Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



York gave Leda a look that screamed, "You expect me to believe that?"

As she turned to head back to her room, he suddenly piped up, "How about a drink?"

Leda glanced back, her eyes sweeping over the frosted decanter.

It was her favorite wine, perfectly chilled...

"Sure, pour me a glass!" she couldn't resist the temptation.

York immediately went to grab glasses.

"Here, try this. I promise you'll love it!" he boasted as he handed her a glass.

Leda took it with a smirk, "That's because my taste in wine is impeccable."

"Of course, your taste in wine and my skills make a perfect match, right?"

"Your 'skills' are questionable at best. Leave me out of it." Leda retorted, taking a sip.

York was left speechless, clearly not used to losing.

With just one sip, Leda had to admit, York did have a knack for this.

"Not bad, huh?" he asked, a hint of pride in his voice.

"It's alright," she replied, not wanting to inflate his ego further.

"Just alright?!"

Taking another sip, Leda hummed in approval.

"

"Hey, you gonna finish your instant noodles? They're getting soggy."

"Damn, they've gone soft?" York quickly went back to slurping up his meal.

After finishing his noodles, an empty wine glass was thrust in front of him.

The clear glass, its curved sides, and Leda's slender fingers holding it unexpectedly caught his eye. Her delicate wrists, the fair back of her hand, even the nails painted a soft pink hue mesmerized him. "Did you hear me?!"

"Huh?" York looked up, his expression a mix of confusion and daze, "What did you say?"

"Another glass."

"Oh, right!"

In his flustered state, he reached out to take the glass but instead grabbed her hand firmly.

That shock

felt electric, sending a his head down to his enoveldrama

toes, every pore tightening

uncontrollably. Conta

Snap!

York was taken aback, instinctively retracting his hand, only to see a red mark.

"Why'd you hit me?"

"I asked for wine, not a sleazy move. That's for being a creep!"

"It was an accident! I didn't mean to... It's not like I touched you anywhere inappropriate..."

His voice trailed off, losing steam as he spoke.

Whether it was a lack of conviction or simply embarrassment, he definitely didn't have the upper hand.

Leda glared. "You're thinking of

touching me elsewhere? How about

you shoot for the stars instead? Clearly, you're too used to getting away with this kind of behavior."

"Consider yourself lucky I didn't slap your face. And you dare complain?!"

"

York was at a loss for words.

"I... What 'I'? Admit your mistake and take the punishment without excuses."

He couldn't win this argument, not by a long shot.

In the end, he could only dutifully pour her another glass.

"Alright, I apologize. Please, enjoy your drink."

"That's more like it."

Leda sipped her drink, comfortably settling into the couch.

York poured himself another as well.

The more they drank, the more intoxicating the wine felt. Leda be fierce, but her taste was certainly on point.

As the night deepened, with each glass they drank, their buzz grew stronger...