Then she looked back up, cool as a cucumber.
âLeonel, youâve overstepped.
You can hop into a new relationship but only after weâre officially divorced.
You might be cool with Anika, but whatâs she thinking? Might she pull some crazy stunt?â
Facing him, Alexis lost her appetite.
She stood up, heading upstairs, but he grabbed her wrist.
Swiveling back, she met Leonelâs moody gaze.
He murmured, âDrop the D-word, and Iâll peace out.
â
Alexis stared him down.
She yanked her hand away, looking like she just heard a lame joke.
How absurd!
But she wasnât sure if she was laughing at Leonel or at herself, for putting up with this nonsense.
After Alexis made her exit, Leonel lingered at the table.
The silver candlestick still cast its glow.
Alexis hadnât touched the food but had just sipped a bit of wine.
He lifted the glass, savoring the wineâs slow burn.
âs BunnyBookery
Nova sidled up, whispering, âMrs.
Douglas skipped dinner again.
She hasnât been herself since that woman showed up.
Sorry for the nagging, Mr.
Douglas.
â
Leonel toyed with his glass, silent.
Nova didnât press further, making herself scarce.
Leonel remained seated till midnight.
The candles had long died out, leaving the dining room in darkness.
He glanced towards the upper floors, finally rising when his eyes grew heavy.
In the late hours, a sleek Land Rover pulled into an upscale neighborhood.
Anika greeted Leonel at the door, throwing herself into his arms with joy.
Though they still didnât get intimate that night, Anika knew a manâs heart softened with a womanâs affection.
She aimed to provide the warmth he lacked at home.
Come morning, in a finely furnished apartment, Leonel dozed on the sofa.
His phone buzzed with a call from Alexis.
But Leonel remained in dreamland.
Anika emerged from the kitchen, spotting the caller ID.
She nibbled her lip, grabbed the phone, and slipped into the bedroom to pick up.
âHey there, Mr.
Douglasâ line.
Drop a message, please.
â