Chapter 12 – Surrendering to the Feeling
2008 Words
The knock came again.
Selena straightened up in bed, her heart racing wildly. The silence of her apartment made the sound sharper, almost piercing. Her hands trembled as she grabbed the thin robe from the chair and walked carefully toward the door.
“Who’s… there?” her voice was barely a whisper.
No answer.
She bit her lower lip, fear crawling all over her body. Her mind raced with worst-case scenarios—robbers, strangers, or maybe one of those annoying men from the party earlier.
Her hand was just about to touch the doorknob when a deep, familiar voice broke the silence.
“Selena. It’s me.”
Her body froze. Her breath caught. She knew that voice instantly—Leonardo.
“W-what are you doing here, Sir?” Selena asked from behind the door, her voice trembling.
“I wanted to make sure you’re alright.” Leonardo’s tone was flat, but there was a trace of tension hidden beneath it. “Open the door.”
Selena closed her eyes for a moment, not sure if she should feel relieved or even more nervous. Slowly, she turned the key and opened the door.
Leonardo stood there, his black suit slightly wrinkled after a long night. His hair was a bit messy, his tie loose, yet his aura was still intimidating. Raindrops glistened on his shoulders.
“S-Sir…” Selena lowered her gaze quickly, not knowing what to say.
Those gray eyes studied her deeply, peeling back layer after layer. “Why do you look so scared?”
“I… I didn’t expect you to come. It’s already so late.” She tried to sound calm, though her heart wouldn’t stop racing.
Leonardo let out a short sigh, then stepped inside without waiting for permission. Selena instinctively moved aside to let him in.
Her small apartment instantly felt even smaller with him there. Leonardo’s sharp gaze swept across the room—the simple living area, a table with a few books, a dim lamp glowing in the corner.
“It’s not safe to open the door without knowing who’s outside,” he said coldly. “You shouldn’t be careless.”
Selena swallowed hard. “I wasn’t careless. That’s why… I asked first.”
His expression softened slightly, though just for a second. “Good.”
Silence filled the space. Selena stood awkwardly, fiddling with the sleeve of her robe. “So… is there anything I can do for you, Sir? Or… some work I need to prepare?”
Leonardo gave a short, dry chuckle, the corner of his lips twitching. “Always about work. You really are stubborn.”
Selena blinked. “What do you mean?”
“Nothing.” He turned away, walking toward the large window. Light rain fell outside, shimmering under the glow of the city lights. “I just wanted to make sure you got home safely. That’s all.”
His words were simple, but to Selena, they felt unusual—too warm compared to his usual cold demeanor.
She opened her mouth, wanting to ask why, but shut it again, afraid of what his answer might do to her already unsteady heart.
Leonardo finally looked back, his expression back to unreadable. “I’ll go now. Get some rest. You still have to come in tomorrow morning, as usual.”
Selena nodded slightly. “Yes, Sir. Thank you…”
Without another word, Leonardo stepped out. The door closed, leaving behind a heavier silence than before.
Selena stood there for a long moment, her hand pressed to her racing chest. She whispered to herself, almost afraid to hear it out loud.
“Why did he… come only to make sure I was okay?”
---
The next day.
Valente Corporation buzzed with its usual energy. Phones rang, heels clicked against marble floors, and the scent of fresh coffee lingered in the air. But behind the routine, there was something else—a tension felt only by two people: Leonardo and Selena.
Selena sat at her desk, pretending to focus on her laptop. Yet every time Leonardo’s heavy footsteps echoed from his office, her body stiffened. She kept her distance, avoiding eye contact as much as she could.
Meanwhile, Leonardo… pretended to be busy.
He spent most of his time behind the glass door of his office, staring at documents without really reading them. Every now and then, his gaze shifted outside, to the desk where his secretary sat with a calm face. But he knew—it was only a mask.
When Matteo came in to deliver a file, he noticed it too. Placing the folder on his boss’s desk, he commented dryly, “The atmosphere feels… different this morning, Sir.”
Leonardo straightened, his gray eyes sharp. “What do you mean?”
Matteo shrugged slightly. “Nothing. Just a feeling. Or maybe I’ve just seen you glancing outside too many times.”
That piercing gaze instantly hardened. “Mind your own business, Matteo.”
“Of course, Sir.” Matteo bowed respectfully, hiding a faint smirk as he left.
At her desk outside, Selena exhaled deeply. She had just realized—they hadn’t really spoken all morning. Only cold, clipped instructions. Nothing more.
She whispered to herself, “Why does it feel… so awkward?”
Her eyes flicked to the glass door. Through the half-drawn blinds, she could see his silhouette sitting tall, distant, untouchable.
She quickly looked back down, pretending to type. But in her heart, she knew—it was going to be a very long day.
---
Time crawled.
By eight in the evening, most employees had left. Selena was still at her desk, eyes sore from staring at her laptop. The rain outside poured harder, streams of water racing down the tall glass windows of the building.
With a sigh, she grabbed her cold cup of coffee. “Perfect. Even the sky wants me to work overtime.”
She didn’t realize Leonardo was still there. His office light remained on.
He could’ve left hours ago, but somehow, he didn’t. Something always stopped him. Or maybe… someone.
His eyes kept drifting outside, to her.
A soft knock made Selena jump. She turned—and there he was, standing at her door.
“You’re still here?” his voice was low, deep, almost flat.
Selena quickly stood. “Yes, Sir. I just need to finish some reports. Sorry if I’m keeping you—”
Leonardo raised an eyebrow. “Keeping me?”
She fumbled. “I mean… sorry if I’m making you uncomfortable by staying late.”
He walked closer, his steps calm and steady. “You’re not making me uncomfortable. I just… didn’t want you here alone.”
Her body froze. Words stuck in her throat, so she simply lowered her gaze.
The rain thundered outside, lightning flashing in the distance. The building was eerily quiet, the silence broken only by raindrops against glass.
Selena tried to focus back on her work. And then—
The lights flickered… and went out.
“Ah!” Selena gasped, squeezing her eyes shut. Darkness swallowed the room, only faint city lights seeping in through the window.
In an instant, a warm hand pulled her close.
“Easy,” his voice rumbled near her ear. Leonardo.
She looked up, realizing she was in his arms. His strong chest against hers, his familiar masculine scent surrounding her.
“S-Sir…” her voice trembled.
Leonardo bent his head, his gray eyes sharp even in the dim light. “You’re afraid of the dark?”
“A little…” she admitted softly.
His arms tightened, holding her protectively.
“I’m here,” he whispered, his voice gentler than ever. “There’s nothing to be afraid of.”
Selena’s heart pounded wildly, faster than before. She could feel his heartbeat too—strong, steady, strangely comforting.
The emergency lights flickered on minutes later, casting a faint glow over the room. But Leonardo didn’t let go.
Selena knew exactly where she was, and the warmth of his embrace lingered. She wanted to speak, but her lips wouldn’t move.
“I… must look silly,” she finally murmured.
His eyes softened. “Fear isn’t silly. Everyone has a vulnerable side.”
Her cheeks burned. Leonardo never spoke like this. Never. Yet tonight… felt different.
For the first time, Selena felt safe—truly safe—in his arms.
Even when the lights came fully back, he didn’t move. Seconds stretched like minutes.
Selena cleared her throat, mustering courage. “Sir… the power is back. Maybe… you can let go now.”
Leonardo didn’t answer right away. His gaze dropped to her face, tracing her eyes and lips as though hypnotized. After a long silence, he finally loosened his hold, reluctantly.
“Alright,” he said, his voice heavier than usual.
Selena stepped back quickly, her heart still erratic. She forced a stiff smile. “Thank you, Sir. If not for you, I probably would’ve panicked.”
Leonardo leaned slightly closer, eyes locking onto hers. “You don’t need to thank me. It’s my duty to keep you safe.”
Selena bit her lip. “Is that a duty as my boss… or your duty alone, Leonardo?”
The question slipped before she could stop herself. Her face heated, and she quickly looked down.
He didn’t respond right away. He walked to the window, staring at the heavy rain. His voice came quiet, almost to himself.
“Maybe both.”
Her breath hitched. Just two words, yet they shook her.
Suddenly, the lights came fully alive again. The building brightened, though still empty except for the two of them. Relief filled her chest—but at the same time, she missed the intimacy of the dark.
She busied herself with her papers, avoiding his eyes. But then Leonardo moved closer, resting one hand on her desk.
“Do you still have much left to finish?” His voice was low.
Selena nodded slightly. “Just a little, Sir. I’ll finish soon before heading home.”
“The rain’s still heavy.” His gaze shifted outside, then back at her. “It’s not safe for you to go home alone right now.”
“I’ll be fine. I can order a cab—”
“No.” His answer was firm, cutting her off. “I’ll drive you.”
Her eyes widened. “Sir, that’s not necessary—”
“I said I’ll take you.” His tone left no room for argument.
The silence between them thickened. Selena finally nodded, too drained to argue.
She bent her head again, pretending to be busy. But she could feel his gaze on her, unwavering. Her pulse spiked, making her even more uneasy.
“Why… are you looking at me like that, Sir?” she whispered.
Leonardo didn’t blink. “Because I can’t stop.”
Her breath hitched. His words struck her like lightning. She wanted to believe he was joking, but there was no humor in those gray eyes.
The air grew heavier.
Selena reached for the last file to pack, but her hand brushed against his—he had already reached for it.
The world seemed to freeze.
Her eyes locked on his hand covering hers. Heat rushed through her skin. She quickly tried to pull away, but Leonardo’s fingers held her gently, yet firmly.
“Leonardo…” her voice came out shaky, almost a plea.
He leaned closer, their faces now only inches apart. His breath brushed her cheek, sending shivers down her body.
“Selena,” his voice was deep, intense. “You know… I’ve held back for too long.”
Her lips parted. “Held… back?”
His eyes pierced into hers. “I don’t care anymore.”
Selena’s chest tightened. She wanted to move back, but the chair h
eld her still. Leonardo leaned even closer, their lips a breath apart.
“I want you.”
The whisper exploded in the silence, echoing in her ears.
Selena’s heart thundered, her breath caught, her eyes wide on the man before her.
- Writer
