He was keenly aware that this wasn't accidental. He understood that Alexis had intentionally orchestrated it, pinning him to the bed in a deliberate attempt to elicit a response from him. He knew she aimed to compel him to admit that he cared for her and harbored desires for her.

In the darkness, Leonel's hand found its way to her waist, gently caressing it.

He caressed her face with his other hand, a smile playing on his lips. “Miss Fowler, you're quite the schemer! What's your game? Planning this for ages just to see me break my rules, huh? So, what's the holdup? Are you incapable of kissing or touching me?"

Alexis ran her fingers along his handsome features, whispering in his ear, "What am I to do? Even now, you're still trying to resist me!"

The next moment, she found herself under beneath him.

With one leg, Leonel pinned her body down, his other hand firmly holding both her wrists, raising them above her head. It was an intense intrusion that would ignite desire in any woman's heart.

Any woman, except Alexis.

She longed to be with him, but her body instinctively resisted. Her reluctance to push him away marked her limit. A faint tremor coursed through her body.

Leonel stared intensely at her face, as if attempting to penetrate her facade and delve into her soul.

After a prolonged silence, he sneered. "It's merely a physical response and nothing more."

He lowered his head, bringing his lips closer to her ear, adopting a flippant tone as he spoke. "It's really not about you, Miss Fowler. Any woman beneath me, looking up at me like this would turn me on. My leg might be crippled, but everything else functions perfectly. Yes, Hester was someone I hired to play my girl and keep you away. What else could I have done, Alexis? Life is long, and I don't need your repayment, nor are you bound to be with me."

Alexis couldn't move.

Her body remained soft and compliant, her voice husky yet gentle.

"How can you be so certain without even trying?"

Leonel replied coldly, "It's unnecessary! Alexis, I'm content with my life as it is now. I don't wish to disrupt the peace. To me, your gratitude and redemption hold no value. It was merely a physical reaction, and I'd react the same with any other woman."

Alexis fell silent. After a brief pause, she gently nudged him on the shoulder.

"Get up! I'll go check on Cordelia."

Leonel shifted onto his side, his eyes tracing her tousled hair. Even in the dimness, he noticed her hands trembling as she buttoned up her clothing.

His heart skipped a beat.

To him, what Alexis said and did felt like a potent medicine, difficult to resist.