The CEO's Unplanned Heir novel Chapter 1080

Leopold strolled up to the bar and mixed up a pair of ice-cold martinis, sliding one over to Aurelia.

"Did you check in on Jelena today?" he asked casually.

Aurelia nodded, her eyes curious. "You want to know why she turned down Fredric's proposal, don't you?"

A faint smirk played on his lips. "I saw that coming a mile away. No surprise there. The women of the Hawthorne family are a breed apart."

She couldn't tell if that was a compliment or a dig.

"As you know," Aurelia continued, "the Hawthorne family has a knack for bending ears. Women from the Hawthorne family have been raised on that craft and they know all about taming their men."

With a swift move, Leopold wrapped an arm around her slender waist and pulled her in close.

"So, how do you plan on taming me?"

Aurelia shot him a playful glare. "You're a wild one. I doubt I have what it takes. I'm just grateful you don't give me a hard time."

He leaned in and nibbled at her earlobe, teasing her in a flirty whisper, "Would you prefer I just roll over and play nice?"

She squirmed, tickled by his touch, and let out a soft chuckle. "Enough, Leopold. You're the big boss. All I ask for is equality. I won't get greedy. I know my place."

His hand daringly ventured up her skirt, "Is this you playing hard to get?"

Suddenly, she pushed him back with a force that sent him sprawling. She lunged forward, secured herself on his waist, and swiftly undid her ponytail, allowing her hair to fall freely in a wild rush.

"What if I fancy a more... aggressive approach? Scared?"