Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

"Hey, you've got it all wrong. I can't speak for anyone else, but this lady right here-tough as nails."

York couldn't help it; he burst into laughter.

"Ugh, why are you always laughing?" Leda complained.

"What else am I supposed to do, cry?"

"Sure, I can hand you a tissue."

York pulled out his lighter.

Leda gestured for it.

He passed it over, thinking she'd had a change of heart and wanted to help him light his cigarette. But instead Snap!

Leda slapped his hand away. "I asked for a cigarette! What's this lighter for? You really don't get it, do you?" York was puzzled.

He lit one for himself first, then, without waiting for Leda to remind him, he leaned in and lit hers.

The flame lit up her face.

She tilted her head down to catch the fire, her teeth clamping onto the cigarette, her red lips tightly around it, leaving a clear mark of lipstick at the tip. York found himself feeling attracted.

"Hey, lights out."

"Ah? Oh!" He pocketed the lighter, slipping it back into his jeans.

They spent a couple of hours at the bar, finishing off a bottle of red wine, and by the time they left, it was already the early hours of the morning. Too tipsy to drive.

Leda tried to order a ride, but the app showed a queue of 36 people ahead.

She was at a loss.

and at this hour, you

a cab. I'll come

But-

taxis was

lightbulb moment.

shrugged. "I'm

"What do you mean?"

that hotel

"I see

"It's mine."

"And?"

home when I can stay at the hotel? That'd be silly,

had an epiphany. "You've got it all

"Cough="

did she

York almost choked.

wasn't

waiting for? Let's go check

across the street,

long

her

fluttering in the night wind,

effortlessly beautiful.

belongs to en.kikist

hurried after her: "Hey,

said, "A

"Right away, sir."

"Aren't

got a permanent suite

wanted,