“It hurts, Leonel," she whispered.

She made a pained sound in his embrace. It took Leonel a moment to realize what he had done. Quickly, he released her. Her downcast eyes brimmed with tears, stirring a pang of guilt in his heart.

"Alexis..." he whispered.

Compelled, he kissed her tremblingly. Their lips met briefly; he did not dare deepen the kiss, instead his lips brushed against hers lightly and repeatedly.

Alexis tensed.

As Leonel kissed her, a painful memory surfaced-Leonel with Anika, his hands eagerly exploring, their breaths heavy with desire. The weight of that image pressed down on Alexis like a heavy blow, stealing her breath.

Yet, she did not push him away.

They stood close, their breathing intense.

Eventually, Alexis gently pushed him at the waist. “That's enough."

Leonel struggled to compose himself.

He rested his forehead against hers, looking into her eyes intensely, though she could hardly bear to meet his gaze. She murmured, "I want to sleep."

"I'll join you for a bit. After I take the tray down, I'll come back to keep you company," Leonel replied.

"You're not eating?"

“I'm not hungry now. I'll eat later, and then I'll bring Evelyn and Daniel over."

Before heading downstairs, Leonel kissed her cheek once more.

Alexis lay down on the bed, feeling nauseous. She understood the reason but chose to ignore it.

She lay in silence until she felt the bed dip beside her.

Leonel kept his clothes on but removed his belt, cautious that the belt buckle would make her uncomfortable.

“If this buckle were to press against you for two hours, it would probably leave a mark on your tender skin," he whispered near her ear.

Alexis remained silent.