Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The man paused for a moment, his gaze shifting to York. "Leda, who's this?" he asked, clearly expecting Leda to do the introductions.

York was just as curious to hear how she'd introduce him. He kept his expression neutral, though he was all ears, a flicker of anticipation dancing in his eyes.

"Oh, this is York, the heir to the Gibson family," Leda said casually.

Well, that was... not wrong, but not quite what the two men were hoping to hear. "So, is he your...?" the colleague probed further.

This time York didn't wait for her to answer. He jumped in, "Boyfriend. I'm her boyfriend." He repeated it for emphasis, "I am her boyfriend."

The colleague turned to Leda for confirmation, a hint of disbelief in his eyes.

This made Mr. Gibson chuckle with a mix of amusement and frustration. He wrapped an arm possessively around Leda's waist, pulling her closer.

Leda played along, leaning gently into his embrace and nodding at the colleague. "Yes, he is," she confirmed.

The colleague walked away looking a bit deflated.

As soon as he was out of sight, Leda stood upright and swatted York's hand off her shoulder. "Alright, enough. He's gone."

York winced at the sharp smack, shaking his hand as if to shake off the sting. "Ow! Could you be any gentler?!"

Leda smirked, "Nope."

calls unanswered, texts unread.

was you who kept calling over and over, Mr. Gibson? Haven't

had come down on time, would I

what? Did we have an appointment?"

eyes widened. "Didn't you say you didn't have

never asked you to

didn't mean she could leave immediately. She still

a

his tone slightly. "Well

the sort of thing I

you're not

froze for a

anged, his voice

softer,

Is

cracked a

sprang into action, opening the passenger

just over there," she said, reaching for her bag to