Page 6 of Off-Limits Bad Boy Protector

Leo flashed a big grin, clearly delighted with his success in eliciting a response from me. "I did it just for you," he said with a sly wink, leaning in a little closer to emphasize his point.

My eyes locked onto his mesmerizing blue again. For the second time, I felt drawn to reach out to him, to feel his skin under my fingertips, and to see if there truly was a pulse under his flesh. "My third question," I said softly. I had managed to hold back the urge to lean into him for a closer look.

“Fire on, second-best.” He commented with a smirk while lifting one of his eyebrows suggestively.

I stared for a few more seconds before responding. A slight flush colored my cheeks as I realized there was a specific question that I wanted to ask him. “Do you have a girlfriend?” I blurted out, feeling embarrassed the moment the words left my mouth.

Silence stretched between them. The only sounds in the quiet were their breathing and the winds moving the trees. My cheeks burned at his reaction. I awaited his response, praying that I hadn't accidentally offended him.

He remained silent until he finished his burger. Then, he tossed the wrapper into the trash beside the bench before turning to me. His facial expression softened a lot. He gazed intently into my eyes. His gaze lingered on my lips for a long time before responding.

He shook his head slightly and whispered, "No," before his gaze returned to mine, filled with a mix of emotions like confusion and uncertainty.

The sun behind me still gave off warmth. But, despite it, I felt my body shiver at that word. My heart skipped a beat at the fact that the hottie beside me was single. Yes, it sounded so unbelievable.

I cleared my throat slightly. Then, I averted my gaze downward to my lap where my fingers twisted around each other. The silence weighed heavily on my shoulders as my mind replayed his response.

"Now, my question," he said. His voice broke the silence again. His tone made me look back to him.

I watched as his body inched closer to mine. His predatory smile returned to his lips. For the next few seconds, I found my eyes roaming his features hungrily. The heat radiated from his intense gaze. It made it impossible to pull myself back from him completely. My heart fluttered nervously inside my chest.

"Do you want to?" He whispered softly. His voice barely reached my ears. Then, his eyes carefully scanned my face, taking in every detail.

A lump formed in my throat as I blinked quickly several times at his confusing words. “...sorry?” I stuttered slightly whilst trying my best to maintain eye contact.

"Girlfriend," he whispered seductively. His gaze shifted between my eyes and lips, drawing closer. "Would you like to be my girlfriend?" His warm breath brushed against my skin, creating an intimate moment. As he awaited my response, his eyes delved into mine, seeking assurance.

The question stirred a strange feeling in me. It caused my whole body to tingle with excitement. Butterflies fluttered wildly in my stomach, signaling the intensity of that moment.

I bit my bottom lip, nervous. My mind struggled to form sentences. Imagining kissing my archenemy made my cheeks flush slightly.

And yet, there he sat before me now. He gazed at me with those bewitching blue eyes. They were filled with nothing but honesty, as if I was all he could ever want.

“Y… yeah.” I whispered almost breathlessly despite having no idea how it had come out. It just sounded like a simple agreement to me, and my entire body was buzzing with a mix of excitement and nerves.

I hadn't felt this way about a guy in years, not since high school when I was smitten with Jake, the star quarterback. And now, here I was, having these intense feelings for someone who, of all people, was my competitor. It was like being on the same side of a tennis court, hitting back and forth, but instead of a ball, it was our intense stares and unspoken words.

As I let the words fall from my lips, I didn't stop to analyze them. It was as if I had handed over the reins of my mind to him, and he was riding it like a pro. I was trapped in his gaze, unable to look away. It was both exhilarating and terrifying, like being on a rollercoaster that I couldn't get off.

I couldn't decide if being under his spell was a blessing or a curse. On one hand, it felt amazing to let go of my inhibitions and simply be. On the other hand, it was unsettling to realize I had lost control. It was like trying to navigate a dark room without a flashlight – I was stumbling around, unsure of what lay ahead.

The corners of his eyes crinkled lightly at my answer. A wide grin spread across his face, making the dark shadows under his eyes even deeper.

"Perfect," he said. Then, his hands cupped my face. He kissed me deeply, silencing me. My brain shut down, and my body responded automatically to his touch.

Chapter 6

Present:

Leo Woodrow suddenly reappeared in my life after a three-year absence. It was as baffling as a cryptic message in a bottle. It was as if he had vanished. Then, he came back without warning. He left me wondering what had brought him back.

I couldn't help but think about our complex history. It's like trying to untangle a worn-out sweater. Our paths had crossed during a turbulent time in my life, and his presence had left an indelible mark. Yet, despite three years passing, the memories of our past linger. They refuse to be erased like a stubborn stain on a favorite shirt.

I never thought I would see those icy blue eyes again. It felt impossible after our painful breakup. I thought we had said our final goodbyes and moved on from each other.

Nonetheless, there he was seated among the panelists. He looked effortlessly good for the occasion in his well-tailored suit.

His face had matured a bit since the last time I saw him. It had become even more deliciously attractive. His golden curls framed his perfect features well. They highlighted the strong lines of his forehead and his high cheekbones. It made me realize just how much better looking he had become in those three years.

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