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."

been ignoring me calls unanswered, texts unread. Seriously,

over and over, Mr.

on time, would I have

Did we have an

you say you didn't have to

but I never asked you to pick

could leave immediately. She still had work to wrap up and besides, she had her car with her.

looking a

tone slightly.

your boyfriend-your, uh, official boyfriend-this was the sort

tone and volume, you're not even close

froze for a second,

anged, his voice

a softer,

Is

finally cracked a smile. "Hmm, it'll

sprang into action, opening the passenger door with a flourish. "Your

over there," she said,