Chapter 17

IRENE'S POV The night air was cool as Leon walked me to my front door. The conversation between us was still warm and full of light laughter. Our second date had been just as pleasant as the first, if not more so. There was an ease between us that I hadn’t felt in a long time—a sense of harmony that felt natural, unforced. As we reached my doorstep, I turned to thank him, but before I could get the words out, Leon stepped closer, his gaze locking onto mine. For a moment, the world seemed to stop, the air thickening with an unspoken feeling. His hand gently brushed a strand of hair away from my face, his touch sending a small shiver down my spine. “Irene,” he said softly, his voice almost a whisper. “There’s something I need to do.” Before I could react, he leaned in, his lips pressing against mine in a kiss that was both tender and electrifying. My breath caught in my throat as a wave of warmth spread through me, my heart pounding in my chest. The kiss was brief, just a moment in time,