Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



The morning light broke through the clouds, spilling over the landscape in a warm embrace. Clothes were scattered from the living room couch to the foot of the bedroom bed.

Mostly men's garments, with the exception of a single women's robe.

York blinked awake, the memories of last night's wild adventures bringing a smirk to his lips.

He glanced at the woman sleeping beside him, her features softened in a way he hadn't noticed on himself before.

Leda was still in the realm of dreams, her breathing deep and even.

His gaze lingered on her beautiful face before drifting to her neck, marked with the signs of last night's passion.

York was no longer a young boy, nor was he at an age where physical attraction was everything, but last night he was like a beast tasting meat for the first time, unstoppable.

It wasn't until Leda slapped him that he finally calmed down.

It hurt, sure, but the thrill was undeniable.

With a wider smile, he gently kissed her forehead, then slipped out of bed, making sure not to wake her as he left the room.

In the kitchen, York prepared two bowls of ramen, turning to place them on the table just as he noticed Leda leaning against the doorframe in a silk slip dress.

It was unclear how long she had been standing there.

Their eyes met, and a flicker of embarrassment crossed York's face, quickly replaced by a teasing warmth.

"Early riser, huh? Seems like I could have pushed harder last night."

But Leda didn't smile, her gaze dropping to the bowls in his hands.

The ramen, each topped with a fried egg that was slightly burnt at the edges, looked underwhelming.

York cleared his throat, "That's all I could find in your kitchen, so...let's make do."

He moved past her to set the table, her expression hard to read.

York chuckled, "Come on, sit. What's with that look? Just realized how irresistibly handsome I am?"

Leda paused before speaking, "... Could you, maybe, put some clothes on first?"

To her, the shock of seeing him in his birthday suit as she walked into the kitchen was quite the visual experience, even for someone used to life's ups and downs.

What kind of morning routine was this?

York blinked

cloth surprise, "All my

are dirty, and you don't have anything that fits me, so what do suggest?"

You

A towel, a bedsheet, anything would do to cover up, wouldn't it?

York's response to her silent

swnovel.com

question was, "What? With this body and these abs, you should be thankful I'm offering a free show."

"I'll pass, thanks," she replied, taking a seat at the table.

York pulled out a chair for her, "Fork for you -"

She quietly took it from him.

He pointed at a glass beside her, "Your water, already poured."Content property of NôvelDra/ma.Org.

"Thanks."

He hesitated before trying to bring up last night.

Leda cut him off, "Eat your food, let's not talk over breakfast."

York complied, focusing on his meal.

Leda stopped eating halfway, pushing her bowl away.

York looked up, "Not hungry?"

"Yeah, I'm full."

"Don't waste it, give it here..." He continued eating without waiting for her response.

After finishing the meal and slurping down the broth, York leaned back with a satisfied burp.

Leda observed him, her gaze cold and detached, "Full now?"

"Yep."

"Good. Pack your stuff and leave. Don't come back."