After hanging up the phone, they continued to look at each other.
"Why are you staring at me?" Alaric's voice carried a hint of sensuality.
Leonie's cheeks flushed slightly, and she quickly looked away, trying to hide her embarrassment.
"It's nothing."
Her heart raced as she struggled to maintain composure, but Alaric's gaze seemed to pierce through her, reading every emotion she tried to conceal.
"Look at me," Alaric said softly, gently turning her head to face him.
Leonie's eyes darted nervously, but Alaric's hand held her face firmly, keeping her in place.
As he gazed at her, an unfamiliar feeling stirred in Alaric's heart.
Without hesitation, he leaned in and kissed her.
Leonie's breath hitched, her heartbeat accelerating under the intensity of Alaric's kiss. A wave of unfamil
