Leonel chuckled at his own expense, recognizing his self-awareness.

This magnanimity, he understood, was merely a facade.

With newfound clarity, his mood improved considerably. Upon Alexis... he had the he emergence, extinguished cigarette. Approaching her, embraced her, inhaling the fragrance behind her ear and remarking, "You smell delightful."

Alexis grinned. "Aren't we sharing the same body wash?"

Clearly, Leonel had a different intention.

He pushed her to the wall, his hand sliding into her robe. His voice, husky, demanded, “One more time."

Exhausted, Alexis couldn't muster the energy to respond.

Leaning against his shoulder, Alexis resisted in silence. Yet Leonel proceeded slowly. This time, an unusual tenderness marked his actions, navigating her body with familiarity.

Alexis experienced pleasure, and in her arousal, Leonel leaned down, engaging in a deep, passionate kiss.

Bathed in the light, two bodies intertwined...

The following morning, Alexis awoke in the spacious bed in the master bedroom. Neither Evelyn nor Leonel occupied the space beside her.

Alexis glanced at the clock, realizing it was already ten.

Sunlight poured in.

She groaned, “Indulging in too much pleasure is a nightmare."

Recalling the morning meeting at the law firm, she pondered her excuse.

Now faced with the dilemma of being late, should she inform her secretary that she overslept due to an intimate encounter the previous night?

The secretary called at that moment, sweetly inquiring, “Miss Fowler, the meeting's in ten. Have you made it to the law firm?"

Frustrated, Alexis shut her eyes.

Damn it! She had no desire to get up.

Clutching the phone, she cleared her throat and said, "Postpone the meeting to tomorrow at ten."