The lights in the office flickered, casting shadows across the walls. Lia's heart was racing as she and Leo stood frozen, their gazes fixed on the door. The sound of the security breach warning was still ringing in their ears, a constant reminder that danger was near.
"Stay behind me," Leo warned, his voice commanding and defensive. He didn't give her time to respond to his warning before dashing towards the door and scanning every nook and corner. Lia swallowed a lump in her throat as she trailed behind him, feeling the sparks fly between them—fear, desire, and unexpressed words.
They came to the end of the corridor, where the distant sound of scurrying feet echoed. Lia's heart pounded, her senses heightened from the injection of adrenaline. "Leo. What now?" she whispered.
He didn't respond right away but instead held her hand for the briefest of moments—a resolute gesture that sent sparks shooting directly to her breasts. "We deal with it," he finally growled.
No sooner had they turned the corner than someone appeared—
**a masked trespasser hurrying toward them with purpose. Lia's air was locked in her throat. She had no time to move away before Leo stepped forward to obstruct her path with his body.**
"Run!" he shouted, taking her hand and pulling her down a side hallway. Lia stumbled, almost falling into his chest. It was a brief, almost-but-not-quite touch, but it sent shocks through her system. She even caught a glimpse of that fiercely possessive look in his eyes—Leo was all in, focused, and oh-so-close.
They rounded another turn, only to be boxed in by another group of intruders. Lia's mind was racing, fear escalating. She looked to Leo, who already was sizing up their situation, jaw set, body tensed.
"I've got this," he murmured, his eyes locking with hers. The air was thick with tension between them, unseen feelings swirling. Lia felt an odd tugging—fear and excitement—understanding how very much she trusted him, how very much she wanted to be near him even with danger all around.
Then, the wail of sirens echoed through the halls. Security reinforcements appeared, bursting into the hall to expertly take down the intruders. Lia's knees buckled with relief and fear, triggering her system.
Léo turned to her, pushing a stray lock of hair out of her face. His thumb lingered on the skin just a split second too long. "Are you all right?" he asked. His tone changed again. It was softer. It was almost... intimate. "I. I think so," Lia stuttered, her pulse racing—not just from the close call, but from proximity with this man.