A Quiet Christmas - Isabella x Leo (One shot from a RR Mob Boss AU)
This is a one shot from a Mob Boss style AU for Liam and Leo. This is the kids first Christmas with Leo since they returned to Cordonia.
Cutesy fic, following prompt for @choicesdecember2024 for Day 29: Snowman / Snowball Fight
tagging a few old friends as I haven’t posted in a long time and I am sorry for that 😓😭 if I have missed anyone, again I am sorry - I just haven’t posted in a lifetime 😭
This Christmas Eve for Leo was somewhat reminiscent of his days when the Rys Royal Family were still ruling the Cordonian Kingdom. It was a far cry from too many Christmases past on the run or drinking himself to oblivion to block out the pain of the unknown. This year however was set to change that repetitive narrative and create new, happier memories. Reunited again with this childhood sweetheart and their identical twin daughters, Leo decided to do something magical for their first Christmas together as a family and planned a trip to Lythikos after realising their kids hadn’t played in the snow since the were little, nor had he the opportunity to live that experience with them as a family, until now. The closer the family were to the Lythikos Kingdom, the heavier the snowflakes became. The snow was falling thick as a blanket over the darkened mountains, each flake softening the world outside. Leo sat in the driver’s seat of the black SUV, his fingers clenched on the wheel as the headlights cut through the swirling white haze. Beside him, Bella kept her eyes on the road, but he could feel her tension, the way her shoulders were slightly hunched as if bracing against some invisible storm.
Their twin daughters, Alessandra and Natalia, sat in the back, discussing the most important aspects of life right now, “Mama, Papa… will santa know we’re here and not leave our presents at home?” Their voices, high and eager, were the only sound that filled the cabin of the car. “Sí, mi amor…” Isabella spoke softly, “Santa will know where you are tonight, so do not worry…” Leo glanced at Bella, his brow furrowing. The trip had been his idea—this remote cabin in the mountains for their first Christmas as a family. It was supposed to be peaceful. But Leo couldn’t shake the feeling that, no matter how far they went, the shadows of their life would always follow may that be from the Via Imperii or someone plotting revenge of a business deal gone wrong. They had only just begun to experience the weight of their father’s legacy, the weight Leo had tried to shield them from over the past year, but in his world, that was always easier said than done. He let out a slow breath and shifted his gaze to the rearview mirror. The road was barely visible through the thickening storm, but they were nearly there.
Leo’s gaze softened as he looked at the twins, their little faces lit by the dim glow of the car’s interior light. Alessandra and Natalia both were happily watching their favourite Christmas film in the headrest screens without a care in the world and for a brief moment, Leo’s heart ached. They were so young, so innocent. He knew that life was precious and the three individuals in the car alongside him filled him with a joy that could only be described as indescribable - he wouldn’t be able to articulate how he felt, no matter how hard he tried. Coming to a stop, Leo fixed the handbrake with a grin in front of a magnificent wooden cabin decorated with outdoor twinkling Christmas Lights, “This is home for the next couple of days…” The cabin was cozy, nestled in a hollow between two snow-covered peaks. It looked almost like a picture from one of those glossy holiday brochures, the kind that promised peace and serenity—things Leo was only just beginning to understand and appreciate once more. The majority of his adult life was simply to survive, out of everyone there - he needed this the most.
He helped the petite brunette unpack the car, keeping a sharp eye on the surroundings. His instincts, honed over years of running the family business, refused to let him relax. But Bella had insisted—thiswas supposed to be their escape. He stood momentarily to take in the quiet. A millisecond of time felt like an eternity. He felt as if he were in a paradox - out in the open but sheltered from everyone at that moment. "Mi amor, come inside…" Isabella called from the front door with a giggle. "Alessandra and Natalia are already re-decorating the tree and making themselves at home…” The sandy haired former Cordonian Crown Prince walked inside, the warmth of the cabin immediately enveloping him. The fire crackled in the hearth, its flames casting long shadows on the walls. The twins were in the living room, their small hands carefully placing ornaments on the tree, giggling every time one of them tipped over.
“Papa, come see, come see!” Natalia called, her face glowing with excitement as she ran towards him, eagerly taking his calloused hand, dragging him towards the 8ft Fir Tree. With a sparkling star in hand, Leo lifted his youngest daughter high enough to reach the top of the tree to add the final decoration to its rightful place. Alessandra was watching with adoration as the star glittered from above her, the flecks of shimmering gold catching the lights as they twinkled and danced around the tree. Leo kneeled down beside them. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to forget who he was day to day—but for the holidays, he was just a father with his daughters, enjoying Christmas. Kissing both of their cheeks elicited a shriek of happiness from them both as he wrapped his strong, muscular arms around them both gently. “I think Santa knows you two have been so good this year… he didn’t tell me anything different when I spoke with him this morning…” Leo wasn’t exactly joking when he said this, he did speak to a Santa this morning but that was more of a shakedown than handing over a Christmas present list.
As the evening deepened, the storm outside grew fiercer, but inside the cabin, it was warm, filled with the smells of roasting meat and the sound of Christmas carols playing softly in the background. The twins had set the table with their own brand of chaotic enthusiasm, and the meal was simple—no lavish spreads or extravagant gifts, just a quiet night together. After dinner, they sat around the fire. Leo held a glass of whiskey in his hand, his thoughts drifting. It was hard to silence the ghosts of his past. The weight of his responsibilities was always present, lurking just beneath the surface of every smile, every laugh. But tonight, tonight was different. The twins were happily colouring in pictures as they patiently waited for bed time, the fire crackling in the background. Bella leaned against him, her fingers twining with his. “Leo, it’s ok” she cooed softly, as if she could sense his thoughts. "We’re safe here. You’re safe. We’re safe." He nodded, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was just waiting for something—someone—to remind him of the world he’d left behind for the next few days. But for now, as he looked at Bella and their daughters, the warmth of the fire and the laughter of his family filled the empty spaces. For the first time in years, Leo allowed himself to believe it might just be enough.
As the night wore on, Leo and Isabella found themselves cozied up on the couch as the kids fell asleep soundly in their room. Kissing the crown of Isabella’s head as she slept against his shoulder, Leo savoured his tumbler of whiskey, quietly enjoying the spitting of the fire, watching as it slowly dissipated away into ash and smoke a mere hour or two later. Each hour on the grandfather clock rang out as a reminder of the lack of sleep Leo had and how many hours he had left before chaos ensued the cabin. As the clock struck 4am, he heard a recognisable shuffling coming from the hallway. “Back to bed…” his deep voice echoed, “It’s too early…” smiling to himself as he heard a soft but audible sigh and the door closing behind them. It was sweet they were so excited, warming Leo’s heart further. He’d done so much planning. Unbeknownst to Isabella or the twins, he had the cabin built for them, it wasn’t some simple weekend retreat but a holiday home where they could just be together. In fact, it was a present to the woman who brought his children into the world and he was trying to make up for the past four years of not knowing they existed, or in Isabella’s case - still alive. Leo wanted to be the father he never had. He wanted to be present and only wanted what was best for them. For the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. The past was a shadow he couldn’t escape, but tonight, that shadow didn’t feel so heavy. They were together. And for now, that was all that mattered, holding the love of his life just that little bit tighter as she slept peacefully.
As predicted, the morning brought organised chaos and a childlike wonder to all. “He didn’t forget!” Exclaimed the twins as they bounded into the living room, wakening their mother who was still asleep against their father’s shoulder. Isabella’s glazed over eyes watched as they ran towards the tree and in a whirlwind of wrapping paper, toys and presents appeared, replacing the green and red wrapped boxes that sat perfectly under the branches. “Mi querida…” the petite brunette sighed, placing her hand gently against Leo’s cheek, “Did you not sleep?” her brow raising as she questioned him. “Yeah…” Leo yawned, trying to disguise it with a smile, “I gotta couple of hours…” before immediately changing the subject, “Breakfast?” The former Crown Princess’ dark chocolate brown eyes saddened as she saw the last two wrapped presents from under the tree, both for Leo, from her and the children.
As the twins were preoccupied, Isabella carefully picked up the small boxes bringing them to the kitchen. “Open them…” she held out the presents in front of the mob boss, him puzzled as to why. Her brow furrowed at his reluctance, “…Por favor, mi amor… this one first…” she tapped her long red nail against the cardboard…” Leo opened it to a new pair of leather gloves, scarf and hat. He was confused but appreciated the gesture. “Sasha and Talia have always wanted to go build a snowman like they’ve seen in the movies… when they heard we were going somewhere snowy for Christmas they hoped that you would help them…” Leo tried on the gloves, they were pristine and weren’t tainted like his usual pair. For now, his hands were clean metaphorically and physically. Isabella’s beautiful warm smile appeared once more as she teased, now this one…” Leo looked at it, it was a small ring box, opening it he saw nothing other than a folded piece of paper. He carefully opened it, his sea green eyes scanning the contents before his gaze met the petite brunette’s. “You’re?!” Leo exclaimed, he didn’t know how to feel, he was elated but terrified at the same time. Isabella pointed to the picture of the sonogram, “Twelve weeks, going on Thirteen…” looking over her shoulder with a grin towards the twins playing on the other side of the room, completely unaware of what was unfolding, “They don’t know yet either… I thought you might want to be the one to tell them…”
“Doll…” Leo softly cupped his hands around Isabella’s face, embracing her as if it were his last. His lips crashed onto hers and once again, time felt as if it were standing still. In that moment, all he could feel was immense joy. “I’m surprised you didn’t notice each morning…” No he didn’t notice, recently when Isabella was going to work - he was only arriving home, passersby in the night as the Via Imperii’s grip tightened around the Kingdom. Family, he thought. Our family. This time it would be different, he could be there. He could be present. But again… could and would have two different meanings. “This place…” the sandy haired Cordonian cleared his throat awkwardly, “…this is for you…” Isabella’s eyes widened in shock, “We were only renting… I thought this…” causing Leo to chuckle loudly as he rolled his eyes playfully, “…You really think that you would be in one of Olivia’s Airbnb’s or something? I don’t think so honey…” shaking his head, Leo continued to plate up, “Breakfast is ready…”
“Show me all the presents Santa brought!” Leo happily exclaimed as the twins came bounding in trying to carry as many items as their little bodies would allow. “Wow…” the former Crown Prince grinned as he saw his two beaming girls, “You two must have been really good this year…” they nodded in unison. “Yes, papa! We have!” “And a little birdie told me that you also want to go build a snowman? Will we do that before dinner?” Isabella winced at the loud, piercing squeal that echoed through the wooden cabin, “So much for a quiet Christmas…” the petite brunette shook her head as the excitement grew. “Let’s all go get dressed and we can go outside…” Isabella calmly instructed before they as a family finally ventured out of their redwood cabin cocoon.
There was so much snow that neither Alessandra or Natalia knew what to do with. “Let me show you…” Leo began to form the shape of a ball, rolling it around as it became bigger. “Go help your papa…” Isabella smiled from the porch, encouraging them both to help Leo as she pulled her woollen coat tighter around her to keep warm. The white powdery snow crunched under their feet, with the snowflakes continuing to dance above their heads. “You know….” Leo looked up to the sky with a warm smile, “Each little snowflake is different, they’re not the same…” Alessandra pouted her lip with a furrowed brow from confusion, holding out her little hand to catch the flakes “But they look the same papa?” “Well…” Leo grinned as he lifted a pile of snow, patting it to form the snowman’s head as he kneeled down beside them, “You and your sister look the same… but you’re different…“ before lifting the snowman’s head and placing it atop his body. Isabella found an old scarf, a carrot, some branches from the pile of chopped wood and some stones for the eyes and buttons. “Should be we get him dressed, yes?”
Admiring their handiwork, Alessandra and Natalia sprinted toward the snowman, wrapping their arms around its snowy form in excitement. Leo cleared his throat playfully. “What about me? Where’s my hug?” The twins exchanged a mischievous glance, almost as if communicating telepathically, before racing toward him. Leo, grinning, fell backward into the snow just as they collided with him, and he wrapped his arms around them. The twins squealed with laughter as he chuckled.
“Mama!!” they cried out as Leo tickled them mercilessly. “Mama!!” they repeated, their voices full of giggles. The petite brunette, knelt beside them with a smile, her eyes twinkling. “Maybe next year you’ll have another set of hands to help stop the tickle monster…” Leo raised an eyebrow. “We’re doing this now?” Isabella nodded, her smile widening. “No better time.” Leo sat up, loosening his hold on the girls. “Sasha… Talia…” he began, his grin growing. “Your mama and I have something to tell you… we’re going to have a baby… you’re going to be big sisters.” The twins paused, taking in the news. Natalia was the first to speak, her eyes lighting up. “I want a brother!” But Alessandra shook her head with a determined expression. “No, Talia… no boys… mama…” Her hazel eyes turned to Isabella, and she smiled sweetly. “Can we get some hot chocolate?” “Por supuesto, cariño,” Isabella replied, her voice warm. “Let’s go inside and make some.”
As the evening began to slowly roll in, Isabella and Leo prepared dinner, the girls happily watching outside as their snowman stood proud and tall outside the cabin. It was a Christmas the family wouldn’t forget. Leo did have one more surprise under his sleeve but he wanted to wait until the twins went to bed before he could clamber the courage to ask the former Crown Princess to marry him with the 20 carat diamond ring he had carefully stowed away for safe keeping.
A Quiet Christmas - Isabella x Leo (One shot from a RR Mob Boss AU)
This is a one shot from a Mob Boss style AU for Liam and Leo. This is the kids first Christmas with Leo since they returned to Cordonia.
Cutesy fic, following prompt for @choicesdecember2024 for Day 29: Snowman / Snowball Fight
tagging a few old friends as I haven’t posted in a long time and I am sorry for that 😓😭 if I have missed anyone, again I am sorry - I just haven’t posted in a lifetime 😭
This Christmas Eve for Leo was somewhat reminiscent of his days when the Rys Royal Family were still ruling the Cordonian Kingdom. It was a far cry from too many Christmases past on the run or drinking himself to oblivion to block out the pain of the unknown. This year however was set to change that repetitive narrative and create new, happier memories. Reunited again with this childhood sweetheart and their identical twin daughters, Leo decided to do something magical for their first Christmas together as a family and planned a trip to Lythikos after realising their kids hadn’t played in the snow since the were little, nor had he the opportunity to live that experience with them as a family, until now. The closer the family were to the Lythikos Kingdom, the heavier the snowflakes became. The snow was falling thick as a blanket over the darkened mountains, each flake softening the world outside. Leo sat in the driver’s seat of the black SUV, his fingers clenched on the wheel as the headlights cut through the swirling white haze. Beside him, Bella kept her eyes on the road, but he could feel her tension, the way her shoulders were slightly hunched as if bracing against some invisible storm.
Their twin daughters, Alessandra and Natalia, sat in the back, discussing the most important aspects of life right now, “Mama, Papa… will santa know we’re here and not leave our presents at home?” Their voices, high and eager, were the only sound that filled the cabin of the car. “Sí, mi amor…” Isabella spoke softly, “Santa will know where you are tonight, so do not worry…” Leo glanced at Bella, his brow furrowing. The trip had been his idea—this remote cabin in the mountains for their first Christmas as a family. It was supposed to be peaceful. But Leo couldn’t shake the feeling that, no matter how far they went, the shadows of their life would always follow may that be from the Via Imperii or someone plotting revenge of a business deal gone wrong. They had only just begun to experience the weight of their father’s legacy, the weight Leo had tried to shield them from over the past year, but in his world, that was always easier said than done. He let out a slow breath and shifted his gaze to the rearview mirror. The road was barely visible through the thickening storm, but they were nearly there.
Leo’s gaze softened as he looked at the twins, their little faces lit by the dim glow of the car’s interior light. Alessandra and Natalia both were happily watching their favourite Christmas film in the headrest screens without a care in the world and for a brief moment, Leo’s heart ached. They were so young, so innocent. He knew that life was precious and the three individuals in the car alongside him filled him with a joy that could only be described as indescribable - he wouldn’t be able to articulate how he felt, no matter how hard he tried. Coming to a stop, Leo fixed the handbrake with a grin in front of a magnificent wooden cabin decorated with outdoor twinkling Christmas Lights, “This is home for the next couple of days…” The cabin was cozy, nestled in a hollow between two snow-covered peaks. It looked almost like a picture from one of those glossy holiday brochures, the kind that promised peace and serenity—things Leo was only just beginning to understand and appreciate once more. The majority of his adult life was simply to survive, out of everyone there - he needed this the most.
He helped the petite brunette unpack the car, keeping a sharp eye on the surroundings. His instincts, honed over years of running the family business, refused to let him relax. But Bella had insisted—thiswas supposed to be their escape. He stood momentarily to take in the quiet. A millisecond of time felt like an eternity. He felt as if he were in a paradox - out in the open but sheltered from everyone at that moment. "Mi amor, come inside…" Isabella called from the front door with a giggle. "Alessandra and Natalia are already re-decorating the tree and making themselves at home…” The sandy haired former Cordonian Crown Prince walked inside, the warmth of the cabin immediately enveloping him. The fire crackled in the hearth, its flames casting long shadows on the walls. The twins were in the living room, their small hands carefully placing ornaments on the tree, giggling every time one of them tipped over.
“Papa, come see, come see!” Natalia called, her face glowing with excitement as she ran towards him, eagerly taking his calloused hand, dragging him towards the 8ft Fir Tree. With a sparkling star in hand, Leo lifted his youngest daughter high enough to reach the top of the tree to add the final decoration to its rightful place. Alessandra was watching with adoration as the star glittered from above her, the flecks of shimmering gold catching the lights as they twinkled and danced around the tree. Leo kneeled down beside them. For a brief moment, he allowed himself to forget who he was day to day—but for the holidays, he was just a father with his daughters, enjoying Christmas. Kissing both of their cheeks elicited a shriek of happiness from them both as he wrapped his strong, muscular arms around them both gently. “I think Santa knows you two have been so good this year… he didn’t tell me anything different when I spoke with him this morning…” Leo wasn’t exactly joking when he said this, he did speak to a Santa this morning but that was more of a shakedown than handing over a Christmas present list.
As the evening deepened, the storm outside grew fiercer, but inside the cabin, it was warm, filled with the smells of roasting meat and the sound of Christmas carols playing softly in the background. The twins had set the table with their own brand of chaotic enthusiasm, and the meal was simple—no lavish spreads or extravagant gifts, just a quiet night together. After dinner, they sat around the fire. Leo held a glass of whiskey in his hand, his thoughts drifting. It was hard to silence the ghosts of his past. The weight of his responsibilities was always present, lurking just beneath the surface of every smile, every laugh. But tonight, tonight was different. The twins were happily colouring in pictures as they patiently waited for bed time, the fire crackling in the background. Bella leaned against him, her fingers twining with his. “Leo, it’s ok” she cooed softly, as if she could sense his thoughts. "We’re safe here. You’re safe. We’re safe." He nodded, but he couldn’t shake the feeling that he was just waiting for something—someone—to remind him of the world he’d left behind for the next few days. But for now, as he looked at Bella and their daughters, the warmth of the fire and the laughter of his family filled the empty spaces. For the first time in years, Leo allowed himself to believe it might just be enough.
As the night wore on, Leo and Isabella found themselves cozied up on the couch as the kids fell asleep soundly in their room. Kissing the crown of Isabella’s head as she slept against his shoulder, Leo savoured his tumbler of whiskey, quietly enjoying the spitting of the fire, watching as it slowly dissipated away into ash and smoke a mere hour or two later. Each hour on the grandfather clock rang out as a reminder of the lack of sleep Leo had and how many hours he had left before chaos ensued the cabin. As the clock struck 4am, he heard a recognisable shuffling coming from the hallway. “Back to bed…” his deep voice echoed, “It’s too early…” smiling to himself as he heard a soft but audible sigh and the door closing behind them. It was sweet they were so excited, warming Leo’s heart further. He’d done so much planning. Unbeknownst to Isabella or the twins, he had the cabin built for them, it wasn’t some simple weekend retreat but a holiday home where they could just be together. In fact, it was a present to the woman who brought his children into the world and he was trying to make up for the past four years of not knowing they existed, or in Isabella’s case - still alive. Leo wanted to be the father he never had. He wanted to be present and only wanted what was best for them. For the first time in a long time, he felt a sense of peace settle over him. The past was a shadow he couldn’t escape, but tonight, that shadow didn’t feel so heavy. They were together. And for now, that was all that mattered, holding the love of his life just that little bit tighter as she slept peacefully.
As predicted, the morning brought organised chaos and a childlike wonder to all. “He didn’t forget!” Exclaimed the twins as they bounded into the living room, wakening their mother who was still asleep against their father’s shoulder. Isabella’s glazed over eyes watched as they ran towards the tree and in a whirlwind of wrapping paper, toys and presents appeared, replacing the green and red wrapped boxes that sat perfectly under the branches. “Mi querida…” the petite brunette sighed, placing her hand gently against Leo’s cheek, “Did you not sleep?” her brow raising as she questioned him. “Yeah…” Leo yawned, trying to disguise it with a smile, “I gotta couple of hours…” before immediately changing the subject, “Breakfast?” The former Crown Princess’ dark chocolate brown eyes saddened as she saw the last two wrapped presents from under the tree, both for Leo, from her and the children.
As the twins were preoccupied, Isabella carefully picked up the small boxes bringing them to the kitchen. “Open them…” she held out the presents in front of the mob boss, him puzzled as to why. Her brow furrowed at his reluctance, “…Por favor, mi amor… this one first…” she tapped her long red nail against the cardboard…” Leo opened it to a new pair of leather gloves, scarf and hat. He was confused but appreciated the gesture. “Sasha and Talia have always wanted to go build a snowman like they’ve seen in the movies… when they heard we were going somewhere snowy for Christmas they hoped that you would help them…” Leo tried on the gloves, they were pristine and weren’t tainted like his usual pair. For now, his hands were clean metaphorically and physically. Isabella’s beautiful warm smile appeared once more as she teased, now this one…” Leo looked at it, it was a small ring box, opening it he saw nothing other than a folded piece of paper. He carefully opened it, his sea green eyes scanning the contents before his gaze met the petite brunette’s. “You’re?!” Leo exclaimed, he didn’t know how to feel, he was elated but terrified at the same time. Isabella pointed to the picture of the sonogram, “Twelve weeks, going on Thirteen…” looking over her shoulder with a grin towards the twins playing on the other side of the room, completely unaware of what was unfolding, “They don’t know yet either… I thought you might want to be the one to tell them…”
“Doll…” Leo softly cupped his hands around Isabella’s face, embracing her as if it were his last. His lips crashed onto hers and once again, time felt as if it were standing still. In that moment, all he could feel was immense joy. “I’m surprised you didn’t notice each morning…” No he didn’t notice, recently when Isabella was going to work - he was only arriving home, passersby in the night as the Via Imperii’s grip tightened around the Kingdom. Family, he thought. Our family. This time it would be different, he could be there. He could be present. But again… could and would have two different meanings. “This place…” the sandy haired Cordonian cleared his throat awkwardly, “…this is for you…” Isabella’s eyes widened in shock, “We were only renting… I thought this…” causing Leo to chuckle loudly as he rolled his eyes playfully, “…You really think that you would be in one of Olivia’s Airbnb’s or something? I don’t think so honey…” shaking his head, Leo continued to plate up, “Breakfast is ready…”
“Show me all the presents Santa brought!” Leo happily exclaimed as the twins came bounding in trying to carry as many items as their little bodies would allow. “Wow…” the former Crown Prince grinned as he saw his two beaming girls, “You two must have been really good this year…” they nodded in unison. “Yes, papa! We have!” “And a little birdie told me that you also want to go build a snowman? Will we do that before dinner?” Isabella winced at the loud, piercing squeal that echoed through the wooden cabin, “So much for a quiet Christmas…” the petite brunette shook her head as the excitement grew. “Let’s all go get dressed and we can go outside…” Isabella calmly instructed before they as a family finally ventured out of their redwood cabin cocoon.
There was so much snow that neither Alessandra or Natalia knew what to do with. “Let me show you…” Leo began to form the shape of a ball, rolling it around as it became bigger. “Go help your papa…” Isabella smiled from the porch, encouraging them both to help Leo as she pulled her woollen coat tighter around her to keep warm. The white powdery snow crunched under their feet, with the snowflakes continuing to dance above their heads. “You know….” Leo looked up to the sky with a warm smile, “Each little snowflake is different, they’re not the same…” Alessandra pouted her lip with a furrowed brow from confusion, holding out her little hand to catch the flakes “But they look the same papa?” “Well…” Leo grinned as he lifted a pile of snow, patting it to form the snowman’s head as he kneeled down beside them, “You and your sister look the same… but you’re different…“ before lifting the snowman’s head and placing it atop his body. Isabella found an old scarf, a carrot, some branches from the pile of chopped wood and some stones for the eyes and buttons. “Should be we get him dressed, yes?”
Admiring their handiwork, Alessandra and Natalia sprinted toward the snowman, wrapping their arms around its snowy form in excitement. Leo cleared his throat playfully. “What about me? Where’s my hug?” The twins exchanged a mischievous glance, almost as if communicating telepathically, before racing toward him. Leo, grinning, fell backward into the snow just as they collided with him, and he wrapped his arms around them. The twins squealed with laughter as he chuckled.
“Mama!!” they cried out as Leo tickled them mercilessly. “Mama!!” they repeated, their voices full of giggles. The petite brunette, knelt beside them with a smile, her eyes twinkling. “Maybe next year you’ll have another set of hands to help stop the tickle monster…” Leo raised an eyebrow. “We’re doing this now?” Isabella nodded, her smile widening. “No better time.” Leo sat up, loosening his hold on the girls. “Sasha… Talia…” he began, his grin growing. “Your mama and I have something to tell you… we’re going to have a baby… you’re going to be big sisters.” The twins paused, taking in the news. Natalia was the first to speak, her eyes lighting up. “I want a brother!” But Alessandra shook her head with a determined expression. “No, Talia… no boys… mama…” Her hazel eyes turned to Isabella, and she smiled sweetly. “Can we get some hot chocolate?” “Por supuesto, cariño,” Isabella replied, her voice warm. “Let’s go inside and make some.”
As the evening began to slowly roll in, Isabella and Leo prepared dinner, the girls happily watching outside as their snowman stood proud and tall outside the cabin. It was a Christmas the family wouldn’t forget. Leo did have one more surprise under his sleeve but he wanted to wait until the twins went to bed before he could clamber the courage to ask the former Crown Princess to marry him with the 20 carat diamond ring he had carefully stowed away for safe keeping.
Here’s to the fanfic writers who can only write sporadically.
Here’s the writers who can’t output enough to keep up with the most popular writers.
Here’s to the writers writing even though they get no feedback.
Here’s to the writers who somehow manage to scrape together a little inspiration and a lot of hard work to write that story they know nearly no one will read.
Here’s to the creators who keep going even when it’ feels like screaming into an empty void.
You’re inspiration, and I don’t know how you do it.
Prompts: Sweet and Slow, We shouldn’t be doing this and I can make you forget him
“What are you doing here, came to gloat?” Isabella sucked in her cheeks, raising a delicate wine glass to her lips, the red nectar almost overflowing over the sides. There was no savouring the taste, nor allowing the bottle of Malbec she had already drank most of to aerate, wanting to taste the bitterness as she sat quietly alone in her Cordonian Townhouse’s kitchen on the cold marble counter. “Sánchez…” the figure standing in the door frame pushed himself up, moving closer toward her, “Nah, I’m not here to gloat… just checking in, haven’t seen you around campus for a few days y’know?” The Laurentian Princess’ chocolate brown eyes immediately looked upwards towards the man who stood in front of her, “I don’t need your pity Drake…” she spat angrily, “I knew what I was getting into…” causing the Texan to laugh as his attentions turned to her liquor cabinet. He poured two crystal tumblers of brandy before handing one to the petite brunette. “You wanna drink the pain away… drink this… wine just gives you a shit hangover…” Isabella raised her glass towards him, tilting it ever so slightly to clink both glasses together, “To being fucked over yet again…” she forcefully smiled before downing her drink, wincing as the liquid burned her already delicate throat from all the crying and screaming she had done hours beforehand.
With a slight cough she sat down her glass, staring up towards Drake knowing he pitied her. The expression on his face didn’t give it away but she could tell from how his onyx eyes filled with a sadness that she herself felt. “You don’t have to come check on me Drake…” Isabella gently spoke, “I’ll do as I normally do, pick myself up and get on with my life…” Drake took a step closer to her, his broad, muscular frame barely inches from her as he placed both hands either side of the Crown Princess’ body. His dark eyes locked onto hers as he stared directly into her soul, “You fucking deserve better and you know that!” Drake hissed, his whole body tensing. The smell of the sweet, smoky brandy from his breath mixing with the deliciousness of his cologne was intoxicating even more so than the wine. The Laurentian beauty felt her heart race in anticipation. Leaning forward, her lips crashed upon Drake’s and for that moment, she let herself melt into him. Her kiss was hungry, almost pleading him not to reject her. Drake placed her hands carefully against her delicate jaw, cupping her face gently as he purposely slowed down the kiss, savouring every moment as his tongue massaged hers, revelling in the taste that he had been craving for so long.
Separating for a breath, Drake stepped back as he bashfully ran his fingers through his hair awkwardly, “We shouldn’t be doing this… shit…” Isabella reached out, grabbing his shirt to bring him back closer to her, “No… it’s ok… I want to…” her perfectly manicured fingers trailed against his chest, Ruby red lips pouting, “Please Drake?” The Texan’s calloused rough thumb danced against the Crown’s Princess’ bottom lip as he whispered, “I can make you forget him if that’s what you want… but you and I both know it’ll only be in that moment…” Drake patiently waited for the reassurance from the petite brunette that she wanted this too, there was no pressure. “Tell me it’s ok Sánchez… I ain’t going to do anything unless you tell me it’s alright…” Isabella took a deep breath in, was she sure this was what she wanted? Drake was someone she trusted, someone she loved dearly. “I’m sure…” she whispered against his lips, kissing them once more. This time, Drake’s hands did not rest on the counter, but around her waist, pulling the petite brunette closer to him. His hands slowly moved upwards until they were entangled in her long cascading curls. Each movement was perfectly orchestrated, sweet and oh so slow. Drake would take his time, allowing his teeth to ever so slowly drag against Isabella’s bottom lip, nipping her playfully as she blushed.
Effortlessly, the Texan picked Isabella up from the counter, her legs wrapped around his waist, his hands cradling her backside as he carried her to her room. It was a strange feeling for Drake being in her room for such an intimate moment, but he had no urgency to go any faster as he carefully placing the petite brunette onto the duvet. Isabella’s chocolate brown eyes looked up at the King’s Guard lustfully in awe of him. For someone perceived so rough around the edges, Drake Walker certainly understood the delicacy of the female body. His hands softly caressed her frame as he peppered kisses along her neck and exposed décolletage, all accepted as a gentle moan escaped the Laurentian beauty’s mouth. Drake looked up towards her as his hands began to pull her dress above her thighs, “Tell me to stop and I’ll stop ok?” he gruffly spoke to reassure her once more as he pulled the material from her body carefully being conscious that one piece of clothing probably cost more than his salary before removing his own shirt. Isabella’s eyes widened in delight as she took in the view of Drake’s sculpted body that he always kept hidden under those denim shirts he always wore, his jeans hanging low on his hips emphasising his six pack.
His fingers carefully unclasped her bra, exposing Isabella’s ample bust causing her to blush slightly as she bashfully tucked the loose tendrils of hair that framed her face behind her ears. “Fuck you’re beautiful…” Drake muttered under his breath before leaning over her to kiss Isabella once more. The Crown Princess could feel her body yearning for him as his hardening length pressed against her, straining in his jeans. “Drake…” Isabella moaned into his mouth seductively, “Please touch me…” with a coy grin, Drake began to kiss down her torso, his hands following the shape of her hourglass figure until he reached her black lace thong. Hooking his fingers around the material, he took a deep breath as they cascaded down her thighs and legs to expose the Laurentian beauty fully to him. Drake didn’t need alcohol to feel drunk as his tongue cautiously began to taste the Crown Princess, savouring in her sweetness before he allowed his lips to tease her already sensitive nub. “Drake…” Isabella called out again in pleasure, her hands getting lost in the Texan’s shaggy dark dark as he explored her body further. Pressing one of his fingers against her entrance he groaned at how tight she was as he slowly entered her core, allowing her to relax before entering another finger. The petite brunette felt her thighs and legs pressing against Drake’s shoulders keeping him in the same exact spot, “Yes…” she softly moaned, “Right there…” her eyes rolling back as he continued to please the Crown Princess.
Feeling the walls of her warm core begin to tighten around his fingers, Drake kept his pace, coaxing the Laurentian beauty to spill over as her body tensed. As they caught each others gaze for a brief moment, the petite brunette rolled her eyes back once more as she came; Drake lavishing in his spoils as his tongue entered her heat causing Isabella to shudder at how sensitive she felt. “Drake…” she tried to catch her breath, “That was…” bringing a smirk to form across his face after licking his lips, “Only the start Sánchez…” He unbuckled his belt with one hand, popping open the buttons on his jeans to finally release his strained length. Isabella couldn’t help but stare as she took in the sight of him. His dark rugged looks, was a complete opposite to what she normally found herself attracted to but her eyes followed his chest hair towards his happy trail and then lower again. There was no denying that Drake Walker was genetically blessed. “You done staring?” He snorted playfully as he crawled up the bed, illiciting a giggle from the petite brunette as he stared into her chocolate brown eyes, each muscular arm on the other side of her body as he began to kiss her softly once more as she lay nestled underneath him.
Pressing his body against hers, Drake enjoyed the softness of her petite frame and the smell of her jasmine perfume as he breathed deeply, taking in her scent as he hovered above her. Feeling a slickness between her legs rubbing against his length, Drake groaned in satisfaction whilst the Crown Princess began to wrap her legs around his waist. “Do you need an invitation?” Isabella teased, but her taunting didn’t last for long. Pressing the tip of his member against her entrance, Drake smirked as he slowly made her feel every inch of him nestling inside her, stretching her to accommodate his size with every stroke. “God…” Isabella called out, reaching and grabbing onto the sheets around her much to Drake’s satisfaction, “What were you saying Sánchez?” he chuckled as their hips finally met, “It’s worth the wait I promise…” the petite brunette hissed as Drake began to thrust back and forth with a steady pace. She was much tighter than the Texan had imagined as his lips and fingertips found her already puckered nipples. The Laurentian beauty’s moans as the King’s Guard caressed her breasts made Drake want to claim her as his own.
Straightening himself up, both of his calloused strong hands gripped onto the petite brunette’s thighs as her feet brushed passed his ears. This time, Drake didn’t hold back as he began to thrust once more. The pace was quickened as Isabella’s breath hitched, feeling herself wanting to let go all over again. “I’m going to cum…” Drake groaned through gritted teeth, continuing to slide in and out of the Crown Princess’ warm, slick core, his hips slapping against her ass. “Yes…” Isabella purred, “Cum for me Drake…” before her chocolate brown eyes rolled back in ecstasy with a satisfied moan. As her walls began to tighten around his cock, Drake no longer could contain himself and with a groan filled the Laurentian beauty with his seed. “Isabella…” her name fell quietly from his lips only for Drake to open his eyes and find himself in his room, his pre cum covered hand squeezing his hardened length tightly. Closing his eyes again once more, he thought of the petite brunette calling his name, coaxing him to cum for her over and over again before he exploded ribbons of hot semen onto his stomach; the only thing he wished for was that she was there to help him clean up - unfortunately Drake knew deep down, that was wishful thinking.
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 4
Read Part 1: Here
Read Part 2: Here
Read Part 3: Here
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
“What do you mean you can’t fucking tell me?” Leo seethed as he spoke to the Doctor’s receptionist who reminded him that only Isabella could get the results. “I’m sorry sir but it is not possible for me to provide that information as you are not the children’s legal guardian. We have tried to call Ms. Sánchez this morning on a few occasions but there’s been no answer to the number provided…” Leo began to see red, for something so important, why the hell was she not answering.
Immediately he began to question what game was she playing with him? Was she planning to withhold the information to keep him in a compromising position? Leo tried to call her himself but again, straight to voicemail which pissed him off even more. Swearing under his breath about how he was going to tear that goddamn medical Center apart, he grabbed his keys furiously before driving off towards the Capital. He knew it was a day that Isabella was at the University but patience was not one of Leo’s strongpoints. He revved the engine of his Aston Martin as his jaw clenched. “Fucking traffic!” he slammed his hands onto the steering wheel, his foot riding the clutch constantly as he shifted gears, darting and weaving his way between the cars destined to go North towards the heart of the Cordonian Kingdom.
Stomping around the corridors as he marched his way to Isabella’s office. Leo stuffed his hands into his pockets, keeping his head low to distract from any sort of suspicion. Opening the door, he heard Isabella’s voice stop mid sentence as his sea green eyes glared at the student who turned to understand why his professor stopped discussing his assignment. “You…” Leo snapped as he gestured behind him, “Get out!” holding the door open as the panicked student rummaged to get his things. As soon as his body has passed the door frame. Leo shut the door, his nostril twitching, “Do you not have a phone or something?” he barked at the petite brunette who looked puzzled, “What the fuck Leo?” She began to sigh, “Of course I do…” The sandy haired Crime Lord sucked in his cheeks before snapping back towards her, “Then when I call you… fucking answer!” Isabella rose to her feet, pushing out her chair as she picked up papers that sat on her desk. Instead of walking towards Leo, she walked towards the filing cabinet. “Leo…” she spoke calmly as she flicked through the alphabetical list, “I don’t have my personal phone switched on during 1:1 discussion time with students… they’ve paid a lot of money to be here so they deserve 100% of my attention… if there’s an emergency, then the office number is called…”
Walking past him again to her desk, Leo grunted under his breath as she ignored him again to take her seat. Her soft caramel curls cascaded down her back as she pulled on the hem of her black pinstripe pencil dress before taking her seat again, “Is there something I can do for you before my next student arrives?” She aggravated him so much that Leo clenched his teeth, his jaw muscle rippled as he held himself back. He swallowed hard before he could find the words, “The results are ready, so we are going to…” Isabella nodded, “Yes, I am aware… I do check my messages Leo but I have appointments until 2:30pm…” the Laurentian beauty began to smile, “Either you are welcome to sit there for the next three hours and wait…” emphasising the word, “patiently… or I will call you when I am ready. It’s your choice…” The former Crown Prince didn’t respond other than to slam the door behind him causing the glass panel in the door to shake behind him. Again, Leo found himself grumbling as he roamed the corridors before slipping into an empty office space checking there was no one around or camera. He looked around, the room felt cold; looked like no one had been around for days. Taking out his hip flask he kept filled with rubbing alcohol, he poured the contents around the pile of papers and the carpet of the room. He began to evilly smirk as he held the zippo lighter he had in his hand against the wet materials to set them alight.
The agonising sound of the fire alarm interrupted Isabella’s next appointment half an hour later. She had closed her eyes before breathing in deeply as she tried to push down her annoyance. With pursed lips, she along with all the rest of the faculty and students who were in that section of the university had to evacuate. Immediately the petite brunette as she entered the quad gardens saw Leo standing back, lighting a cigarette. Marching over to him, it took all of Isabella’s power not to want to slap him there and then. “What are you playing at?” She seethed, “Are you that much of a fucking child that you set off fire alarms to get my attention?” Leo simply shrugged with a callous smile, “You hurt my feelings kitten… so I made myself feel better…” Isabella could only shake her head, rolling her eyes to the point she could feel the strain. He was infuriating. Before she could answer, an announcement went out over a loudspeaker to confirm that all classes in the University’s southern corridor were cancelled to do a health and safety assessment. “You’re free now…” Leo grunted looking around to ensure no one spotted them, “Get in the fucking car…”
Isabella’s dark chocolate brown eyes rolled to the right as Leo sped down the highway, “You do realise kidnapping someone because you want something done when you want it done screams that you’re an asshole?” Leo kept his gaze to the road, his grip on the steering wheel again tightened at the insinuation, “Well Princess…” he jeered, “I’ve never claimed I’m not an asshole… this is a means to an end…” he snapped, “Then you can go back to whatever the hell you want…” The petite brunette sucked in her cheeks as she firmly spoke again, “You don’t scare me… so your threats don’t matter…” Leo chuckled loudly in the car. With a smirk he replied back to her, “No matter the result kitten…” he turned his gaze towards her, tilting her chin to force her meet his. Leo’s green eyes flashed with a cold darkness that Isabella didn’t expect, “You should be fucking scared…” Pulling herself away from him, Isabella sat scornfully quiet in the car until they pulled up to the doctors office. Isabella walked in with Leo towering over the petite brunette. She smiled warmly at the terrified assistant who Leo kept glaring at. “We’re here to collect some results for the Sánchez children, the doctor confirmed they were ready to collect this morning…” Isabella calmly spoke as the assistant fumbled through the information they had before shakily handing Isabella the envelope and a letter to sign, “Thank you…” the former Crown Princess cooed as she pushed the signed document across the desk.
Isabella handed Leo the envelope before they had left the doctors office as she raised her brows, “Can’t accuse me of switching anything now can you?” but Leo didn’t speak, other than tapping the corner of the envelope against his hand. “Are you not going to open it?” Isabella questioned but Leo curtly replied, “Not here…” Isabella checked her watch quickly with hesitation, “Well we have an hour and a half before they need picked up from school…” Leo hadn’t thought of that. He took a moment before he reached for his phone sending Sofie a message to go pick the girls up with Drake as guard. “Sofie can do it… we have to talk…” Isabella nodded in agreement as they both returned to the car. The tension between them both was palpable, neither one wanting to interrupt each others thought processes. Leo’s mind wandered to the envelope, he knew deep down what the results were, he knew deep down looking at them both they were his; hell he would have just accepted her telling him but legally for him to protect them, he had to have it in writing as Liam had constantly reminded him. The Crime Lord also needed to have proof so his enemies couldn’t use the ambiguity of their parentage to their advantage and selfishly, he could then finally have his name proudly on their birth certificates.
Leo drove south, back towards Valtoria but instead of heading to his compound, he drove higher up into the mountains away from the rest of the world, leaving only him and her. “Why are we here?” Isabella raised her brow in question as Leo finally braked at the top of the top of the Valtorian Valley overlooking the lake. Leo took the envelope from his pocket, his eyes looking down towards the unopened letter in his hands before quietly passing it to the exiled Crown Princess, “You open it…” he grunted, keeping his gaze forward. Isabella delicately opened the envelope, holding up the two separate pages side by side. “We’ll wouldn’t you know…” the Laurentian beauty began to smile smugly, “Full marks…” before handing them to the sandy haired Cordonian who sat beside her. Leo took a moment to take it in. There was no longer any doubt as he slowly began to take things in, “You never did anything by halves did you?” he mumbled before folding the pieces of paper back up into three and putting them into his coat pocket. Leo licked his bottom lip before resting his head against the headrest, looking upwards, “Fuck…” he ran his tattooed hands down his face as he laughed, “So where does this leave us? To think we were planning a wedding once; now we’re practically strangers with kids…” Isabella giggled in agreement with a smile, “That’s true… however…” the Laurentian beauty turned to her former love. Leo found himself getting lost in her dark chocolate brown eyes like he had done for so many years, giving him optimism and finally some hope.
Isabella’s tone changed from jovial to more serious, “We will need to work out a co-parenting schedule… We’re due to go back to New York in a couple of weeks… So it’s important we do things right…” reaching out, Leo took one of the petite brunette’s soft, delicate hands into his own, “I agree, but first there’s something we need to do…” Isabella swore she could see a soft blush on his cheeks but didn’t want to interrupt, “Have dinner with me Bella… I know I am many things…” the former Crown Prince sighed, “…but I don’t want you to think I’m a complete monster, I’ve never wanted that…” Isabella slowly squeezed his hand gently, “That’s fine… we can do dinner as long as we’re back in time for the girls to go to bed… I’ll need to find a babysitter…” Leo chuckled to himself, feeling his heart almost skip a beat when she agreed, “Don’t worry beautiful… I have enough people who work for me to have that arranged… they should come up to the main house for the night. There’s a cinema room. I’m sure they can find something to watch…” Isabella nodded, “That would be nice for them, thank you… I do have one request that only the staff you truly trust are there, they’re not ready to meet your girlfriend before they’ve met you…” Leo didn’t hesitate in agreeing, “Only my most personal staff will be around, plus Liam and Drake will be there to keep an eye on things… If you want privacy, I can have someone pick you up and I can meet you there…”
Leo found it strange that Isabella referred to him as having a girlfriend but he didn’t question it; they had more important things to discuss. “Ok…” Isabella nodded, it was nice that for once recently they weren’t arguing over something. It felt almost normal. “Probably should head back…” Leo sighed having checked the time, “I’ve got a few things I need to take care of beforehand…” He drove back towards the cottage that Isabella and the twins were staying in. The quietness of the drive was no longer tense, if anything it was as if a weight finally arose from his shoulders. “I’ll have someone pick you up at 7pm…” The sandy haired Cordonian mumbled as Isabella reached for the passenger door. The corners of her mouth slowly curled upwards as she placed one foot onto the ground, turning to face Leo once more, “…For the record…” she began to smile, “I’ve never thought you a monster… I’ll see you later…” As promised, Leo organised his most trusted staff and Liam to be there when the kids arrived and they all had been briefed to ensure no one else was allowed in the property; it was to be like Fort Knox or someone would have to answer to him when he returned as Drake escorted the petite brunette toward the Castelsarreillan duchy.
Dressed in a black midi camisole dress, and coat to save her from the cold Cordonian February night, Isabella was directed through the back entrance towards a private room. Greeted by a kind waiter, her chair was pulled out for her. “Please sit…” he gestured towards the chair, “Your guest will be here momentarily… would you like some champagne, your guest has already chosen the wine for the evening…” Isabella smiled warmly towards him, “I will wait, thank you…” she cooed, not wanting to take advantage of Leo’s hospitality. The former Crown Prince finally arrived fifteen minutes later flanked by two guards. Leo’s dominance and authority almost suffocated the room. No one stepped out of line until he dismissed them. “You haven’t ordered?” He began to frown as he noticed the empty plate, his glare then directed to the nervous waiter. “No… no…” Isabella stood to her feet, reaching out to Leo’s arm, holding it gently, “I asked to wait until you arrived…I am sorry…” she turned to the waiter with a warm, forgiving smile, “Just some crossed wires…” Leo swallowed hard, the word sorry didn’t exist in his vocabulary. “Fine…” his glare never left the waiter as he ran off to prep the kitchen for the pre-ordered food that Leo requested.
They talked; reminiscing about the good times, the bad times and the could have been times. “I would have been there in a heartbeat if I had known…” Leo sighed heavily as his heavily tattooed hand reached across the table to hold hers, “Believe me kitten… if I could have changed the outcome of all of this I would have…” Isabella lowered her head, placing her other hand over Leo’s, “I know…” she calmly stroked his skin with her thumb, “But we must think of the future, not live in the past…” All Leo could do was chuckle bashfully, “You’re always the voice of reason aren’t you…” before he reached into his blazer jacket pocket, removing a little red box and pushing it across to her. Isabella looked confused, it seemed familiar but she wasn’t sure. Slowly she opened the red leather bound box. Her hand crossing her mouth in shock. “Leo…” her eyes darted up towards him, “This is your mother’s ring… no… you were to keep this…” but the Crime Lord simply shook his head, “It was yours, it’s always going to be yours… you’re the mother of my children; no matter what happens - you should have it…” the Laurentian beauty stared at the emerald cut diamond ring, “This is too much Leo…” she sighed, “You should keep this if you plan to marry…” Leo took the ring out of the box, taking Isabella’s left hand before sliding the ring onto her finger. “The only person I ever wanted to marry left me two weeks before we could tell anyone we were to be engaged, that ring was only meant for one person and that’s you…”
The former Crown Prince laughed as the colour drained from Isabella’s face, “I’m not fucking forcing you to marry me if that’s what you’re worried about!” Isabella raised her champagne flute to her lips, taking a sip to calm her nerves, “I wouldn’t have thought your girlfriend would have appreciated that…” she giggled. “What girlfriend?” Leo raised his brow, wondering what she meant. “When you came to visit, you referred to someone as babe… apologies if I assumed incorrectly…” Leo began to smirk as he took a drink from the crystal tumbler in his hand, “That…” he began to laugh, “That isn’t a problem, I don’t have a partner… she’s just a distraction…” the petite brunette nodded her head not wanting to press any further. She wasn’t sure if she wanted to know or not. Her eyes lit up once again as dessert arrived, “Laurentian chocolate cake…” the exiled Crown Princess grinned smelling the mixture of cocoa, cinnamon and honey. “I can’t remember the last time we had this…” but Leo did, he remembered he was served it the day he asked her father could he marry her. Reluctantly Felipe said yes after much persuasion but it always reminded him of better times. “Glad you like it…”
Drake returned to the compound only to find Leo’s ‘distraction’ banging on the front door of the mansion. “Hey…” he shouted, “What the fuck are you doing?!” much to her annoyance. “What do you think I’m doing?!” She angrily spat back, “He stood me up and I want to know why?!” Drake simply shook his head, “Business came up, he had to switch his phone off. Probably lost track of time…” pouting her lips, she folded her arms, “Well let me in and I will wait for him when he gets back…” but Drake brushed past her with a chuckle, “No can do… no one in or out until the big guy gets back… you can wait out there if you want but you put one foot over this threshold - you’ll soon regret not listening to me…” Her blue eyes narrowed angrily towards the Texan, “Fuck you Drake!” she screamed as he slammed the door behind him. She did wait and her anger began to bubble over. Her eyes widened as she saw Leo get out of his car and open the door for Isabella. He extended his hand out toward her before escorting her into his home. “What the fuck?!” she seethed, reaching for her phone taking pictures of the pair together linked arm and arm. “Fucking asshole won’t make me look like an idiot and get away with it!” Unknown to her, Isabella and Leo walked in to find the two girls cuddled up beside Sofie and Liam. “I’m sorry…” Isabella quietly laughed, “They’re dead to the world when they sleep… Leo could you?” gesturing to the two sleeping kids. Leo looked down at her quite shocked but jumped at the opportunity to help, “Can you help me carry them to their room?” With ease, Leo picked up each twin without hesitation; both of them still sleeping as they nuzzled into his neck. His heart was full as he placed them down gently onto the King Sized bed. Isabella smiled as she held onto the door, waiting for him to leave. She kissed Leo’s cheek gently and whispered “Thank you for tonight” to him before closing the door over for the evening. Both of them went to sleep content but not ready for the following morning announcements.
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 3
Read Part 1: Here
Read Part 2: Here
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
Diverting her eyes away in shame, Leo softly but firmly spoke, “Look at me…” he demanded, “Tell me what happened…” Isabella could feel herself wanting to shake, her body felt like it just wanted to shut down. ‘This was a mistake’ her mind kept screaming at her as she pulled the cuffs of her jumper sleeves over her knuckles before stepping back. Placing one arm around her slim waist and her other hand pressed against her lips, the exiled Crown Princess found herself walking towards the window.
She couldn’t look at him. The disappointment, the shame, the heartbreak was becoming too much. Closing her eyes, the Laurentian beauty took a deep breath sighing heavily, “I found out two weeks before the Coronation… I had fainted a few times and was very ill so my mother consulted our doctor who told them as well as I, that I was pregnant… my parents warned me not to discuss the situation with anyone, including you - until they had spoken with your father…” Isabella’s head began to lower slightly as she reminisced, “Constantine flew to Laurentia the next morning, demanding that I terminate… it wasn’t the plan, it wasn’t what anyone would have wanted… when I refused…” her throat began to tighten as tears streamed down her face, “He threatened to kill me if I didn’t do as he asked, he threatened that he would kill you if I told you…” the petite brunette looked over her shoulder momentarily back towards a stunned Leo, “…and he threatened them…” before returning her gaze to the windows
Isabella slowly began to shake her head slowly, trying to smile behind her pain, “No one was going to take my babies away from me… my father shunned me for my choice, blinded by the Via Imperii’s influence so I found myself at three months pregnant on a plane to New York; already exiled just weeks before my father crown was forcibly removed from his dying hands… I…” her voice began to shake, lip trembling, “I was alone… and when the Vii Imperii then took over Cordonia, I could only imagine what your father would have done if I turned up whilst he was still alive… I waited until it would be safe… but I am sorry that he passed away…” the former Crown Prince stood, running his hand down his stubbled jaw; he didn’t know what to feel or say - he didn’t know how to process what he had just been told. All he could think about was bringing her back into his arms, kissing her to take the pain away but the last six years made Leo cautious and distant. The sound of his phone vibrating cut the tension, each time he sent it to voicemail quickly, keeping it in his pocket until Isabella turned to face him again, her mascara stained cheeks were flushed from the tears, “You might want to get that…” she gestured towards Leo, “…sounds important…” Leo shook his head as he saw the screen flash again, rolling his eyes he barked, “What is it?!” pressing his thumb against his temple and forefinger against his forehead he began to sigh, “Sure babe… whatever you want…”
Isabella didn’t react at all much to Leo’s annoyance. Did she not feel anything for him anymore? “Nothin’ you want to ask me?” he grunted, shoving his phone back into his trouser pocket. The Laurentian beauty’s dark chocolate brown eyes scanned the frame of the man in front of her, up and down carefully before she spoke, “I don’t have to…” she sighed heavily, “Each picture you have had tattooed tells a story… as do the tabloids…” Leo simply shrugged, “So what is it you want from me then? Money?” Isabella slowly folded her arms as she walked towards Leo sternly, “I do not need nor want nothing from you… all I ask is that those girls have a chance to meet their father… that’s it…” The tall, sandy haired Cordonian sucked in his cheeks angrily, trying desperately to bite his tongue but the words escaped his mouth before he could stop them, “I want a fucking paternity test… I don’t need another commoner bitch trying to tell me her brat kid is mine for the child support!”
Narrowing her almond shaped eyes, Isabella’s nostrils began to flare in a rage, “Get the fuck out of my home!” She barked at Leo, “I will not be disrespected! You want a paternity test, that’s fine, but don’t ever question my fucking integrity Leo!” Leo began to chuckle loudly at her annoyance, “Well Princess… I wouldn’t be calling this home, get you and your rugrats shit packed, you’re coming to Valtoria.” Isabella exhaled from her nose angrily, her jaw clenched as she spat back towards him, “I work here, the girls go to school here and not in a million fucking years Leo do I want to be under the same roof as you!” An evil smirk began to form across the crime lords face, “You may set your alarm clock earlier… I don’t give a fuck if you live in the fucking stables. You will be brought to Valtoria. How you’re brought is up to you. Drake will pick you up…” Leo’s eyes glazed over, darkening as his tall, broad frame looked down towards the petite brunette before shoving one hand in his pocket. He turned towards the door and as the former Crown Prince turned the door handle Isabella choked out, “And if I refuse?” Leo simply looked over his shoulder with a grunt, “It’s not a fucking request Isabella!” before slamming the door behind him.
“Fuck…” Leo grumbled under his breath, his mind racing with the new information he was given, not knowing how to even process what had just happened. The only thing he knew he needed right now was a stiff drink. Liam and Drake were already there, waiting in the club’s back office for Leo’s return. Leo’s stony faced expression said it all. Immediately he reached for the crystal decanter, pouting out the caramel hued liquid into a glass. It was a double measure, after all he found out he may be the father to twins, he needed more than the one serving. He opened his throat, throwing back the drink in one mouthful, allowing the burning sensation of the alcohol to soothe him. “Have someone clear out the south cottage…” Leo roughly spoke, “Drake… take Isabella there at 5pm… how you fucking do it, I don’t care…” Drake nodded, “Yes boss…” before taking his phone from his pocket to make the arrangements. Liam on the other hand, his shoulders dropped as he sighed, “Take it things didn’t go well?” Leo slumped himself in his chair, his sea green eyes glaring up towards his brother, “What the fuck do you think? They could be anyone’s, I ain’t getting hung up on that…” Liam raised his brow in question, “Brother… you’re expecting me to believe that you of all people have exactly what all you’ve ever wanted right in front of you and you’re walking away?”
Leo poured himself another drink, “She wants nothing to do with me Li…” he sighed, “Apparently father threatened her before her father died to get rid… how much truth in that I don’t know…” Liam slowly sucked in his cheeks, swallowing hard before confirming, “Father did go to Laurentia just before Felipe was killed… he told me he had something to sort out but never went into any detail of what… he brought that traitor Bastien with him… maybe we should pay him a visit…” Maybe…” Leo repeated, his brow raising as a tall, statuesque blonde opened the door. Her lips pouted as she smiled, “There you are babe!” walking past Liam and immediately finding herself sat on Leo’s knee, “You were gone early this morning..,” her fingers gently trailed against his jawline, “I missed you…” she purred against his lips. “To make me feel better… I bought these…” Fucking here blonde tresses back to show him her new diamond earrings that Leo bought. Liam rolled his eyes and began to shake his head, “ I’ll catch up with you later brother…” Leo didn’t speak as the hot blonde crashed her lips onto his. As always, he felt nothing, not even as she pleasured him. No electric feeling or a feeling of butterflies. It was a reaction to an action.
Later that evening, as Isabella sat in the front seat of the Escalade that Drake drove, she angrily had her arms folded the whole journey. She wouldn’t speak to Drake, no matter how many times the Texan tried to coax conversation from her. Rolling up to the mansion, Drake jumped out of the car, opening it for the Lauretian beauty, he lowered his head toward her ear and whispered, “Leo has someone you might want to meet in there… Sofie is gonna take the kids to get food and some ice cream in the South Cottage… trust me, you don’t want them seeing this…” Isabella’s eyes met Drake’s, nodding to agree; even though she knew she had no choice. Sofie smiled warmly towards the girls as she jumped into the drivers seat, “Your mom is going to be a little busy but I am going to get… hmm does Pizza sound good?” The twins happily giggled - Isabella’s heart breaking as she watched them drive off. “Come with me…” Drake gestured towards the property, his hand placed on her lower back for comfort as he escorted her through the hallway and towards the basement. The warmth of the Cordonian sun disappeared, the darkness of the basement made her shiver. The shouting of different men’s voices echoed as she and Drake took each step closer. “What are you doing?!…” she gasped when she found Bastien tied up, blood running down his face as Leo cracked his knuckles, landing another punch to his ribs. “Crown Princess…” Liam spoke candidly, “This traitor is the only other person who knows why our father visited your Kingdom… however, he hasn’t been very cooperative…” Bastien with the one eye he could clearly see through stared at the petite brunette, “You…” he stuttered, “You were supposed to be dead too!”
“Why the fuck would she be dead?” Leo lifted his head upward by his hair as Bastien tried to turn his gaze away, making him look at Isabella causing him to wince, “Look at her!” Leo growled loudly, “What the fuck happened when my father made his final visit? I’ll not ask again Bastien… so help me god, I will tear you limb from fucking limb!” Bastien began to recount the visit confirming that it was true that Constantine knew and threatened the exiled Crown Princess to have an abortion; if she didn’t do it herself, he would make sure it was done. When the Via Imperii arrived in the Laurentian Kingdom to take over, Felipe had given them his word that the Crown Princess was to be assassinated the next day. He couldn’t bear having his daughter killed on the soil of her people. “But obviously…” he croaked, “That didn’t come to fruition…” before spitting out blood that had pooled in his mouth. Isabella’s eyes narrowed in anger towards the former King’s Guard. All the anger that she get began to bubble to the surface, she lunged toward him, only to be held back by Drake whose strong arms kept her in place, no matter how much struggling and kicking she did, “Come on Sánchez…” Drake coaxed her around, “You want me to kill em for you? You’re better than us…” he cooed, whispering again into her ear, “Go upstairs and wait…” shrugging Drake off of her, Isabella shook her head, her heels clicking on the concrete floor, echoing in the darkness until she heard the fatal shot causing her to wince.
She waited patiently for the three men to return, sat in silence as they finally walked past her. Liam poured whiskey into four crystal tumblers, before holding one out towards the exiled Crown Princess, “You look like you need it…” he chuckled as Isabella’s shaking hands took the glass, nursing it on her lap. Leo sat opposite her, his strong, broad muscular body was tense, jaw clenched and his sea green eyes glazed over. His stare cut through her like a sharp knife; she could no longer read his expression, wondering what he was thinking. Isabella took a sip of the whiskey that she was given, wincing at the taste causing Leo to smile a little. “What?” she giggled quietly, “You know I don’t like whiskey…” Leo looked at her with a chuckle, “When why fucking drink it?” The petite brunette looked down into the glass that she held in her hands before looking up toward him again, “Ever just needed something to remind you that you’re not completely dead inside?” It struck a nerve. Did she feel the same damn way as he did? It tortured him knowing that she had been honest with him but Leo couldn’t find a way to be open with her. “Doc is coming round to do that test tomorrow…” he grumbled under his breath before lighting up a cigarette. Isabella shrugged her shoulders, “If that’s what you want…” she quietly spoke before asking, “Can I please go now? It’s late and I don’t want a stranger putting my kids to bed…” Leo nodded and Liam offered to escort her.
“Crown Princess…” Liam walked beside her slowly down the path towards the south cottage, “It may not seem like it, but…” Isabella turned her head to look up towards Liam with a painful smile, “I know… he is trying his best… it’s a lot to take in…” before she began to sigh, “My teaching position will be up in a few weeks, then I’ll be gone from Cordonia. Leo can get back to his life; I just wanted to give him a chance to meet the best things he could have ever gave me… I’m not here to cause trouble, or to come between him and his girlfriend…” Liam nodded as they finally approached the cottage, “I know…” he remarked, “Just give him some time to come around… six years of a brick wall to get through. It takes longer sometimes to get through it, than putting it up… the shutters went down after you left, it’s going to take a while…” Isabella nodded sadly in acknowledgment, “Sí… I know… and thank you…” she placed her hand on Liam’s arm before heading inside to the small rustic cottage. She looked around having found the twins sleeping on the couch with Sofie smiling warmly towards her. “I let them sleep, it’s been a long day and Mr. Rys messaged to ask that I don’t put them to bed. Everything you need is here, kitchen is stocked and bedrooms are on the left. If there’s anything you need, please call me…” before handing Isabella her card. “Good night Ms. Sánchez…”
The next morning, just as Leo advised, the doctor arrived early with their nurse to check over the twins and to complete the tests. “They’re still sleeping…” Isabella moved out of the way to let the doctor in, “That’s good… we can do the blood draw first…” Leo requested both types of test so no uncertainty could be established. “First part over with…” the doctor handed the nurse the vials. Isabella got the girls wakened and dressed as they complained of their ‘stingy hands’ but Isabella told them they were brave and were fighting dragons in their sleep, that’s why they each had on a special band aid. To treat them for being so brave, they would go exploring today in the Valtoria valley and have a picnic. “Who knows what else we will find!” Isabella excitedly exclaimed to put her children’s worries at rest. The nurse closed up her case with the additional samples before the doctor proceeded to examine them, “All looks great, two healthy, happy girls…” he smiled warmly. “You’ll hear back from us in a few days… Mr. Rys requested it be expedited…” Isabella nodded, “Gracias Señor…” Even though she knew the outcome, Isabella felt nervous and agitated at the thought of the result. She understood Leo’s caution and knew it would be a means to an end but she didn’t expect him to be as cold. She had hoped that deep down he would accept her the same way as he always did; but the next few days would be the making of their future. She just hoped that he could see that there were still some good things in the world to hold onto.
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 2
Read Part 1: Here
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
“What the fuck are we doin’ here Li?” Drake looked around as they stood in the Royal Gardens in the capital shoving his hands into his leather jacket pockets, “All this place is candy canes and cotton candy, it’s nauseating…” Liam’s brow raised as he scanned the crowd, searching, hoping he wasn’t too late. “Come with me…”
The back of Liam’s hand tapped Drake’s arm as they made their way through the entrance, his ocean blue eyes locked onto a figure sitting across on the other side of the skating rink in a black cashmere pashmina, black skinny jeans and a pair of tan suede boots with her caramel curls tumbled over her right shoulder. “Do you know who’s sitting across from you right now?” the former Prince grinned as it finally sank in to Drake why they were here, “…I need to find out some information before anyone else does…” Drake looked confused as Liam charged forward but Drake pulled him back quickly, “Li?! What the hell is going on?” Liam’s brow began to furrow, “Listen Drake…” he sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose, “Isabella is over there and apparently she has two kids. Leo’s acting funny about it and depending on how old they are, there’s only two people I know who might potentially be their father… Leo or you… so for everyone’s sake, I need to find out before the big guy does for all of our sakes…” Drake began to chuckle much to Liam’s distain, “Seriously?! You think it ever got that far?!” His chuckle became louder at the insinuation, “Everything else, sure… but unlike your brother Li… I don’t always think with my dick…”
Isabella sat calmly on the bench watching her two daughters skate, effortlessly gliding across the thin sheet of ice, spinning and twirling as if they were weightless. Their happiness brought a content smile to her face until she heard a familiar voice speak to her, “Good evening Crown Princess…” Isabella kept her gaze forward; sat beside her Liam, who one could be forgiven to think he was her bodyguard or a statesmen due to his impeccable posture. Unlike his brother, Liam never truly could shake his former Royal etiquette training. “Buenos noches Señor Rys… what can I do for you? It seems I am having a reunion of sorts today…” Liam chuckled under his breath as his gaze met the floor momentarily whilst he removed his leather gloves, “Seems so your Royal Highness… these two yours?” He gestured towards the two figures in their eye line. The petite brunette nodded in acknowledgement “Cute kids, are they identical?… Sorry to pry…” Liam began to grin, “Leo told me…” Isabella slowly sucked in her cheeks before taking in a deep breath, “Yes… yes they are…” Liam slowly turned on the seat to face her, Drake standing guard behind them both, “Isabella…” the sandy haired Cordonian begged her, “…please tell me the truth, for everyone’s sake, who is their father?” Isabella searched his ocean blue eyes for a hint of hope, “Do what you want with me Liam… just promise that no harm will come to them…” her dark chocolate eyes began to well up, biting down onto her lip, she finally nodded as tears rolled down her face, hiding her emotion from her children only a few meters away “Leo is their father… They’re your family…”
Liam slowly put his arm around her in comfort, “Isabella… I promise nothing will happen, but you need to tell him and tell him soon…” The Laurentian beauty began to shake her head, “That’s not possible… he can’t know… all the things he’s done, all of the cruelty, the first thing anyone will do is go after them as retribution, you can’t…” the younger Rys brother looked up towards the darkening sky with a heavy sigh, “My brother is many things but not one strand of hair on their heads will be harmed, I can promise you that without any doubt but honestly…” Liam’s face softened as he calmly spoke, Isabella knew exactly what he was going to say, “…it’s safer if you tell him… he owns half the city, the other half owe him rent… I can imagine the University only pays so much…” The petite brunette began to shake her head, “That’s not why I am here! I don’t need your money Liam… I have my own outside of my academic work… we are fine…” Isabella turned towards the former Prince with a sullen expression, her long dark eyelashes fluttering, “They ask of him… They’re old enough now to be questioning his presence…” folding her arms, Isabella sighed heavily, her shoulders dropping as she exhaled , “I fell pregnant just before the agreed engagement and our exile. With the uprising and the Via Imperii’s influence, it was easier to just disappear without having another scandal to tear everyone apart… no one could have predicted what would come of us all…”
“Mama…” Isabella’s two little munchkins skated across to her pouting, “You weren’t watching!” But before Isabella could speak, Liam smiled warmly, “Sorry little one…” he placed his hand against his heart in earnest, “…it was all my fault your mother was distracted, please accept my warmest apologies…” The twins were wary as the man who sat beside their mother looked familiar, much like the man they met before after school. Both were dressed in matching navy pea coats, their french braided pigtails hidden by a set of pale pink earmuffs and matching mittens keeping them warm. “Don’t be rude…” Isabella quietly and softly spoke, “Please introduce yourself to Liam and Drake… they’re friends of mine…” In unison, the twins cooed, “Hi Liam, Hi Drake…” they shuffled back and forth on their skates but introduced themselves separately, “I’m Natalia and I’m Alessandra…” Liam bowed slightly to them with a polite grin as he sat, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both…” but the twins focused on the dark, tall, brooding man standing behind Liam and their mother, “Hey…” the Texan grunted back before the girls happily went off to skate again. “Sánchez …” Drake cleared his throat, the first time he acknowledged her. The Laurentian beauty’s spine tingled at the sound of his voice, “Liam’s right… it’ll destroy him if he never knew. Give him the chance to do the goddamn right thing for once…”
“Fine…” Isabella sighed as she closed her eyes slowly in contemplation, “Have him come here tomorrow morning around 10:30am, the girls will be at school by then…” discreetly passing Liam a small business card with her address and number on it. The Laurentian beauty slowly began to smile as she clapped her daughters skating performance, “Now please fuck off…” she spoke softly, only loud enough to allow Liam and Drake to hear her, “…You’ve both overstayed your welcome…” Drake tried not to laugh as Liam placed the card in his pocket, sarcastically acknowledging her short but sweet outburst, “Good to have you back in Cordonia Crown Princess, your manners were always impeccable…” Drake nudged Liam with a lowly chuckle as they walked towards the waiting Porsche, “Sánchez hasn’t changed…” before shoving his hand into his jean pocket to remove the car key, “You think she would give the big guy another chance?” With a heavy sigh, Liam pursed his lips as he opened the car passenger door, “I don’t honestly know Drake… he’s changed, she’s changed… they’ve changed to survive…”
“Here…” Liam flicked a piece of card onto the bar that his brother found himself slumped over like many evenings, trying to get the day’s actions out of his head. There was one rule under Leo’s roof; what happened outside of those four walls was not discussed inside them; business was business. “Need a top up?” Liam gestured with the decanter in his hand pouring himself a stiff brandy but Leo sat quietly, stirring the drink he had already with a flick of the wrist, his eyes drawn to the bright white piece of embossed paper. “Drake and I bumped into an old friend…” he began to smile as he poured the drink, “She wants you to meet her there at 10:30am tomorrow morning to talk…” the former Crown Prince’s brow furrowed as he looked at the address, “Why the fuck is she in that dump? She should be in the penthouse suite, not a fucking apartment…” Liam quietly shook his head, “Leo… she’s making the best of her situation; I’m sure if Isabella wanted a penthouse suite, she would have one…” A grunt and a glare came across the room from one brother to the other, Liam knowing not to poke the bear any more than he was willing to. Leo rolled his eyes “I asked her to go to fucking dinner, not drink coffee at an ikea breakfast bar…” the sandy haired Cordonian huffed under his breath before downing his drink and slamming it on the counter. “Better than nothing I suppose…” Liam pondered over this brother’s behaviour for the rest of the evening. Why was Leo reacting in the way he was? He knew she was exiled, knew she lost almost everything - so why would he have higher expectations of her lifestyle? Was this Isabella’s plan all along so Leo would give her the luxury she was already accustomed to? As Liam retired for the night, he had some uncertainty and hesitation about Isabella and Leo meeting the following day. With his expectation and her situation; it could easily end up in tears.
The next morning, Leo dressed to impress. Crisp white fitted shirt with the collar left open emphasised his strong broad shoulders and muscular build paired with blue tailored suit trousers and tan leather dress shoes. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his biceps, clearly showing his tattoo collection that he had accumulated over the years and the hours he had put into keeping himself fit. He left his compound early, he didn’t need another pep talk from his brother to remind him of how important this morning would be but it was a good reminder to be cautious. The former Crown Prince didn’t know whether it was nerves or simply butterflies in his stomach whilst he drove towards the Capital. No music from the radio played on the journey; allowing the tall, sandy haired Cordonian alone with this thoughts. Hell, she was the love of his life; once - how much change could there be? Parking his Aston Martin at the club he owned, Leo thought it best to walk to Isabella’s building rather than drawing even more attention to himself. He needed to clear his head, after six years, what would they talk about? His wrap sheet? Why she disappeared? Who knows, but Leo was willing to find out.
Leo knocked on the door, he waited and no answer. He knocked again, he waited - his patience wore thin as most people don’t get passed the second knock without the door coming in around them. He raised his hand once more, only to have Isabella open the door with a smile, pulling on a knitted jumper over her sports bra that matched her yoga pants and fluffy socks, “Sorry…” she quickly apologised before stepping aside to let Leo enter. First thing he could think of when his sea green eyes observed the apartment was small. They had shared suites that had a cleaning closet bigger than the living room but it was modest and it was home. “I needed somewhere quickly to rent near the University, so this was the quickest space I could find…” Isabella pursed her lips, stopping herself before she sounded desperate. “Cosy…” was all that the former Crown Prince could muster. Leo could put this whole apartment into his garage with space left over. What the hell was she thinking? Cordonia was a changed Kingdom; once prosperous and peaceful, now dark and criminal. There wasn’t even enough locks on her door to satisfy him. She needed at least another five. The petite brunette sighed, her gaze finding his before she giggled, “I forgot how tall you are…”
Leo’s stony expression was starting to warm up before he clenched down on his jaw, dragging himself back into the nothingness that he always felt, “I don’t think it’s a trip down memory lane that you wanted me to come here…” Isabella bit down on her lip as she began to shake her head, “No…” she softly spoke, “…I am ashamed of what I’ve done, but you need to know something…” Leo rolled his eyes, “Guilty conscience? You should have…” his nostrils flared with anger but his speech was cold and calculating, “You left Bella… you fucking left, disappeared off of the face of the earth. You left me! You left us!” The Laurentian beauty bit down onto her lower lip as a tear rolled down her cheek, “I deserve that… but I have my reasons…” Leo snorted, “What reasons? I can’t see any reason that would make it ok to just leave regardless of what happened, we could have dealt with it together!” Isabella slowly sucked in her cheeks with a sigh. She handed him a deck of date stamped Polaroids, “You have two reasons that’s why…” Leo’s sea green eyes narrowed and glared wildly towards her, “What is this?” He snapped, throwing the pictures back at her, watching as they tumbled to the ground “What game are you trying to play Bella? The last guy you had sex with not want to play daddy so you come back thinking I would believe you, don’t be so pathetic!” Every muscle in his body tightened, burning with vexation. If this was someone else who crossed him, they would no longer be talking; but it was her.
The Laurentian beauty rolled her dark chocolate brown eyes in distain of Leo’s ignorance, “Seriously Leo?! Do I have to spell it out for you?” She angrily gestured to the photos that lay at her feet, “They are your daughters you fucking idiot!” Leo’s gaze dropped to the floor staring at the photos in disbelief, “They just turned five during the summer, they’ve been asking where their father is… and what a fucking disappointment he’s become! Just like your father, you pay off or kill off a problem!” With a deep breath, Isabella screamed as loud as she could, “and I’m sorry that I became one of those fucking problems to your family, so don’t you dare lecture me in having a guilty conscience! Can’t have the pregnant Princess out of wedlock ruining your precious Coronation can we?!” Leo stood there, stunned as Isabella screamed at him with all of her might, falling apart in front of his eyes. Leo stepped forward, the anger he felt turned to an ache. The same ache he felt for the past six years since she left. Taking the petite brunette into his arms, Isabella forcibly hit his chest with clenched fists trying to make him let her go. “Get away from me!” she cried harder with each pound her small fists gave to his chest, trying to push herself away but Leo couldn’t let her go, “Shush kitten…” he croaked, finding it hard to swallow as one of his hands found themselves tangling through her long dark curls as she wailed against his chest.
As she settled, Leo’s hands softly cupped Isabella’s cheeks as he tilted her head up towards him, “Bella…” speaking softly, his sea green eyes searching hers to find the truth, “Tell me what happened?”
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 2
Read Part 1: Here
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
“What the fuck are we doin’ here Li?” Drake looked around as they stood in the Royal Gardens in the capital shoving his hands into his leather jacket pockets, “All this place is candy canes and cotton candy, it’s nauseating…” Liam’s brow raised as he scanned the crowd, searching, hoping he wasn’t too late. “Come with me…”
The back of Liam’s hand tapped Drake’s arm as they made their way through the entrance, his ocean blue eyes locked onto a figure sitting across on the other side of the skating rink in a black cashmere pashmina, black skinny jeans and a pair of tan suede boots with her caramel curls tumbled over her right shoulder. “Do you know who’s sitting across from you right now?” the former Prince grinned as it finally sank in to Drake why they were here, “…I need to find out some information before anyone else does…” Drake looked confused as Liam charged forward but Drake pulled him back quickly, “Li?! What the hell is going on?” Liam’s brow began to furrow, “Listen Drake…” he sighed before pinching the bridge of his nose, “Isabella is over there and apparently she has two kids. Leo’s acting funny about it and depending on how old they are, there’s only two people I know who might potentially be their father… Leo or you… so for everyone’s sake, I need to find out before the big guy does for all of our sakes…” Drake began to chuckle much to Liam’s distain, “Seriously?! You think it ever got that far?!” His chuckle became louder at the insinuation, “Everything else, sure… but unlike your brother Li… I don’t always think with my dick…”
Isabella sat calmly on the bench watching her two daughters skate, effortlessly gliding across the thin sheet of ice, spinning and twirling as if they were weightless. Their happiness brought a content smile to her face until she heard a familiar voice speak to her, “Good evening Crown Princess…” Isabella kept her gaze forward; sat beside her Liam, who one could be forgiven to think he was her bodyguard or a statesmen due to his impeccable posture. Unlike his brother, Liam never truly could shake his former Royal etiquette training. “Buenos noches Señor Rys… what can I do for you? It seems I am having a reunion of sorts today…” Liam chuckled under his breath as his gaze met the floor momentarily whilst he removed his leather gloves, “Seems so your Royal Highness… these two yours?” He gestured towards the two figures in their eye line. The petite brunette nodded in acknowledgement “Cute kids, are they identical?… Sorry to pry…” Liam began to grin, “Leo told me…” Isabella slowly sucked in her cheeks before taking in a deep breath, “Yes… yes they are…” Liam slowly turned on the seat to face her, Drake standing guard behind them both, “Isabella…” the sandy haired Cordonian begged her, “…please tell me the truth, for everyone’s sake, who is their father?” Isabella searched his ocean blue eyes for a hint of hope, “Do what you want with me Liam… just promise that no harm will come to them…” her dark chocolate eyes began to well up, biting down onto her lip, she finally nodded as tears rolled down her face, hiding her emotion from her children only a few meters away “Leo is their father… They’re your family…”
Liam slowly put his arm around her in comfort, “Isabella… I promise nothing will happen, but you need to tell him and tell him soon…” The Laurentian beauty began to shake her head, “That’s not possible… he can’t know… all the things he’s done, all of the cruelty, the first thing anyone will do is go after them as retribution, you can’t…” the younger Rys brother looked up towards the darkening sky with a heavy sigh, “My brother is many things but not one strand of hair on their heads will be harmed, I can promise you that without any doubt but honestly…” Liam’s face softened as he calmly spoke, Isabella knew exactly what he was going to say, “…it’s safer if you tell him… he owns half the city, the other half owe him rent… I can imagine the University only pays so much…” The petite brunette began to shake her head, “That’s not why I am here! I don’t need your money Liam… I have my own outside of my academic work… we are fine…” Isabella turned towards the former Prince with a sullen expression, her long dark eyelashes fluttering, “They ask of him… They’re old enough now to be questioning his presence…” folding her arms, Isabella sighed heavily, her shoulders dropping as she exhaled , “I fell pregnant just before the agreed engagement and our exile. With the uprising and the Via Imperii’s influence, it was easier to just disappear without having another scandal to tear everyone apart… no one could have predicted what would come of us all…”
“Mama…” Isabella’s two little munchkins skated across to her pouting, “You weren’t watching!” But before Isabella could speak, Liam smiled warmly, “Sorry little one…” he placed his hand against his heart in earnest, “…it was all my fault your mother was distracted, please accept my warmest apologies…” The twins were wary as the man who sat beside their mother looked familiar, much like the man they met before after school. Both were dressed in matching navy pea coats, their french braided pigtails hidden by a set of pale pink earmuffs and matching mittens keeping them warm. “Don’t be rude…” Isabella quietly and softly spoke, “Please introduce yourself to Liam and Drake… they’re friends of mine…” In unison, the twins cooed, “Hi Liam, Hi Drake…” they shuffled back and forth on their skates but introduced themselves separately, “I’m Natalia and I’m Alessandra…” Liam bowed slightly to them with a polite grin as he sat, “It’s a pleasure to meet you both…” but the twins focused on the dark, tall, brooding man standing behind Liam and their mother, “Hey…” the Texan grunted back before the girls happily went off to skate again. “Sánchez …” Drake cleared his throat, the first time he acknowledged her. The Laurentian beauty’s spine tingled at the sound of his voice, “Liam’s right… it’ll destroy him if he never knew. Give him the chance to do the goddamn right thing for once…”
“Fine…” Isabella sighed as she closed her eyes slowly in contemplation, “Have him come here tomorrow morning around 10:30am, the girls will be at school by then…” discreetly passing Liam a small business card with her address and number on it. The Laurentian beauty slowly began to smile as she clapped her daughters skating performance, “Now please fuck off…” she spoke softly, only loud enough to allow Liam and Drake to hear her, “…You’ve both overstayed your welcome…” Drake tried not to laugh as Liam placed the card in his pocket, sarcastically acknowledging her short but sweet outburst, “Good to have you back in Cordonia Crown Princess, your manners were always impeccable…” Drake nudged Liam with a lowly chuckle as they walked towards the waiting Porsche, “Sánchez hasn’t changed…” before shoving his hand into his jean pocket to remove the car key, “You think she would give the big guy another chance?” With a heavy sigh, Liam pursed his lips as he opened the car passenger door, “I don’t honestly know Drake… he’s changed, she’s changed… they’ve changed to survive…”
“Here…” Liam flicked a piece of card onto the bar that his brother found himself slumped over like many evenings, trying to get the day’s actions out of his head. There was one rule under Leo’s roof; what happened outside of those four walls was not discussed inside them; business was business. “Need a top up?” Liam gestured with the decanter in his hand pouring himself a stiff brandy but Leo sat quietly, stirring the drink he had already with a flick of the wrist, his eyes drawn to the bright white piece of embossed paper. “Drake and I bumped into an old friend…” he began to smile as he poured the drink, “She wants you to meet her there at 10:30am tomorrow morning to talk…” the former Crown Prince’s brow furrowed as he looked at the address, “Why the fuck is she in that dump? She should be in the penthouse suite, not a fucking apartment…” Liam quietly shook his head, “Leo… she’s making the best of her situation; I’m sure if Isabella wanted a penthouse suite, she would have one…” A grunt and a glare came across the room from one brother to the other, Liam knowing not to poke the bear any more than he was willing to. Leo rolled his eyes “I asked her to go to fucking dinner, not drink coffee at an ikea breakfast bar…” the sandy haired Cordonian huffed under his breath before downing his drink and slamming it on the counter. “Better than nothing I suppose…” Liam pondered over this brother’s behaviour for the rest of the evening. Why was Leo reacting in the way he was? He knew she was exiled, knew she lost almost everything - so why would he have higher expectations of her lifestyle? Was this Isabella’s plan all along so Leo would give her the luxury she was already accustomed to? As Liam retired for the night, he had some uncertainty and hesitation about Isabella and Leo meeting the following day. With his expectation and her situation; it could easily end up in tears.
The next morning, Leo dressed to impress. Crisp white fitted shirt with the collar left open emphasised his strong broad shoulders and muscular build paired with blue tailored suit trousers and tan leather dress shoes. The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up to his biceps, clearly showing his tattoo collection that he had accumulated over the years and the hours he had put into keeping himself fit. He left his compound early, he didn’t need another pep talk from his brother to remind him of how important this morning would be but it was a good reminder to be cautious. The former Crown Prince didn’t know whether it was nerves or simply butterflies in his stomach whilst he drove towards the Capital. No music from the radio played on the journey; allowing the tall, sandy haired Cordonian alone with this thoughts. Hell, she was the love of his life; once - how much change could there be? Parking his Aston Martin at the club he owned, Leo thought it best to walk to Isabella’s building rather than drawing even more attention to himself. He needed to clear his head, after six years, what would they talk about? His wrap sheet? Why she disappeared? Who knows, but Leo was willing to find out.
Leo knocked on the door, he waited and no answer. He knocked again, he waited - his patience wore thin as most people don’t get passed the second knock without the door coming in around them. He raised his hand once more, only to have Isabella open the door with a smile, pulling on a knitted jumper over her sports bra that matched her yoga pants and fluffy socks, “Sorry…” she quickly apologised before stepping aside to let Leo enter. First thing he could think of when his sea green eyes observed the apartment was small. They had shared suites that had a cleaning closet bigger than the living room but it was modest and it was home. “I needed somewhere quickly to rent near the University, so this was the quickest space I could find…” Isabella pursed her lips, stopping herself before she sounded desperate. “Cosy…” was all that the former Crown Prince could muster. Leo could put this whole apartment into his garage with space left over. What the hell was she thinking? Cordonia was a changed Kingdom; once prosperous and peaceful, now dark and criminal. There wasn’t even enough locks on her door to satisfy him. She needed at least another five. The petite brunette sighed, her gaze finding his before she giggled, “I forgot how tall you are…”
Leo’s stony expression was starting to warm up before he clenched down on his jaw, dragging himself back into the nothingness that he always felt, “I don’t think it’s a trip down memory lane that you wanted me to come here…” Isabella bit down on her lip as she began to shake her head, “No…” she softly spoke, “…I am ashamed of what I’ve done, but you need to know something…” Leo rolled his eyes, “Guilty conscience? You should have…” his nostrils flared with anger but his speech was cold and calculating, “You left Bella… you fucking left, disappeared off of the face of the earth. You left me! You left us!” The Laurentian beauty bit down onto her lower lip as a tear rolled down her cheek, “I deserve that… but I have my reasons…” Leo snorted, “What reasons? I can’t see any reason that would make it ok to just leave regardless of what happened, we could have dealt with it together!” Isabella slowly sucked in her cheeks with a sigh. She handed him a deck of date stamped Polaroids, “You have two reasons that’s why…” Leo’s sea green eyes narrowed and glared wildly towards her, “What is this?” He snapped, throwing the pictures back at her, watching as they tumbled to the ground “What game are you trying to play Bella? The last guy you had sex with not want to play daddy so you come back thinking I would believe you, don’t be so pathetic!” Every muscle in his body tightened, burning with vexation. If this was someone else who crossed him, they would no longer be talking; but it was her.
The Laurentian beauty rolled her dark chocolate brown eyes in distain of Leo’s ignorance, “Seriously Leo?! Do I have to spell it out for you?” She angrily gestured to the photos that lay at her feet, “They are your daughters you fucking idiot!” Leo’s gaze dropped to the floor staring at the photos in disbelief, “They just turned five during the summer, they’ve been asking where their father is… and what a fucking disappointment he’s become! Just like your father, you pay off or kill off a problem!” With a deep breath, Isabella screamed as loud as she could, “and I’m sorry that I became one of those fucking problems to your family, so don’t you dare lecture me in having a guilty conscience! Can’t have the pregnant Princess out of wedlock ruining your precious Coronation can we?!” Leo stood there, stunned as Isabella screamed at him with all of her might, falling apart in front of his eyes. Leo stepped forward, the anger he felt turned to an ache. The same ache he felt for the past six years since she left. Taking the petite brunette into his arms, Isabella forcibly hit his chest with clenched fists trying to make him let her go. “Get away from me!” she cried harder with each pound her small fists gave to his chest, trying to push herself away but Leo couldn’t let her go, “Shush kitten…” he croaked, finding it hard to swallow as one of his hands found themselves tangling through her long dark curls as she wailed against his chest.
As she settled, Leo’s hands softly cupped Isabella’s cheeks as he tilted her head up towards him, “Bella…” speaking softly, his sea green eyes searching hers to find the truth, “Tell me what happened?”
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 1
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
“Look who’s back in town…” Liam grinned as he threw down the folded morning newspaper in front of Leo who was already in an Italian cut navy dress suit. His sea green eyes narrowed slightly as he read the headline article, ‘Exiled Crown Princess, Isabella Beaumont-Sánchez to take up Honorary Professor role at Cordonia University’ followed by taking in the professional headshot of the Laurentian beauty who looked no different to how she did when he last saw her at 21.
“At 26…” Liam cleared his throat, “She’s done pretty well for herself…” Leo pursed his lips in silence remembering the last time he saw her, how she ghosted him and how when his world fell apart - she wasn’t there to save him, save them. Lifting his coffee, Leo sighed before taking in the strong aroma, letting the warm liquid soothe his otherwise cold demeanour and with a grumble, he pushed the newspaper out of the way, “So fucking what…” The younger Rys son was taken back slightly at his brother’s reaction, he had loved this woman; she was on a pedestal and the main reason none of Leo’s relationships ever worked out but now she was here, in arms reach - he barely reacted at all. “Leo…” Liam tried to reason with him but was immediately cut off, “Brother…” Leo grunted, “I am warning you, one more word on the subject and I will personally cut out your vocal chords…”
A few weeks had passed. The former Crown Prince, now a well known mobster, found himself staring at his bedroom ceiling most nights lying in bed in his Valtorian mansion. He couldn’t forget what they had, what they were willing to sacrifice for each other to now not even uttering a simple hello or gesture. Leo blamed the Via Imperii for his lost love but once he too had been exiled and the Cordonian Kingdom overthrown, he tried to reach out again but his attempts remained unanswered. Did he really want to find out the truth or would the truth be too much to bear? To Leo, she was the only part of him that was still good, everything else was gone long ago. He was cold, calculating and no matter what he tried to feel something, it had no effect until he saw that picture Liam had shown him a few weeks earlier. After that, his body stung, every pain he locked away seemed to almost re-emerge all at once. “Fuck it” Leo grunted as he rolled over, punching his pillow to make it more comfortable, “Anything can’t be worse than this…”
The following afternoon, Leo had business to attend in the capital. “Does that sounds amenable sir?” Leo’s assistant spoke but Liam and Drake knew something was up, watching as Leo kept staring off out the boardroom meeting room, “We’ll come back on that…” Liam interjected, “Thank you Sofie, I can take it from here…” before Leo signed off something he might later regret his answer to and Liam wasn’t willing to take the wrap on something that when Leo came to that he would be pissed about. “I need some fresh air…” the former Crown Prince mumbled under his breath. Placing his heavily tattooed hands on the table, he pushed himself upwards, pulling his dark woollen coat around him. Turning up his coat collar and shoving his hands into his pockets, Leo walked where his heart took him, passing through the crowds who unknowingly were brushing shoulders with the mafia boss. It was only when Leo finally looked up, he found himself across the street from the University. “Fucking now or never I guess…” Leo shrugged, as he walked across the street.
It didn’t take him long to find out if Isabella was there or not; the packed lecture theatre gave it away. He slipped in quietly, hiding in the shadows as he watched her work. “But your Royal Highness, surely it is not fitting for someone of your stature to discuss economic growth in a democracy? Particularly when the democracy you were brought up in, it was your own family who created such laws?” Isabella’s eyes searched the theatre, her dark chocolate brown eyes narrowed slightly as she found her heckler. “There’s a few things I believe Señor that is important to have corrected - Please do not refer to me in any Royal regard, my name is Isabella Sánchez, so in this class, Ms. Sánchez is appropriate. Secondly, the Kingdom that I lived in may have been presided by a Royal family who were involved heavily in the decision making process, but there was an autonomous government in place to look out for the people… today, that Kingdom does not have said government and is ruled by one group of people - but that is a discussion for your European History classes, not mine…”
Without a blink, the petite brunette continued her presentation and no one else dared interrupt. If they had, Leo would have had their card marked immediately. He could feel her presence in the room, she was as captivating as she was all those years ago. Her posture and demeanour commanded respect even if she was no better than a commoner these days. Each word that she spoke, each syllable uttered, had authority. The former Crown Prince slowly began to smirk as he recalled the many times he and the Laurentian beauty found themselves after an argument in each others arms; Leo even admitted starting the argument just to have Isabella all riled up. Watching her pace from door to door as she spoke in her trademark 4” stiletto heels made Leo feel something; it wasn’t much but something. He was once completely infatuated by this woman; now she was an enigma to him. “Read up on the next few chapters…” Isabella spoke in her thick Laurentian accent that rolled off of her tongue as the lights in the theatre switched on.
Flicking through her notes, Isabella marked where she stopped, closing up her textbooks as the students filed out of the lecture hall; she didn’t notice the figure standing opposite her until he cleared his throat, “I think I prefer how Laurentian politics is governed now, more Cordonian in nature, don’t you think?” The former Crown Princess sucked in her cheeks at the distasteful comment before raising her head. Her almond shaped eyes widened in shock as her gaze met his, “Leo… I…” she stuttered, “What are you doing here?” The tall, sandy haired Cordonian raised his brow, “Surely it should be you answering that question, rather than me…” The Laurentian beauty’s expression softened as her eyes gazed upon the man she loved all her life. His tattooed skin told a story, each etching a different verse of the last eight years. “I needed a job…” Isabella finally cracked, “I’m sorry that’s it’s here…” Leo leaned over the table that separated them both with a mischievous smirk, “It’s rude for guests to just drop in without calling first…”
Closing the gap between them. Isabella didn’t flinch at Leo’s remark, she wasn’t afraid of him; no matter what he had become or what he had done. She wasn’t blind to his newly found reputation but hoped that what they had would keep her safe at least for now. Slowly, the petite brunette closed over the books she had with a smile, placing each one on top of the other. “It’s always good to see you Leo…” the older Rys brother moved to block in the former Crown Princess with a grin, “Have dinner with me…” he darkly chuckled, “Remind you of a little Cordonian hospitality…” Isabella pursed her lips, “I have prior commitments Señor… I must decline…” The sandy haired Cordonian clicked his tongue in annoyance, “What…?” How dare she even assume it was a no. “Bella…” Leo tilted his head to the left slightly until they heard a third voice in the background, “I… I am sorry, I didn’t realise that you were busy Ms. Sánchez…” but before Isabella could reply back, two girls in matching uniforms, their hair braided the exact same way and both looking like a clone of their mother burst through the door.
“Mama!” They happily chirped, “Come on! We’re going to be late for Ice Skating!” Isabella slowly nodded with a wry smile, conscious of her audience, “Sí, mi querida… of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world…” ‘Mama?’ Everything was going so fast for Leo to comprehend what was unfolding in front of him. One of the girls looked up at him, her eyes narrowing as if she knew him from somewhere. They were both carbon copies of their mother, except for their striking hazel eyes and their hair a shade or two lighter. Isabella held them close to her, her arms across their chests as Leo took a step back, “Prior commitment… ah I see…” his gaze returning to the little girl who stared him down, “…well darlin’ enjoy your ice skating…” he began to smile warmly, shoving is hands once again into his pockets as those sea green eyes became lost, free falling almost in dark chocolate, “…We should take a rain check Ms. Sánchez…” As Leo walked away, Natalia pulled on her mother’s arm, “Mama… who was that man?” Isabella slowly rubbed the crown of her daughter’s head for comfort, “I knew him once upon a time mi amor, nothing to worry about…”
Later that evening, Liam found Leo outside with a cigarette, cradling a double measured whiskey. “You seem to be in a better mood…” the younger Rys brother brought his own drink to his lips, waiting for some type of acknowledgement. “I saw her today…” Leo finally spoke before taking another drag. Liam nodded, patiently waiting; not knowing if Leo would even discuss the subject further. “She looked good…” he mumbled, “…had two kids hangin’ off of her… some sorry sap got caught up, y’know?” Liam raised his brow in question, “How old were they?” The former Crown Prince simply shrugged, “Old enough to form sentences? Hell, how the fuck am I meant to know?” Sighing heavily, Liam knew he had to ask, cautiously playing devil’s advocate having known Isabella - it wasn’t in her nature to play around, unlike Leo. “Is there any possibility they could be yours?” but the question aggravated Leo even further, his whole body tightened at the insinuation.
With a clenched jaw, the older Rys brother spat back, “She would have fucking told me! That’s not shit you keep to yourself, Bella told me everything!” Reaching out, Liam patted his brother’s shoulder in comfort as Leo sighed heavily, his sea green eyes finally meeting Liam’s, “They went ice skating…” he finally cracked a very small smile through that cold exterior. Memories that he had pushed to the side for years kept flooding back to him; flashbacks of when he brought the petite brunette ice skating in Lythikos, spending evenings in the ski chalets cuddled up to one another by the fire. As Leo looked toward the distance one more, Liam squeezed his hand that still rested on his brother’s shoulder, “Brother…” he chimed, “You should speak with her… I can do some digging if you wish? Give Amalas a call?” but Leo just shook his head, “No need… Isabella can tell me herself when she’s ready…” he grunted as Liam nodded in acknowledgment. It was the first time in years that Liam had saw Leo have some form of human emotion. He always wanted to be a father, but no woman ever lived up to the unknown expectation of them. A few dates here and there but nothing serious, living up to his playboy persona but underneath it all; no one came close to what he wanted because he only wanted her.
Does Distance Make The Heart Grow Fonder? - Oneshot Isabella x Mafia!Leo (Rules of Engagement/The Royal Romance AU) - Part 1
Summary: Isabella and Leo’s Kingdoms both were overthrown by the Via Imperii. The Crown Princess along with her family were exiled whilst the Cordonian Royal Family went underground, fighting to reclaim their throne and hold over the Cordonian People through other means.
“Look who’s back in town…” Liam grinned as he threw down the folded morning newspaper in front of Leo who was already in an Italian cut navy dress suit. His sea green eyes narrowed slightly as he read the headline article, ‘Exiled Crown Princess, Isabella Beaumont-Sánchez to take up Honorary Professor role at Cordonia University’ followed by taking in the professional headshot of the Laurentian beauty who looked no different to how she did when he last saw her at 21.
“At 26…” Liam cleared his throat, “She’s done pretty well for herself…” Leo pursed his lips in silence remembering the last time he saw her, how she ghosted him and how when his world fell apart - she wasn’t there to save him, save them. Lifting his coffee, Leo sighed before taking in the strong aroma, letting the warm liquid soothe his otherwise cold demeanour and with a grumble, he pushed the newspaper out of the way, “So fucking what…” The younger Rys son was taken back slightly at his brother’s reaction, he had loved this woman; she was on a pedestal and the main reason none of Leo’s relationships ever worked out but now she was here, in arms reach - he barely reacted at all. “Leo…” Liam tried to reason with him but was immediately cut off, “Brother…” Leo grunted, “I am warning you, one more word on the subject and I will personally cut out your vocal chords…”
A few weeks had passed. The former Crown Prince, now a well known mobster, found himself staring at his bedroom ceiling most nights lying in bed in his Valtorian mansion. He couldn’t forget what they had, what they were willing to sacrifice for each other to now not even uttering a simple hello or gesture. Leo blamed the Via Imperii for his lost love but once he too had been exiled and the Cordonian Kingdom overthrown, he tried to reach out again but his attempts remained unanswered. Did he really want to find out the truth or would the truth be too much to bear? To Leo, she was the only part of him that was still good, everything else was gone long ago. He was cold, calculating and no matter what he tried to feel something, it had no effect until he saw that picture Liam had shown him a few weeks earlier. After that, his body stung, every pain he locked away seemed to almost re-emerge all at once. “Fuck it” Leo grunted as he rolled over, punching his pillow to make it more comfortable, “Anything can’t be worse than this…”
The following afternoon, Leo had business to attend in the capital. “Does that sounds amenable sir?” Leo’s assistant spoke but Liam and Drake knew something was up, watching as Leo kept staring off out the boardroom meeting room, “We’ll come back on that…” Liam interjected, “Thank you Sofie, I can take it from here…” before Leo signed off something he might later regret his answer to and Liam wasn’t willing to take the wrap on something that when Leo came to that he would be pissed about. “I need some fresh air…” the former Crown Prince mumbled under his breath. Placing his heavily tattooed hands on the table, he pushed himself upwards, pulling his dark woollen coat around him. Turning up his coat collar and shoving his hands into his pockets, Leo walked where his heart took him, passing through the crowds who unknowingly were brushing shoulders with the mafia boss. It was only when Leo finally looked up, he found himself across the street from the University. “Fucking now or never I guess…” Leo shrugged, as he walked across the street.
It didn’t take him long to find out if Isabella was there or not; the packed lecture theatre gave it away. He slipped in quietly, hiding in the shadows as he watched her work. “But your Royal Highness, surely it is not fitting for someone of your stature to discuss economic growth in a democracy? Particularly when the democracy you were brought up in, it was your own family who created such laws?” Isabella’s eyes searched the theatre, her dark chocolate brown eyes narrowed slightly as she found her heckler. “There’s a few things I believe Señor that is important to have corrected - Please do not refer to me in any Royal regard, my name is Isabella Sánchez, so in this class, Ms. Sánchez is appropriate. Secondly, the Kingdom that I lived in may have been presided by a Royal family who were involved heavily in the decision making process, but there was an autonomous government in place to look out for the people… today, that Kingdom does not have said government and is ruled by one group of people - but that is a discussion for your European History classes, not mine…”
Without a blink, the petite brunette continued her presentation and no one else dared interrupt. If they had, Leo would have had their card marked immediately. He could feel her presence in the room, she was as captivating as she was all those years ago. Her posture and demeanour commanded respect even if she was no better than a commoner these days. Each word that she spoke, each syllable uttered, had authority. The former Crown Prince slowly began to smirk as he recalled the many times he and the Laurentian beauty found themselves after an argument in each others arms; Leo even admitted starting the argument just to have Isabella all riled up. Watching her pace from door to door as she spoke in her trademark 4” stiletto heels made Leo feel something; it wasn’t much but something. He was once completely infatuated by this woman; now she was an enigma to him. “Read up on the next few chapters…” Isabella spoke in her thick Laurentian accent that rolled off of her tongue as the lights in the theatre switched on.
Flicking through her notes, Isabella marked where she stopped, closing up her textbooks as the students filed out of the lecture hall; she didn’t notice the figure standing opposite her until he cleared his throat, “I think I prefer how Laurentian politics is governed now, more Cordonian in nature, don’t you think?” The former Crown Princess sucked in her cheeks at the distasteful comment before raising her head. Her almond shaped eyes widened in shock as her gaze met his, “Leo… I…” she stuttered, “What are you doing here?” The tall, sandy haired Cordonian raised his brow, “Surely it should be you answering that question, rather than me…” The Laurentian beauty’s expression softened as her eyes gazed upon the man she loved all her life. His tattooed skin told a story, each etching a different verse of the last eight years. “I needed a job…” Isabella finally cracked, “I’m sorry that’s it’s here…” Leo leaned over the table that separated them both with a mischievous smirk, “It’s rude for guests to just drop in without calling first…”
Closing the gap between them. Isabella didn’t flinch at Leo’s remark, she wasn’t afraid of him; no matter what he had become or what he had done. She wasn’t blind to his newly found reputation but hoped that what they had would keep her safe at least for now. Slowly, the petite brunette closed over the books she had with a smile, placing each one on top of the other. “It’s always good to see you Leo…” the older Rys brother moved to block in the former Crown Princess with a grin, “Have dinner with me…” he darkly chuckled, “Remind you of a little Cordonian hospitality…” Isabella pursed her lips, “I have prior commitments Señor… I must decline…” The sandy haired Cordonian clicked his tongue in annoyance, “What…?” How dare she even assume it was a no. “Bella…” Leo tilted his head to the left slightly until they heard a third voice in the background, “I… I am sorry, I didn’t realise that you were busy Ms. Sánchez…” but before Isabella could reply back, two girls in matching uniforms, their hair braided the exact same way and both looking like a clone of their mother burst through the door.
“Mama!” They happily chirped, “Come on! We’re going to be late for Ice Skating!” Isabella slowly nodded with a wry smile, conscious of her audience, “Sí, mi querida… of course. I wouldn’t miss it for the world…” ‘Mama?’ Everything was going so fast for Leo to comprehend what was unfolding in front of him. One of the girls looked up at him, her eyes narrowing as if she knew him from somewhere. They were both carbon copies of their mother, except for their striking hazel eyes and their hair a shade or two lighter. Isabella held them close to her, her arms across their chests as Leo took a step back, “Prior commitment… ah I see…” his gaze returning to the little girl who stared him down, “…well darlin’ enjoy your ice skating…” he began to smile warmly, shoving is hands once again into his pockets as those sea green eyes became lost, free falling almost in dark chocolate, “…We should take a rain check Ms. Sánchez…” As Leo walked away, Natalia pulled on her mother’s arm, “Mama… who was that man?” Isabella slowly rubbed the crown of her daughter’s head for comfort, “I knew him once upon a time mi amor, nothing to worry about…”
Later that evening, Liam found Leo outside with a cigarette, cradling a double measured whiskey. “You seem to be in a better mood…” the younger Rys brother brought his own drink to his lips, waiting for some type of acknowledgement. “I saw her today…” Leo finally spoke before taking another drag. Liam nodded, patiently waiting; not knowing if Leo would even discuss the subject further. “She looked good…” he mumbled, “…had two kids hangin’ off of her… some sorry sap got caught up, y’know?” Liam raised his brow in question, “How old were they?” The former Crown Prince simply shrugged, “Old enough to form sentences? Hell, how the fuck am I meant to know?” Sighing heavily, Liam knew he had to ask, cautiously playing devil’s advocate having known Isabella - it wasn’t in her nature to play around, unlike Leo. “Is there any possibility they could be yours?” but the question aggravated Leo even further, his whole body tightened at the insinuation.
With a clenched jaw, the older Rys brother spat back, “She would have fucking told me! That’s not shit you keep to yourself, Bella told me everything!” Reaching out, Liam patted his brother’s shoulder in comfort as Leo sighed heavily, his sea green eyes finally meeting Liam’s, “They went ice skating…” he finally cracked a very small smile through that cold exterior. Memories that he had pushed to the side for years kept flooding back to him; flashbacks of when he brought the petite brunette ice skating in Lythikos, spending evenings in the ski chalets cuddled up to one another by the fire. As Leo looked toward the distance one more, Liam squeezed his hand that still rested on his brother’s shoulder, “Brother…” he chimed, “You should speak with her… I can do some digging if you wish? Give Amalas a call?” but Leo just shook his head, “No need… Isabella can tell me herself when she’s ready…” he grunted as Liam nodded in acknowledgment. It was the first time in years that Liam had saw Leo have some form of human emotion. He always wanted to be a father, but no woman ever lived up to the unknown expectation of them. A few dates here and there but nothing serious, living up to his playboy persona but underneath it all; no one came close to what he wanted because he only wanted her.
