Sweet Mischief’s Rollercoaster Romance

Even in her own space, Anya felt like she wasn't safe anymore; the metaphorical bear had been tossed out. Ever since she and Leo had crossed that line in their relationship, her nights had been anything but peaceful.

Thankfully, with school on break, she had plenty of time to prepare for her accounting certification exam from the comfort of her home. Leo, however, was always on the move, often leaving at the drop of a hat after a quick phone call. Anya's phone would buzz now and then with alerts of money being deposited into her account.noveldrama

Late at night, they often lay in bed, wrapped up in each other's arms. Anya's shoulders were bare, her collarbone obscured by Leo's arm, which felt like it might strangle her, but she knew it was just how Leo liked to sleep. Leo lay shirtless, his back exposed. He hadn't left the house that afternoon, having coaxed Anya to lunch, and they'd stayed in ever since.

Leo was lightly dozing, while Anya gazed out the window. "Chad, I haven't stepped outside in days," she remarked.

Leo shifted and sat up, taking in the sight of the young woman who seemed so down. "Can you walk now?" he asked directly.

Half an hour later, Leo had bundled Anya up with a thick scarf, covering her ears snugly. Satisfied she was well-protected against the cold, he took her hand and tucked it into his pocket as they ventured out.

They paused at a fruit stand by the roadside. Anya lingered, eyes fixed on the fruit. Knowing her well, Leo asked the vendor, "Mind if we try an orange to see if it's sweet?"

"These are sugar oranges, very sweet. Go ahead and try one," the vendor encouraged.

Leo kept Anya's hand warm in his pocket, peeled a small orange, and fed half to her, closely watching her face. Seeing her nod with delight, he gave her the other half and picked out a few oranges to buy.

A few steps further, Anya spotted a bakery. She wanted to pick up some sliced bread for breakfast the next day. Just as they stepped inside, a noisy commotion broke out outside. Anya immediately tugged on Leo's arm, eyes wide, and ears straining to catch the argument. "Chad, there's something going on outside!"

Only moments earlier, Anya, who seemed too tired to even pick out fruit, suddenly let go of Leo's hand and dashed towards the excitement.

"Hey, Ms. Anya! Your..." Leo set the bread back on the shelf and quickly followed her out.

Anya was already at the door, watching the two people who were scuffling.

"Let's head back in and get the bread," Leo said, wrapping an arm around her shoulder.

"No way, Chad. You go ahead; I'll wait here," she replied, her eyes glued to the

scene.

Leo sighed. "I don't know what you want to eat."

"Whatever you get, I'll eat. I'm not fussy." Anya's gaze didn't waver.

"Seriously, what's so interesting about this?"

Anya didn't say a word until the commotion was broken up by bystanders. Only then did she turn back to Leo, "Huh, Chad, what did you say?"

Leo just shook his head.

After the little show, Anya seemed much more energetic as they headed back inside. Spotting a cream-filled bread she'd liked before, Leo asked, "Want this one?"

"Why would I want that?"

"To feed the pigs," he teased.

The sales assistant nearby chuckled, and Anya froze for a second. Then, seeing the playful glint in Leo's eyes, she felt both embarrassed and flustered. "Chad, I'm not a pig!" she protested.