Stella stood frozen, staring at Leo Starr with his shirt partially unbuttoned.
Since their marriage, despite sleeping in the same bed every night, they had never been more intimate than simply holding each other as they slept. They changed clothes separately and used the bathroom at different times. This was the first time Leo had done something so openly provocative in front of her.
Stella suddenly realized that although Leo seemed to hold the dominant position in their relationship, he had never tried to control anything.
When she wanted to keep a low profile, he would only drop her off at the school gate. When she mentioned wanting to have steak, he rolled up his sleeves and helped her cook. It was her idea to sleep while holding each other, their first kiss was with her consent, and even now, as he was teasing her, his eyes were always on her reactions, ready to stop if she showed any discomfort.
Leo offered her complete freedom and autonomy, providing a life where she could be herself entirely. Meanwhile, he patiently and unconditionally supported her.
If she felt uneasy, he would stay quietly by her side, never pushing her. If she wanted to act spoiled, he would indulge her immediately, never letting her down.
Stella felt her heart swell, like a fizzy vitamin C tablet dissolving, emotions bubbling up and leaving her eyes stinging, only to settle into a sweet contentment.
How could he be so gentle?
Whoever said he was cold and unapproachable was wrong; he was warm and wonderful!
"Leo," Stella stepped closer, reaching out to button his shirt, "don't unbutton it anymore."
Leo paused, looking at her serious expression, stopping his actions. "Okay, I won't," he said, pulling Stella's hand close and gently squeezing it. "I was just teasing. We don't have to watch the movie."
"We do!" Stella blurted out.
"I want to watch it," she repeated, blushing but meeting Leo's slightly surprised gaze. "Not here though, let's wait until we get home…"
Leo's lips curved into a smile. "Wait until we get home for what?"
"Wait until we get home to watch!" she said, pouting at the unfamiliar environment and protectively buttoning his shirt, muttering under her breath, "Can't let others see."
Leo chuckled, tilting her chin. "Alright, it's all yours."
Stella left the top two buttons undone and gave up on the tie altogether. Usually impeccably dressed, Leo now had a slightly open collar, his collarbones visible, sitting casually amidst the soft blankets, exuding a mix of restraint and laziness.
"Why are you staring at me like that?" Leo asked.
Stella swallowed and answered honestly, "Because you look so good, Leo."
"Thank you," Leo smiled, pulling her into a light kiss. "You look even better, Stella."
After the waiter delivered their drinks and snacks and turned off the lights in the suite, Stella felt reassured that no one would interrupt again. She took off her coat and boots, joining Leo on the bed.
Leo finally saw the dress that was supposedly "too revealing."
The off-shoulder design perfectly highlighted Stella's graceful neck and shoulders. Her waist was slim, and her long legs gleamed in the dim light, making her look stunning.
Although the dress was far from overly revealing, Stella's youth and innocence made her feel self-conscious about her natural allure.
"Did someone help you pick this dress?"
"Yes, my roommates gave it to me for my birthday, and today is the first time I've worn it," she said, a bit anxious. "Does it look strange?"
"Not at all," Leo's gaze was intense. "You look beautiful."
Stella's dimples appeared as she smiled, her legs kicking playfully on the bed, drawing attention.
Leo looked down at his newly buttoned shirt, feeling a sense of role reversal. He draped his jacket over her waist, covering her raised skirt and thighs. Seeing Stella's puzzled expression, he explained sincerely, "I can't take it if you keep looking at me like that."
Stella's ears turned red, but she accepted the implied message. "Then let's wait until we get home," she added, unaware of Leo's hungry gaze, "I'm all yours too."
As the movie's opening credits rolled, Leo took a deep breath, pushing down his more unsavory thoughts, then settled back, holding Stella as they watched the movie.
Having come prepared this time, Leo had tissues and a wastebasket within reach, even a cold compress ready. He assumed his young wife, who cried over animated films, would cry watching such a tragic love story. But he was wrong.
When Stella had agreed to see the movie, she was too excited to pay attention to the details. Just being able to watch a movie with Leo was enough; the movie itself didn't matter. It wasn't until the iconic scenes of the Titanic began to unfold that she realized what they were watching: Titanic, in 3D.
Stella had seen this timeless classic before, but as a child, she had been more concerned about why the hero didn't just climb onto the wooden board and save himself rather than the deeper themes of beauty and loss.
She planned to discuss this logical inconsistency with the meticulous Leo after the movie. She later realized she could bring it up earlier since Leo didn't seem fully focused on the film.
"Are you wearing perfume?" Leo's chin rested on her collarbone, his nose brushing her ear.
"Yes," Stella giggled, the sensation tickling her. "I usually forget to use it, but I put some on today for our date."
Date.
Leo savored the word, feeling pleased. He planted a kiss on her cheek. "It smells wonderful, like sugared lemon."
Stella laughed, snuggling into his neck. "I love your scent too, Leo. It helps me sleep well at night."
Their playful banter was interrupted by a sensual scene on screen, where the hero sketched the heroine. Stella stiffened, her eyes glued to the screen.
She had never seen the uncut version before.
The scene was undeniably sexy but also incredibly beautiful. The heroine's joy and openness with her beloved were palpable.
Stella instinctively looked at Leo, catching his eye.
"What's wrong?" Leo asked, his voice tinged with amusement.
"Nothing…" Stella felt inexplicably flustered, touching her nose and speaking casually, "I just think it's beautiful. Don't you?"
Leo glanced at the screen, giving an objective opinion. "Yes, it's very aesthetically pleasing."
Stella was surprised and glanced back at the heroine on screen, suddenly feeling a bit jealous.
"…Oh." She turned away, not speaking.
A soft laugh came from behind, its meaning unclear, but it made Stella feel embarrassed, like she had been caught with a secret.
Leo wrapped his arms around her tense waist, pulling her back into his embrace. He whispered in her ear, "I meant the scene is beautiful. But as for the person, you're the most beautiful, Stella."
Stella tried to hide her smile, playing with his hands around her waist. "I was talking about the scene too."
"I know," Leo said, kissing her earlobe and resting his chin on her shoulder again, his chest pressed tightly against her back, enveloping her in his warmth.
Stella's eyes gradually lost focus on the screen, the characters and dialogues fading away as all her attention was drawn to the sensation at her neck.
Leo's warm breath repeatedly hit her nape, creating a trail of tingling currents on her skin, each one leaving a trace of prickling warmth.
"Leo," Stella couldn't help but turn her head to look at him, trying to escape the thrilling ticklish sensation, "What were you drinking just now?"
"White wine."
His voice, soaked in the effects of alcohol, was deep and mellow. Stella was drawn closer, inhaling the scent around his lips. "So sweet."
In the darkness, their hearts beat in unison, a frantic rhythm that blurred the lines of who was affecting whom. They both felt the same intense pounding, their hearts drumming like thunder.
Leo's Adam's apple bobbed as he kept his gaze fixed on her. "Do you want to try?" he teased, their noses nearly touching.
Stella's breathing quickened, something seemed to be surging within her. Finally, she reached out, hooking her arm around his shoulder, and let out a whimpering plea. "Yes."
Their heated breaths intertwined, and in the dim light, their fingers interlaced.
If the heart's desire couldn't be restrained, then they would indulge in it; if the longing was too intense, they would surrender to it.
After a long moment, Leo wiped the moisture from her lips and softly asked, "Shall we go home?"
The movie wasn't over, but neither of them cared to watch any longer.
Resting against his chest, Stella nodded. "Let's go home."
They stumbled through the door, kissing and tangling until Stella found herself being laid on the bed, her vision filled with Leo's dark, intense eyes.
"Stella, my love," Leo murmured, his voice hoarse as he leaned over her neck. "Do you want this?"
Under the warm lights, Stella's cheeks were flushed like budding flowers. She slowly raised her arms to embrace him and nodded silently.
Leo chuckled softly, his gentle tone contrasting sharply with the tension visible in the veins on his forehead. He struggled to control himself as he asked again, "Do you know what I want to do?"
Stella gazed at him, her expression both innocent and seductive, nearly shattering Leo's self-control.
"I know," she replied, "What spring does to cherry trees."