But despite everything, Luca could see Leona trembling, see the panic still lurking behind her eyes.
He knew he had pushed her far enough. Any more and she would break—not in the way he wanted, but in a way that would have her running from him.
So, he took a step toward her.
Leona flinched, her eyes going wide, her body tensing for another assault.
But...he didn't attack.
Instead—he reached out and gently adjusted her dress to her surprise.
The fabric had slipped during their play, exposing the swell of her breasts. His fingers brushed her skin as he pulled it back into place, smoothing the wrinkles, covering her up.
Then he moved to her hair, gathering the loose strands that had escaped her careful styling, tucking them back where they belonged.
His touch was light, almost reverent, as he worked to restore her to something resembling her earlier elegance.
She stood frozen, watching him with wide eyes, her breath caught in her throat.
