Chapter 25

Broderick's eyes narrowed slightly as he walked in with lighter steps. Leslie was still sound asleep, looking peaceful and sweet. He sat gently on the edge of the bed, his gaze falling on her. Her face was turned toward the balcony, quiet and soft. Long lashes cast faint shadows on her cheeks, her lips slightly pouting-rosy and delicate like if they were made of petals. Broderick's eyes darkened a little, a strange calm settling over him. Just her being by his side like this, so quiet, so peaceful-it was enough to make his heart settle. Who knows what kind of days she'd been through at the Greens'? Did she not sleep well last night? Nap or not, she'd dozed off for way too long. Could she even fall asleep tonight after this? With that thought, Broderick decided he probably should wake her up. "Miss..." He paused, remembering what she had said-she wanted to be called Leslie. In his mind, he repeated it a couple of times: Leslie. "Leslie, time to get up." His voice came out a bit rough, w