The Secret of the Maiden (#1 Witch academy)

Chapter 8: I know all your secrets

"She doesn't care about your words 
or how you'll save her 
Where she comes from, there's no saviors"

Lilith - Ellise 

___

The sound of Leonardo's heartbeat thrashed in his ears. What if something happened? The question haunted his mind the entire way here. It was the nagging feeling that made him want to scream.

R had sent a message asking him to help get some stuff from her house. The house where Louis still lived. She had forgotten some things, and her mom was busy.

He already suspected that she was hiding this from her mom.

He stood before the gigantic mansion with a cheerful flower garden. Sunlight bounced off the dew-bright leaves, and the bursts of colours pulled the bees and butterflies around the garden. Birdsongs filled the air. 

He feared he had messed up the address. There was only one way to find out. He walked on the path of stepping stones hidden in the grass toward the front door.

No one ever accused him of being clever and quick-witted.

"Psst, Leo." He started and saw R behind the bushes. Hiding. "Come here." She made a luring motion, and he followed her silent demand.

"Why are you hiding?" he asked curiously, crouching beside her, his knees pressing into the dirt. The smell of the sweet flowers and the damp earth filled his nose.

"He isn't gone yet." She glanced over the bush. However, Leonardo only had eyes for her. She had pulled up her dark hair, leaving her neck exposed for him to view. The white creamy skin formed a strong contrast with her raven-black hair. The sun beat on their skin, already colouring her pale skin red.

She was wearing black clothes, giving the impression that she had stepped out of a black-and-white film. Sweat gathered on his brow from the heat of the sun. He couldn't imagine how hot she was. He giggled when he realized she was dressed for a robbery. Her attention shot back to him, and spitting fire with her eyes. 

"Why are you giggling?" she asked suspiciously.

"No reason," he answered with a lazy smile. They monitored the front door in complete silence, his fingers touching the damp soil. "You know, I had imagined my Sunday morning a bit differently from surveillance."

"You think I like it?"

"You are dressed like you were waiting for this moment for a long time," he said. She only answered with an eye roll.

Before he could tease her further about her outfit, she shushed him, her soft hand on his lips.

"He's leaving," she whispered against his skin, so, so close. He could smell her lavender and spices. Butterflies fluttered in his stomach. Her attention was focused on the bush, listening to what was happening out of view.

Leonardo's ears perked up when he heard the door close and heavy footsteps walking on the marble path. R kept waiting until she heard the car start and drive away. Her eyes were focused on the bush, as if the man could return any moment. Her breath sped up, and a glint of madness appeared in her dark eyes, as though fear was taking over her body.

He could do multiple things at that moment: keep studying her, looking at her almond eyes and her unbelievably red lips, or get her attention and maybe take her out of her memories.

So he did what any decent gentleman would do in his situation.

He licked her hand.

"Ew!" She jumped up, missing the branch on the ground and falling hard on her ass. She wiped her hand on her pants and gave him the evil eye. He only blinked innocently at her.