Chapter eleven

*Bella's POV*

After tucking Dylan to sleep, I went downstairs to see Leo out else he would insist on staying the night. Again. I carried Angelica's bag, determined to send him away.

The man brought a crib over, I almost missed it earlier. If I don't stop him now, he will start moving in bit by bit. As it is already, he has some of his clothes hanged in the closet of the guest room.

As I reached the foot of the stairs, I caught a glimpse of him gently swaying Angelica in his arms trying to lull her to sleep. My eyes softened at the sight. The man was a good father.

"You can leave now." I said, steeling my gaze.

Instead of answering he shushed me, gesturing at Angelica who stirred in her sleep.

I let out a sigh and sat on the nearest sofa, crossing my legs in the process. I waited for him as he carefully placed her in her crib and faced me.

"Let's talk." He commanded walking out into the hall.

"Here," I shoved the bag into his hands, "take your child and go."

"I thought she's Angie not child." He stated watching me intently.

"She's your child is she not?"

"Don't raise your voice at me." He warned due to the rising octaves in my voice.

"Or what?" I challenged, glaring at him.

Instead of responding, he closed the distance between our bodies staring me down. Our gazes locked, I could see a spark of desire in his blue irises.

"I might just decide to cut those three months short and marry you right now." He smirked.

"I will not marry you!" I declared.

"You don't have a choice." He concluded, his voice hard and his eyes holding resolve.

"I. Will. Not. Marry. You!" I said slowly, gritting my teeth. Instead of responding, he dipped his neck, anticipating his next act, I tried to step back but his hand was already around my waist. Keeping me from escaping.

A gasp left my mouth as he pressed his lips on mine. Electricity courses through my veins as his mouth slowly moved against mine, tempting me to respond. I closed my eyes as I tried my best to keep myself from responding.

"You need to kiss back, mi carinõ," he said as his free hand caressed my face.

He planted his lips on mine once more and the kiss was slow and passionate, getting more urgent at each passing second. I found myself lost in the kiss, my arms cloaked themselves around his neck trying to pull him closer. I felt him smile against my lips as I responded, albeit reluctantly.

Leo was the third man I'd ever kissed my entire life and at that moment as his lips expertly explored my tongue I knew I was severely lacking. He pulled away and begun tracing his lips along my neck, causing my toes to curl.

A familiar, almost forgotten feeling of desire coursed through my veins and at that moment his face flashed infront of me. Looking at me with so much disdain and disappointment. That was what it took for me to push Leo away and I found my self running up the stairs trying to control my tears.

Guilt filled my heart as I willed myself not to cry. I had no right to mourn him, let alone shed a tear because of the lonely life I led.

Leonardo.

I had to distance myself from him. He is the only man who was able to a crack in my defenses but I was determined not to let him in any further.

He can be Dylan's father, but I would not let him into my heart.

That night, my sleep was plagued with the same nightmare that left me thrashing in my sleep. The nightmares are one thing I wish I could leave behind, because they are constant reminder of the pain I've caused, the demons I've faced and the demons I've failed to overcome.

*Leonardo's POV*

After the kiss, I did not mind strapping Angelica onto her seat and driving to my parents house to spend the night. A smile was etched onto my face as one thought transgressed through my mind, she responded to my kiss.

To say I was anxious was an understatement. That bold move could have earned a slap or she would welcome my affection.

Her responding was the answer that I required. To me, it meant I was breaking through her barriers. Bella is a goddess, what surprised me was that she was not experienced in kissing. It made me realize that even though she is bold and confident, she is also innocent and that made me want her even more.

But then she pushed me away. I did not plan to go as far as did but her hateful glare dared me to initiate the kiss and her responses ignited a desire for more.

As I laid on my bed, I hoped that my actions did not scare her away. With her around, life no longer seemed bleak and the future did not hold any uncertainty.

I knew what I wanted, a family, a partner whom I could grow old with. The simple things are the ones that matter. Being an accomplished business man was fulfilling but that was only momentarily, soon stress followed, trying to finish another perfect year, obliterate the competition... It takes a toll on you, especially when there is no room for mistakes.

Chasing after more money is vane and useless. As long as I can make long-standing bonds with those around me then I would be the happiest man. But being the oldest son of a business mogul comes with responsibility and even if I don't want it, I have to take it upon myself and become a ruthless business tycoon. To me it's vane but I do it anyway, for my family.

Being the CEO of Mendoza Co., I have many accomplishments under my belt but none of those give me this feeling of being utterly happy and fulfilled than these moments spent with Bella and the children along with my family. They gave me purpose.

That night, I slept with a smile. The future seemed to hold many prospects. Of love and of happiness.

****Thank you for giving my book a shot****