The Maybach glided through the towering wrought-iron gates as they swung open in silence.
Beyond them, Moon Manor emerged from the darkness like a sleeping giant.
Warm golden lights illuminated the sprawling estate, casting a soft glow over meticulously trimmed hedges and marble fountains that shimmered beneath the evening sky. Tall trees lined the winding driveway, their branches swaying gently in the night breeze.
Jasmine stared through the window without saying a word. Everything about the estate felt impossibly grand.
She had grown up in the Gallo family mansion, yet Moon Manor made it seem modest by comparison.
When the car pulled over, Leonardo exited first. Without looking back, he buttoned his suit jacket and walked toward the entrance.
Jasmine quickly followed. The massive front doors opened before they reached them.
Jasmine followed him to the bedroom he had said was theirs earlier.
She still felt so uneasy that they would be sharing a room?
This house had so many rooms.
Do they really have to share one?!
For a brief moment, neither of them spoke. Leonardo loosened his tie.
Then removed it completely. He draped it over the back of a chair before beginning to unbutton his shirt with practiced ease.
Only then did he turned to face her.
“I’ll take a shower.” His tone was as calm as ever.
Jasmine nodded automatically. “Okay.”
She immediately turned her attention elsewhere, pretending to admire the room.
The quiet sound of buttons slipping free reached her ears despite her efforts to ignore it. Curiosity betrayed her.
Her eyes drifted toward him for only an instant. The white shirt slid from his shoulders.
Broad shoulders greeted her eyes. Defined muscles shaped by years of disciplined training.
His waist narrowed sharply before disappearing beneath tailored trousers.
An old scar ran diagonally across the left side of his back, pale against sun-kissed skin. It wasn’t fresh.
It had healed years ago. Yet it stood out enough to make her wonder what had left it behind.
Heat flooded her cheeks the moment she realized she was staring.
She whipped her head away, her ears burned.
Leonardo appeared completely unaware of perhaps he simply chose not to acknowledge her embarrassment.
He gathered fresh clothes from the wardrobe before disappearing into the adjoining bathroom.
Moments later, the sound of running water filled the room, Jasmine finally exhaled.
She hadn’t realized she’d been holding her breath.
Slowly, she walked toward the enormous bed and lowered herself onto its edge. The expensive mattress dipped slightly beneath her weight.
She folded her hands tightly in her lap.
The room was quiet.
Too quiet.
Without distractions, her thoughts began to wander.
Tonight, she would have to sleep here.
In this room.
On this bed.
With Leonardo.
The realization tightened something inside her chest. Her breathing became shallow.
No...
She silently shook her head.
You’re overthinking.
He said he’d never forced you to do anything.
Even so...Her fingers curled against the fabric of her skirt.
She had spent years convincing herself that the nightmares were behind her. Years believing the fear had faded.
She could spend the night with a man without breaking down. She had believed she was getting better.
Yet the thought of sharing a bed with another person...especially a man dragged those buried fears back to the surface with terrifying ease.
Her chest felt tight as though invisible hands were slowly wrapping around her ribs.
She instinctively hugged herself. “It’s okay...”
She whispered so softly that even she barely heard the words. “You’re okay.”
The reassurance sounded hollow.
The memories never arrived all at once.
They came in fragments.
A locked room.
Raised voices.
Tiny hands clawing desperately at a doorknob that refused to open.
The overwhelming feeling of helplessness.
Jasmine squeezed her eyes shut.
Stop.
Don’t think about it.
The rushing water behind the bathroom door grounded her.
She focused on that sound instead.
One breath.
Then another.
Gradually, the crushing pressure eased enough for her lungs to expand again.
Several minutes later, the shower stopped and bathroom door opened.
Leonardo stepped out wearing nothing more than a white bath towel secured around his waist. Droplets of water still clung to his skin before slowly tracing paths down his shoulders.
His damp hair had lost its usual meticulous style, falling naturally across his forehead.
Jasmine looked up by instinct and their eyes almost met.
She immediately lowered her gaze, the blush returned faster than before.
Leonardo noticed but chose not to tease her.
“Your turn.” His voice broke the silence. LI had the staff prepare everything.”
Jasmine looked up cautiously. “In the bathroom?”
He nodded. “Your pajamas are inside.”
“Thank you.”
She stood so quickly that she nearly stumbled over her own feet.
Embarrassed, she hurried into the bathroom before he could notice. The moment the door closed behind her, she leaned against it and let out a shaky breath.
The luxurious bathroom rivaled the size of any she’s ever seen before.
Fresh towels had been neatly folded. Toiletries were arranged with military precision.
Near the sink rested a beautifully wrapped box. A small handwritten card lay on top.
For Mrs. Madrigal.
Jasmine stared at the words for several long seconds before carefully lifting the lid.
Inside rested a lotus-pink silk nightdress.
Its fabric shimmered beneath the lights like flowing water.
The halter neckline was elegant, while the skirt fell to mid-thigh in soft folds.
It was beautiful. Far more beautiful, and far more daring than anything she had ever owned.
Jasmine swallowed nervously. “I really have to wear this?”
She looked toward the shower, then back at the nightdress. After another long moment, she quietly reached for the shower controls.
Perhaps if she stayed inside just a little longer, she could postpone facing the night ahead.
Inside the steam-filled bathroom, Jasmine closed her eyes beneath the warm water, trying to gather the courage she wasn’t sure she possessed.