Chapter 249

• I had never imagined Leonardo capable of tenderness. Qualities like compassion, kindness, even joy seemed entirely beyond his reach. Every aspect of him reminded me of solid, unyielding ice—from his indifferent expressions to his pale skin and dark,
• windswept hair.
• So, when I caught his cheeks reddening and his crystalline eyes widening, I was taken aback. He raked a hand through his tousled hair, a tell that only surfaced when he was rattled, surprised, or overwhelmed. But just as quickly as that flicker of vulnerability appeared, he crushed it beneath his usual swagger, his lips curling into a smirk as he cast a sidelong glance at Emiliano.