“My boyfriend’s really great. He’s super chill and lets me have all these hobbies. If it weren’t for the fact that he was busy today, he’d be here with me,” Eowyn said. “Alright, I’m off to see my boyfriend now. Bye, Mr. Hoyles!”
With that, Eowyn turned and walked away.
Leon stared after her, his lips pressed into a line.
His greatest strength had always been his composure and self–control. In court, no matter how dramatic the turn of events, even if a witness turned against him, he remained utterly calm, his inner equilibrium undisturbed.
But now, just hearing her say she had a boyfriend, he felt like his heart was getting twisted, over and over.
There was this feeling he couldn’t even name, flowing out from his chest and taking over him.
Meanwhile, Zoya and Wren got into the car.
Zoya said, “Funny how you were already waiting right outside the theater. I thought you wouldn’t show almost ten…” Her voice faltered, then picked up, “Hold up… The equipment malfunction during today’s performance wasn’t just a coincidence, was it?”
up
till
After all, when Wren saw her and Eowyn leave early, he didn’t act surprised at all, as if he already knew it would happen.
“Yeah,” Wren said with a casual nod.
Zoya blinked in disbelief as he nodded. “You did that? Why were you doing this? To let me out early?”
“I just don’t want you looking at those guys, and I sure as hell don’t want you getting close to them,” Wren murmured. “Does that make me sound possessive?”
He was afraid, afraid that if she ran into more attractive men, she’d end up falling for someone else.
Even though he knew full well she wasn’t the type to stray, and that she handled relationships with seriousness and honesty, he still couldn’t shake his fear.
It was as if the dark thoughts he had been desperately suppressing would always surface when he felt unsettled, amplifying his unease over and over.
Zoya looked at Wren, noticing the subtle worry lingering on his face.
She knew he was anxious about how she’d react.
Zoya let out a gentle sigh and reached out, softly caressing Wren’s cheek. “Tonight, I was just there to keep Eowyn company, that’s all. Those guys didn’t even catch my eye, so there’s really nothing for you to worry
about. And besides, you’re my boyfriend. Around me, you don’t have to be so tense or hold back.”
Wren’s lashes flickered ever so slightly. He was only so cautious because he cared about her more than anything.
It was precisely because he cared so deeply that he finally understood what it felt like to be cautious in someone’s presence.
“So, am I really the only one who has your attention?” Wren murmured, his lips barely moving as he spoke.
Zoya’s checks flushed. The driver was just a few feet away in the front seat, yet Wren was looking at her so expectantly.
She was never the type to whisper sweet nothings when there were other people around, but right now, all she wanted was for Wren to stop feeling uneasy.
“Yeah. You’re the only one I’m interested in,” she said.
Hearing this, a faint smile touched Wren’s lips as he reached for her fingers and pressed a gentle kiss to her fingertips. “From now on,” he murmured, “you can only take an interest in me, no other men allowed.”
Meanwhile, the driver stared straight ahead, thinking, ‘These words… Am I allowed to hear this? Who would’ve thought that the once proud and aloof Mr. Richmond would turn into a nervous young man when
in love!‘
*****
Back at the apartment, Zoya could still feel that tingle in her fingertips.
“By the way, don’t do this again, alright?” Zoya reminded him. “If you don’t want me to watch performances like this, just tell me directly. No need for such a big scene. And I don’t want our personal issues to affect others.”
After a pause, she added, “I also hope you can trust me more and respect my activities with friends. Even if I watch these performances, I won’t actually become infatuated with the dancers. I only appreciate their artistry.”
Every couple had to work through stuff, and right now, she figured this was her and Wren’s way of finding their groove together.
Wren’s gaze softened just a bit. “Okay, I’ll heed your request. I won’t mess around like this anymore.”
Zoya let out a sigh of relief,
“But I also hope you can give me a bit more reassurance,” Wren said.
“Reassurance?” Zoya froze.
“For instance… Look at me more often, let me feel more clearly that I’m the only man who interests you. And… Make me believe you’ll truly fall in love with me, deeply, passionately.” When he deliberately lowered his voice, it carried an intoxicating allure.
A look of confusion crossed Zoya’s eyes. “So, is there something you want me to do?”
But Wren suddenly asked, “Did you enjoy the performance tonight?”
“It was actually not bad,” Zoya answered truthfully. “The whole performance was really professional, beautiful, and powerful in its own way. If you ever feel a bit uneasy about it, we could go together next time.”
Wren lowered his gaze. “Instead of watching others perform together, let me be your entertainment. If you crave male dancers, consider me your personal show.”
“Wait, what?” Zoya blinked, totally caught off guard. “You? Dance for me?”
“What’s with that tone? You don’t think I can pull it off?” Wren shot back.
Zoya was at a loss for words. She had never seen Wren dance, and she couldn’t imagine how he would move on the dance floor.
Wren loosened his tie with deft fingers, popped open the buttons on his suit jacket, and then slowly started unbuttoning his shirt…
With every layer he peeled off, Zoya felt her breath catch and her body tense up a little more.
She wasn’t unfamiliar with men stripping, having seen plenty of it in the military barracks. Even tonight, she’d watched foreign hotties on stage shedding their shirts and tossing them into the crowd, eliciting shrieks from the audience.
Yet she merely observed it all with no emotional reaction. At best, she thought the dancers‘ physiques were indeed impressive.
But now, as Wren slowly removed his clothes before her, she found herself unable to look away, her pulse quickening with each movement.
Wren slipped out of his shirt and closed the distance between them, his gaze burning into hers. “Tell me, what kind of dance would you want to see me do?”
Zoya blinked in surprise. “Have you learned how to dance?”
“Never tried it before,” Wren said honestly. “But I learn fast. If that’s what you want, I’ll pick it up for you.”
His eyes were clear and smoldering, filled with a sultry, aching desire that made her pulse race.
Zoya was caught off guard. “This man who held himself above others, actually willing to do things he’d never done before for me!‘
“But… I’ve got these scars,” Wren admitted quietly. “They might not look great when I dance. If you ever think they’re ugly, I could get them lasered off for you. I mean, surgery’s super common these days. It’s no big
deal…”
If he could, he just wanted to be the best version of himself for her. He couldn’t shake the feeling that, as he was now, he just wasn’t worthy of her.
“Wren!” Zoya cut him off, her voice unwavering. “Scars or no scars, you’re the only man I’m interested in.”
Wren’s lashes gave a sudden, startled quiver.
Zoya reached up, slipped her arms around his neck, and kissed him.
She didn’t want to see that careful, almost insecure look on his face ever again.
‘Is it because I’ve been too cautious in this relationship? Is that why I couldn’t give him confidence, and he’s afraid I might change my mind or pull away at any moment?‘ Zoya wondered.
Even with this kiss, Wren’s response was cautious and a little too eager to please.
A subtle sting crept into Zoya’s nostrils, threatening to well up behind her eyes.
“Wren, I want you!” she heard herself say.

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