Chapter 22

IRENE'S POV "Leon, are you okay?" I asked slightly with worry. The sight of Miles lunging at me had been terrifying, but the thought of Leon getting hurt in the process was even worse. My heart was pounding in my chest as I watched him, waiting for his reply. Leon turned to me, a gentle smile softening his sharp features. “I’m fine, Irene,” he assured me calmly. “It takes more than that to knock me down.” I breathed a sigh of relief, feeling the tension ease out of my body. “Good,” I murmured, trying to steady my nerves. Without thinking, I reached out and placed my hand on his chest, right over his heart. I could feel it beating strongly beneath my palm, a reassuring rhythm that calmed me. Leon’s smile widened, and he covered my hand with his own, his thumb brushing lightly over my knuckles. “You’re worried about me?” he asked, a teasing lilt in his voice. “Of course I am,” I replied, meeting his gaze. “You could have been hurt.” His eyes sparkled with amusement, and for a moment, the