Noreen didnât press the matter any further.
Lost in thought, she remembered how, even in the early days of the company, Leonel was more cautious with these social events⦠Back then, he had a good thing going with Alexis and he had cared more about his health.
But nowâ¦
In her reverie, she spotted Alexis and James heading their way, deep in conversation.
Looked Like theyâd just wrapped up a business dinner.
Actually, it was James whoâd asked Alexis for a favor.
With everything sorted, he couldnât thank her enough, saying, âAlexis, I owe you big time.
Really appreciate it!â
âEh, itâs no biggie,â Alexis replied casually.
But then, she froze, catching sight of Leonelâ¦
He was in a crisp white shirt, looking quite dashing.
He had a cigarette in hand but he was struggling to light it.
Leonel must have noticed Alexisâ gaze but who knew what was going on in his head.
After a long stare, Alexis muttered quietly, âLetâs go.
â
James, taken aback, quickly agreed, âSure.
Let me walk you to your car.
â
As they passed Leonel, James nodded politelyâ¦
But in the blink of an eye, Leonel grabbed Alexisâ hand and pinned her against the wall.
âLet me go, Leonel!â Alexis shouted as she struggled against his grip.
Ignoring her protests, Leonel held her firmly against the wall.
In the dim corridor light, his eyes blazed red with intensity.
He demanded, âWhy are you with James? Youâre out on a date with him, but wonât even look at me.
Why?â
Unable to break free, Alexis met his gaze with icy disdain.
âI hate the way youâre looking at me right now!â
Leaning in close, Leonel whispered in Alexisâ ear, then ki*sed her before she could push him away.
Despite her struggles, he held her hands with one and tilted her chin with the other, forcing her to accept the ki*s.
âAre you crazy, Leonel?!â Alexis muttered.
âYes, Iâm crazy⦠I just canât take it anymore, Alexis⦠Does it hurt? Iâm in agony right now.
â
Finally, James and Noreen snapped out of their daze.
James gathered his courage and intervened.
âHey, calm down, Leonel.
ki*sing like thatâs not cool, man! Weâre in public.
Show some restraint!â
He tried to pull Leonel away, but got shrugged off violently.
James froze in place, not daring to try again.
Leonel buried his face in Alexisâ neck, breathing heavily.
Finally, he looked up at her and asked, âWhy canât I ki*s my own wife?â
Alexis, also breathless, had blood on her lips â Leonelâs blood, from when she bit him just now.