Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed



"Hey, you've got it all wrong. I can't speak for anyone else, but this lady right here—tough as nails."

York couldn't help it; he burst into laughter.

"Ugh, why are you always laughing?" Leda complained.

"What else am I supposed to do, cry?"

"Sure, I can hand you a tissue."

" "I

York pulled out his lighter.

Leda gestured for it.

He passed it over, thinking she'd had a change of heart and wanted to help him light his cigarette. But instead—

Snap!

Leda slapped his hand away. "I asked for a cigarette! What's this lighter for? You really don't get it, do you?"

York was puzzled.

He lit one for himself first, then, without waiting for Leda to remind him, he leaned in and lit hers.

The flame lit up her face.

She tilted her head down to catch the fire, her teeth clamping onto the cigarette, her red lips tightly around it, leaving a clear mark of lipstick at the tip. York found himself feeling attracted.

"Hey, lights out."

"Ah? Oh!" He pocketed the lighter, slipping it back into his jeans.

They spent a couple of hours at the bar, finishing off a bottle of red wine, and by the time they left, it was already the early hours of the morning. Too tipsy to drive.

Leda tried to order a ride, but the app showed a queue of 36 people ahead.

She was at a loss.

"Forget it, this street's packed with bars, and at this hour, you won't get a ride for hours."

"Then I'll just catch a cab. I'll come back for my car tomorrow."

But-

The line for taxis was even more ridiculous!

Leda was dumbfounded, then had a lightbulb moment. "What's your plan for getting back?"

York shrugged. "I'm not going back."

"What do you mean?"

"See that hotel across the street?"

Leda nodded. "I see it, so what?"

"It's mine."

"And?"

"Why go home when I can stay at the hotel? That'd be silly, right?"

Leda had an epiphany. "You've got it all figured out. Let's just crash there tonight."

"Cough—"

What did she mean by 'let's'?

York almost choked.

But Leda wasn't done yet-

"What are you waiting for? Let's go check in!"

She breezed across the street, her long hair fluttering in the nightThis material belongs to NôvelDrama.Org.

rlegs long, her waist slendering

her

egy beautiful.

York hurried after her: "Hey, slow down! Watch for cars!"

At the hotel reception, York said, "A room for her, please."

"Right away, sir."

Leda interjected, "Aren't you getting one?"

"I've got a permanent suite here."

Anytime he wanted, he could stay.

"Then get me one too."

York laughed in disbelief. "You don't beat around the bush, do you?"

"Being Mr. Gibson's only official shouldn't I get some perks

girlfriend

at a Gibson family hotel? It would be

a joke otherwise."

She was boldly unapologetic.

"Fine," York wasn't one to hold back, "give her a permanent suite too."

The same deal as his.

Leda smirked. "That's more like it..."

After they received their room keys, they made their way to the top floor where their rooms were located across from each other. Each swiped their card to enter.

York took a shower, ready to hit the bed, when-

"Sir, this is Daisy, new here." The hotel manager appeared at his door with a woman, all smiles.

"Daisy, make sure to take good care of Mr. Gibson."

"Of course, manager," the woman said, her voice timid and sweet as if dripping with honey.