Leanna

[Let Loose]

"Hello, Princess! It's rare for you to call me. What's up?"

". . ."

I hesitated. I dialed Zhane's number without even knowing how to ask him!

"Princess?"

"T-the news . . ."

"What about the news?" Zhane chuckled.

"Y-you know . . ."

"Sorry, what I know is, you don't make any sense right now. Are you drunk?"

I closed my eyes and took a deep breath.

"WhendidCaincalledoffhisengagement?!"

. . .

. . .

"Okaaaay . . ."

The little tremors of sounds on the other side told me that Zhane was holding his laughter.

"Answering to your Highness's question, it was the first day that you've met. He asked me to take care of any leak at that time 'cause he didn't want any paparazzi the following day––"

He paused, then breathes. "Ehehehe, now I know. It turns out, he didn't want anyone disturbing your date. Tell me what happened that day! I'm dying of curiosity here!"

. . .

. . .

"Hello? Princess? Are you still the––?!"

I ended the call and stared absentmindedly at the phone.

I closed my eyes and calmed my ragged breathing before I strode out of the toilet. In the hallway, I didn't pay any mind at the group of men in black suit, ten meters away from me, blocking the entrance of the hall, not letting anyone from the main room entering the corridor going in the toilet.

In a daze, my eyes glued on the floor, making my way back in the main room when warm, strong arms circled my waist, hugging me from behind.

"Leanna."

I froze. Everything seemed to have stopped.

"Come with me."

His hot breath fanned my ears, and I swallowed hard. Before my mind could process what was happening –– I nodded.

Cain spun me to him, but I continued to lower my head, refusing to meet his eyes.

"Put this on."

He gave me a sweatshirt. I felt like I was in a trance, hypnotized by him as I put on the shirt in silence.

Cain smiled and raised the hoodie, covering my face before putting his hand on my shoulder and lead me into the fire exit opposite the main room.

Before I climbed the stairs, I took a peek at the charming young girl, leaning against the wall in front of the toilet, smiling and winking at us –– waving her hand goodbye.

----

We ascended our way into the rooftop where a helicopter was waiting for us.

"Are you alright?" Cain asked when the helicopter took off and flew to who knows where.

I didn't answer. My head hung low, heavy with thoughts. I didn't even notice that his hand was still on my shoulder, holding me close against him.

I look silent on the outside, but my mind, heart, body, and soul were in chaos. I closed my eyes and blocked my surroundings so I could focus on my thoughts.

What the hell are you doing?! Did you forget your lesson?!

I didn't forget. Cain is not like him.

How do you even know? He's a man. Men's love only lies three inches below their belly button!

He's asexual?

He's gotten interested in you. He'll get interested in sex. Once he's taken a bite of that forbidden fruit, he'll search for it again and again after he's gotten bored with you.

I'll just make sure that he won't get bored with me then.

You're crazy! Do you want to get hurt?! Again?!

If I ignored my feelings for the reason that I'm scared to get hurt, I'd end up hurt anyway.

No! You can't trust him! You barely even know him!

If I give him my trust, I'll end up either hurt or happy. It's all up to me whether I 'am willing to take that risk . . .

. . . and I 'AM willing to take that risk!

I want to know him and be closer to him!

I opened my eyes, and the tightness in my chest and the heaviness in my thoughts disappeared.

It felt like the burdens of the world no longer exist. Only this man, sitting beside me, holding me close –– is real.

----

[Frustration]

Zhander fingers tapped his knee, impatience written all over his face.

What's taking her so long? Is she alright?

He was about to storm the toilet when a pair of flawless hands circled his arm.

"Hon, how about we dance? Do you remember? This is our tune . . ." Saoirse smiled at him, eyes droopy and tone flirty. She leaned in closer to him, her full breasts clamping his arm.

He shot her a look laced with disgust and pulled his arm from her grasped. He stood to his feet and made his way into the toilet.

He was angry and frustrated. He planned this night for him and Leanna alone, just the two of them. The moment he saw the unwanted guests at his reserved table, they should have left then and there.

His mood brightened a little when he remembered about the call. He made an on the spot reservation at Backyard Garden, a famous lovers' restaurant. A peaceful candlelight dinner for the two of them, that was his first plan. But he also wanted Leanna to experience the nightlife in New York. Thinking her age would enjoy the merry atmosphere than an awkward romantic dinner, he went for the second option.

Now all was messed up.

I should have gone with my first plan.

"You don't look so good, Zhander."

A voice like a cheerful harp brought him back to reality.

His eyes zeroed on the charming young girl, who was blocking his way.

Shoulder length curly white hair. Big sparkling crystal emerald eyes. Small, proud nose with cherry-like pouty lips. Smooth pale skin, so pale like she was glowing in the dark.

Estela Fay

"What are you doing here? Do your parents know that you're here?"

Estela shrugged her shoulders, pouting like a spoiled Princess that she is. "No." She then threw him a meaningful smile. "But my brother knows I'm here."

He cursed.

It didn't take a genius to guess what happened.

He rushed in the toilet, but Estela blocked his way –– again.

"I'm actually on my way to tell you something, but since you're already here, saves me the trouble." She beamed, which he reciprocated with a glare.

"Move, little Stela. I'm in a hurry," he said through the space of his clenching teeth, trying hard not to shout at her.

"Even if you charge in there, you won't find Leanna anymore. My brother already took her away." She crossed her arms and tilted her head, looking all cute. "Right! I was going to tell you that you don't have to worry about her. My brother will take her home."

She smiled sweetly and walked past him, skipping some steps.

He smelled her natural scent of fresh green apples as she passed him, and his rampaging emotions halted in an instant. He ignored her and dialed Leanna's number, but then realized that she didn't bring anything with her.

Damn it!

He was going to mobilize their family's secret troops to bring Leanna back to him when his father called.

"Zhander, come home. We've prepared a celebratory feast for you."

"Dad, not now. I have some––"

"Your Grandfather is here."

He paused.

After a moment, he took a deep breath and sighed.

"Alright . .. ."