me like this, the adrenaline and fear I’d been pushing down rushed to the surface.
“I’m okay,” I repeated, my voice a little steadier now. “It’s over. We won.”
He pulled back slightly, just enough to look into my eyes, his hand moving to smooth the stray strands of hair that had fallen across my face.
His touch was careful, tender, and full of a love.
“You really do surprise me,” he murmured, shaking his head with a slight smile.
There was an undeniable fondness in his eyes, though I could still see the flicker of disbelief behind them.
I grinned, feeling a spark of playfulness rise in me despite the exhaustion settling in.
“Life’s full of surprises, isn’t it?”
I winked at him, my voice teasing as if we hadn’t just narrowly escaped disaster minutes earlier.
Leo let out a soft laugh, shaking his head again.
“You’re unbelievable,” he said, his grin widening.
“May I kiss you, Miss Champion?”
My heart skipped again, but this time, it was for a different reason.
Still, I wasn’t going to make it easy for him.
With a playful push of my finger against his chest, I flashed him a cheeky smile.
“Sorry, but I’ve got a lot of fans. They’d probably tear you apart if I let you.”
Lorek’s eyes sparkled with amusement as he stepped closer, his presence warm and inviting.
“I’m not worried,” he whispered, leaning in just enough to make my pulse quicken again.
“There’s always a moment when they can’t see us.”
The way he said it–low, intimate–made a shiver run down my spine, but I wasn’t about to give in so easily.
We had always been like this, pulling each other closer only to push away, festing the limits of our connection
It was a dance we’d perfected over time, and now, under the blazing sin and the eyes of thousands, it felt more intense than ever
My breath caught in my throat as he tilted his head, his lips hovering just a whisper away from mine.
My heart raced, but I managed to keep my voice steady, barely.
“We’re not alone, you know,” I said, raising an eyebrow. “Everyone’s watching.”
Lorek chuckled softly, his breath tickling my skin.
“Let them watch,” he murmured before brushing his lips lightly against my ear. His voice dropped to a teasing whisper. They’ve already seen everything.”
A spark of laughter bubbled
up
inside me.
and
help but smile.
I nudged him away, knowing full well this game of cat an
The crowd might have been cheering for Liza, but in
mouse was far from over.
this moment, my victory with Lorek felt just as significant.
As soon as the award ceremony ended and the press interviews wound down, I left from backstage, my mind still reeling from the whirlwind of the evening.
The gold medal hung around my neck, heavy with accomplishment but also with the weight of everything that had transpired.
Stepping into the cool night air of the car park, I spotted Leo waiting for me. He leaned against his car, arms crossed, his expression a mixture of relief and worry.
I slipped into the passenger seat, and Leo, ever observant, immediately reached for my hand.
He rubbed my wrist gently, his thumb brushing over the faint bruises from the accident earlier in the day.
“Are you sure you’re alright?” His voice was low, concern evident in his eyes as they scanned me for any sign of pain.
Chapter 141
