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Leonardo really didn't know his own, powerful strength.

A gasp left Maria's mouth as she gripped onto his shoulders for stability after being pulled so suddenly onto him. Her wide eyes met his hazel ones that slowly lowered down to her parted lips. They were so red against her skin, so beautifully shaped that it was difficult to ignore the invitation right there for him.

Her hands tightened on his shoulders as Leonardo's arms left her hips and wrapped around her waist easily, their faces instantly brought closer with their bodies heatedly pressed against each other. His thumb brushed against her bottom lip as he stared, leaning in closer and closer. Maria's breath hitched in anticipation, her heart racing, her eyes darting between his mesmerising eyes and Leonardo's lips, waiting for the moment that he'd kiss her.

And when their lips did meet, butterflies fluttered in Maria's stomach. Leonardo's hand gently cupped her smooth cheek as tingles ran down his body, his heart thumping. She tilted her head, longingly wanting more as her hand slid down to his hard chest. Maria missed the two of them sharing a moment of love. She was already craving his affection, her hips involuntarily rolled onto him gently, a need for her inner desire to be fuelled.

With a single move, Leonardo had Maria on her back and Maria felt her body ignite with sensuality and blushed at how easy it was for him to have her beneath him.

He stopped and looked into her eyes with immense appreciation and love. "Bella," Leonardo huskily whispered, setting off all sorts of emotions inside her. He caressed her cheek and gazed at her like she was his world, his treasure. His gentleman-like way of treating her always made Maria feel loved. Leonardo never made her question herself. His sweetness was strong enough to make Maria smile and slide her hand up to the back of his neck, pulling him closer and bringing his lips back onto hers.

"You always treat me like a queen," Maria quietly murmured between a kiss. His kisses were always soft and delicate with Maria. He wanted to savour her sweetness, appreciate her very celestial being. Maria never needed to do much, Leonardo had learnt exactly what was enough to make sure Maria knew exactly how special she was in his eyes. She always felt relaxed in his with him.

"Mia cara, you are a queen. My queen," Leonardo replied against her lips and she chuckled, breaking their kiss, her eyes gleaming as she gazed up at him, her king, her love. Her gentle laugh was music to his ears. Then they kissed some more, Maria's hands wrapping around his neck.

As they parted lips once more, Leonardo's eyes lowered down to her tempting chest the second she adjusted herself a little on the sofa. The emotion had overpowered him and Maria could feel it. Leonardo's cheeks flushed, he always felt like it was a crime for his body to react to her, like he was engaging in an activity he shouldn't. He swallowed roughly, noticing her eyes expand slightly, a small but encouraging smile coming onto her gorgeous face.

"Are you comfortable down here?"

"Down...where?" Maria slowly asked, shifting uncomfortably below him, his teasing hands making her skin sensitive as they ran up and down her thighs.

"O-On the sofa," Leonardo elaborated, feeling his ears growing warmer. It was wide enough for the two of them, but it would be a first. He felt hot everywhere and it didn't help that he was starting to really notice and feel bothered that her full, intense attention was on him.

Maria blinked a few times, realising he was talking about the location. She nodded, pulling a strand of her hair behind her ear, his eyes immediately dropping to the openness of her neck, feeling the pressure build within him.

"It's-It's upstairs," Leonardo further told her, a slight awkwardness filling the air. Maria tried to process what he was trying to say before she nodded again, realising. "I like my period. Go grab some."

"Okay," Leonardo replied, bashfully. His eyes widened after a second of realisation at what she said. That was not what he was trying to insinuate. "I didn't mean—I meant—I was always going to wear—I —"

He noticed her eyes twinkling. Maria chuckled again, entertained by his shyness. She understood. "Mi amore, go before I change my mind." She sat up and stretched her back once his footsteps continued to ascend up the stairs.

She pulled down her shorts, leaving her lingerie on, and tossed the shorts to the side. As she lifted her satin top over her head, Leonardo reentered the room, his wide, stunned eyes following as the fabric left her and flew down to the floor, her arms lowering and his eyes staying stuck onto her bare chest. He exhaled in astonishment, Maria's cheeks heating up as she let out another laugh at his cuteness.

Leonardo's heart pounded inside at her intense gaze, following as it slowly lowered to his bare chest, noticing he'd taken off his top upstairs. She pressed her legs together, her eyes dropped further to the rest of his lower body, feeling her body scream for him at the sight of his attraction. His eyes ran over her curves, her long shining legs. Beautiful. Then her seductive grey eyes locked with his as she alluringly beckoned, "come here, mi amore."

"Don't just stand there, Leo," Maria's desire was growing out of control. She needed him just as much as he needed her. She pushed her chest out a little unintentionally drawing his attention.

"Oh, fuck, Ria," Leonardo could only say at the sight of her, melting at her attractiveness. She loved the way her name slid off his tongue. Her eyes widened at his tall stature, coming closer as he quickly went back to his original position on top of her. Her hands slid up his muscular arms, barely given a chance to take in his body before he began cherishing her.

His hands exploded her as they kissed. Maria's hand slowly slid down his waistband, instantly making Leonardo's hand tighten its hold on her hip. He tensed up immediately. She'd never done that before. They always learnt something new about each other each time. It wasn't an act he was used to and Leonardo tensed up, his warm lips lifting from Maria's. She opened her piercing eyes, her hand exploring below his trousers. He gazed into her enchanting stare, unable to break free. A soft grunt left him as nervous and tense feeling grew inside.

She could sense his apprehension. Maria lifted her head and gently pecked his lips before whispering, "is this okay, Leo?" Her hand was soft, it was delicate but a single brush of her fingers made his whole body shiver. Leonardo squeezed his eyes closed for a second, struggling to control himself at her tingling touch. She teasingly gazed at him, "or is it too much?"

Maria kissed his embarrassment away, "mi amore," she enticingly whispered against his lips. "Talk to me."

"It's more than enough," Leonardo groaned, his hands gripping onto her, unable to handle the pressure she was putting on him. He sharply inhaled between a kiss, overwhelmed by her touch. "Fuck, Maria, you're making me—"

'-riches, parties, women. The millionaire heir to 'JC and Co' was heading towards the right track to his inheritance until December 8th. So what went wrong with. . .'

"What is that?" Maria breathlessly let out in a low voice, turning head and catching her eyes into the television. Then she chuckled, registering that they had accidentally turned on the TV.

"Where's the remote?" Leonardo realised, not wanting to hear the TV. She pulled her hand out and wriggled around, trying to find it. "It's not me!" Laughters erupted from Maria.

Leonardo couldn't care less about the external noise anymore. He focused back onto the goddess beneath him and brought his lips back down onto hers. She softly moaned, bringing her hips closer to him. Maria had forgetting about everything else. The only thing that mattered in that moment was the love the two of them shared together. Leonardo blocked out any distractions and continued to savour her, moving his hand downwards towards her black lingerie, unable to contain his impatience any longer.

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"Are you tired now?"

"Not really."

Leonardo's lips lifted into a smile as his hand gently pushed the falling strands of hair away from Maria. His thumb rubbed her cheek delicately, and as Maria gazed up into those captivating eyes of his, she could feel his love. Leonardo loved her the most in the world. His eyes always gave it away, he couldn't hide his genuine feelings for Maria whenever he looked into her eyes.

Looking into his eyes was like going down memory lane for Maria. The nostalgia of their connection hit and a sea of calmness washed over her. Maria felt a pang of sadness in her heart. She was leaving it all behind as soon as the morning would come. It was a bittersweet feeling of endearment but optimism in that she had to leave it, in order for them to heal.

It was warm between them, their bodies against each other and snuggled with a large blanket covering the two of them. Maria felt so relaxed and comfortable, like they were in their own bubble away from the rest of the world. "When we're better...would you be open to meeting again?" Leonardo's husky voice asked her, his hand gently rubbing her back. He still wished to see her despite agreeing to let go. Leonardo wasn't sure that he could ever let Maria go. She would always be ok his mind.

They were letting go of each other to become happier without one another. Maria smiled. "I think we could," she replied quietly, still trying to let her heart return to its natural pace. But Maria still felt more opposed to the idea the more she thought about it. "I think," Maria gently began, "when we finally become what we want to be, we should."

"When you trust me," Maria said, a flash of guilt passing Leonardo's eyes. "And when you feel mentally happier without me, come find me." She pecked his lips. "And bring some white roses," Maria added with a small smile.

"That's if you can ever find your way back to me," she whispered. Leonardo gazed into her stormy eyes and made it his vow. No matter what, he had to make his way back to her. He would do everything and anything he could to make sure that he was the person he needed to be for himself and Maria.

"Why white roses?" Leonardo asked curiously. Maria softly chuckled, "it means a new start. The same applies to me," she continued, "if I ever feel ready again to start afresh, I'll find you."

Leonardo placed a gentle kiss on Maria's forehead. "I'll come back to you, Ria." She lightly chuckled again and only smiled. Maria wasn't too sure if they could ever rekindle their broken love. It was a complicated feeling. Some things were better off left behind than restored.

Then his lips found their way back onto hers, a soft gasp left Maria's lips as they turned, Leonardo holding her on top of him, her legs on either side and she kissed him lovingly, unable to stop.

Maria wanted their last night to never end.

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Their last morning together came quicker than expected. Not because they didn't want it to come but because they didn't want it to come, but Leonardo and Maria had probably only slept for two hours.

It was a night of love that Maria thought she'd never forget. She smiled as soon as she woke up. Maria's favourite way to wake up already made her happy, in Leonardo's arms, cosy and warm.

Maria could feel Leonardo's hand playing with her hair. She couldn't stop the corner of her lips from rising. Her hand, that was wrapped around Leonardo tightened as she pulled herself closer to his bare chest, gently groaning. "You're not asleep," Maria murmured with her eyes still closed. She snuggled her head into his chest, deeply inhaling his comforting scent. Maria could feel the lack of sleep hit her, they had been up all night.

"It's morning," Leonardo's deep voice responded, leaving a soft kiss on her forehead making her smile extend.

"I'm not ready to get up," Maria replied, stifling a yawn while Leonardo's hand slid up and down her smooth back. He held her, never wanting to let go. "Just a little longer," Maria said, lifting her head slightly to finally meet Leonardo's eyes. She pushed away her hesitation and added, "let's stay like this a little longer." Longer before they had to face reality again. Leonardo gazed down into her hopeful eyes, glad she was feeling the same way as him.

Neither of them wanted to separate and it took an extra hour of them falling back asleep together and waking up, realising it was getting too late in the day to be stuck on the sofa together. It didn't take long before they needed to use the bathroom. From there onwards, the two got up and ready for the day after another minor delay again on the sofa.

Maria was walking down the steps when she smelt the coffee Leonardo was making from the kitchen. She'd miss it. Getting ready that morning made leaving all the more daunting. Her eyes made it over to the suitcases lined up by the front door. She couldn't calm her heart at the sight of it. Maria was really going to leave and she had to accept it.

Leonardo came out of the kitchen holding two steaming white mugs of coffee. His eyes ran all over Maria's outfit, her white long sleeved top, showing off her sturdy shoulders and defined collarbones covered in hickeys. Her outfit enhanced her chest and showed off her tiny waist. Her a-line skirt with her slim legs moving beneath. Leonardo could feel his chest tightening at the sight of her, her grey eyes met his and held a more solemn look to them. They both knew that it was time. Time to let go.

So there they were sat at the table for the last time. Maria's hands clasped together as Leonardo took the final sip his coffee. They sat in silence, only the sound of his mug touching the table remained between the two of them. Maria sighed gently, staring at her hands.

She could no longer delay what was going to happen that day. Her hand reached out and placed itself on top of Leonardo's. He inhaled, placing his other hand on top of hers and gently squeezing it. He could feel the difference on her hand. Maria was no longer wearing her fake engagement ring. Leonardo didn't realise how much he wished he could see it on her hand again. Maria tried to stay positive, keeping a small smile on her face.

"I have to go now," Maria finally said, her eyes slowly rising and meeting Leonardo's. She could see the sadness in his gentle eyes. Her heart dropped inside, Maria was battling to keep her emotions away. "I'm meeting Luna."

Leonardo slowly nodded, swallowing. He could feel the pain begin to course through him, the thought of not seeing her again was daunting. "You shouldn't keep Luna waiting."

"Right," Maria quietly replied, licking her lips. She hated forcing herself to stay strong. But she didn't budge. Her eyes trailed downwards to Leonardo's hands again, the corner of her lips slowly falling as she realised it really was time to go. "I feel nervous," Maria suddenly expressed in a low voice before her eyes met Leonardo's again. "And actually quite scared," she whispered honestly, her chest hurting from all the stress. "Leo, I'm terrified of leaving you."

Leonardo gazed into her earnest eyes as he caressed her hand. "Don't be. You're not 'leaving' me. We're both going our separate ways mutually," Leonardo simply responded, "if it's meant to be, we'll meet again. If not, then we shared a good time together." Maria's heart broke at his words. "And there's nothing wrong with that, Ria. Nothing at all."

"I love you," Maria sincerely told him for the final time, in a low voice. Her words made Leonardo's heart clench inside. She inhaled deeply before putting another small smile on her face.

Leonardo shared the same expression, his thumb still rubbing her hand. "I love you too, Maria."

When they got to the front door, Leonardo unlocked it and his eyes went to her suitcases being carried out by movers.

Then they hugged for what felt like an eternity.

And just like that, Maria and Leonardo had ended their relationship there.

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~ Author's Note ~

Maria and Leonardo have broken up! Was this expected for the two of them?

They had a final night of romance but have gone separate ways. How will Maria and Leonardo deal with being apart from each other?

Will things go for better or for worse?

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Thanks for reading!

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