Taming the fighter, freeing the keeper

The next morning, the chirping of the alarm clock felt particularly jarring. Ruby slapped the snooze button with more force than necessary, her mind still hazy with the unexpected events of the previous night. Leonardo Reyes. His low voice, his intense gaze, the surprisingly easy flow of their conversation – it all felt a bit like a dream.
As she finally dragged herself out of bed, the first thing she did was reach for her phone. There it was, nestled amongst her notifications: a simple text message from a number she now recognized.
Good morning, Ruby Rose. Hope the lemurs and lionfish are behaving themselves. It was a pleasure meeting you last night. - Leonardo
A small, involuntary smile touched Ruby's lips. He had remembered her work. It was a small thing, but it felt significant. She quickly typed out a reply:
Good morning, Leonardo. They are mostly behaving! The pleasure was all mine. I had a lovely time.
She hit send, a nervous flutter in her stomach. What now? Was this just a polite follow-up, or was he genuinely interested in seeing her again?
The morning at the zoo passed in a bit of a daze. Ruby found herself replaying snippets of their conversation, his easy laughter, the way his eyes had held hers. Even the playful antics of the monkeys seemed less distracting than usual. Juliet and Cindy, true to their word, bombarded her with texts and calls, demanding every single detail of her unexpected encounter. Ruby recounted the story, still slightly incredulous herself, downplaying the "meant to be" comment but unable to hide her genuine enjoyment of their conversation.
By lunchtime, a reply from Leonardo had arrived:
Glad to hear it. Would you be free for dinner sometime this week? Perhaps I could hear more about these fascinating creatures in person.
Ruby's heart did a little leap. Dinner. This was definitely more than just a polite follow-up.
I would like that very much, she texted back, a thrill of anticipation coursing through her. How about Thursday?
The rest of the day crawled by as Ruby's mind buzzed with possibilities. Dinner with Leonardo Reyes. What would they talk about? What would she wear? The thought of navigating the world of a famous athlete felt both exciting and slightly daunting. Her usual dates involved quiet coffee shops and conversations about books, not potentially flashing cameras and a whole different level of public scrutiny.
Thursday arrived with a mix of nervous energy and excitement. Ruby spent an extra amount of time getting ready, finally settling on a simple but elegant dress she rarely wore. As she waited for his text confirming the time and place, she couldn't help but feel a sense of stepping outside her carefully constructed routine, venturing into a world she had only ever observed from a distance.
A message finally arrived: Picking you up at 7. Surprise location. 😉 Looking forward to it, Ruby.
A surprise. Of course. This was Leonardo's world, a world of a little more flair and excitement than her own. As seven o'clock approached, Ruby's palms were slightly sweaty, but a genuine smile played on her lips. Whatever this was, she was ready to see where it might lead.

A sleek, black car pulled up outside Ruby's building precisely at seven. The driver's side window lowered, and Leonardo's warm smile greeted her. He looked effortlessly handsome in a tailored jacket, the city lights reflecting in his dark eyes.
"Ready for an adventure, Ruby Rose?" he asked, his voice a low rumble that still sent a pleasant shiver down her spine.
"As ready as a zookeeper can be for a night out with a lion," she replied, a playful smile of her own.
He chuckled, opening the passenger door for her. The interior of the car was luxurious and smelled faintly of expensive cologne. As they drove, Ruby tried to guess their destination, but Leonardo remained playfully mysterious, only offering vague hints about a "hidden gem."
They eventually arrived at a discreet, unmarked door in a less touristy part of the city. A polite doorman greeted Leonardo by name and ushered them inside. Ruby's eyes widened in surprise. The interior was dimly lit and sophisticated, with plush velvet seating and the soft murmur of conversation. It felt exclusive and intimate, a world away from the boisterous energy of the boxing arena and the crowded bar.
"Welcome to 'The Velvet Curtain,'" Leonardo said, watching her reaction with amusement. "It's a place where you can actually hear yourself think."
Ruby was impressed. It was elegant without being pretentious, a place that felt both special and comfortable. They were led to a secluded table in a quiet corner, where soft jazz played in the background.
As they settled in, a waiter appeared with menus. Ruby glanced at the offerings, a mix of classic dishes with a modern twist. Leonardo, however, simply waved him away. "I've taken the liberty of ordering a few things," he explained, a mischievous glint in his eyes. "Trust me."
Ruby, feeling adventurous, readily agreed. As they waited for their food, their conversation flowed easily, picking up where it had left off at the bar. They talked about their childhoods, their dreams, and the unexpected paths that life had taken them on. Ruby found herself opening up to him in a way she hadn't anticipated, drawn by his genuine interest and his ability to make her feel completely at ease.
The food arrived – a selection of exquisite small plates that were as delicious as they were beautifully presented. As they shared the dishes and their stories, Ruby realized that there was more to Leonardo than just the fierce competitor the world saw in the ring. He was thoughtful, intelligent, and possessed a surprising vulnerability beneath his confident exterior.
She, in turn, found herself talking about the animals she cared for with a passion she usually reserved for close friends. He listened intently, asking insightful questions that showed he was truly paying attention.
Throughout the evening, there were subtle touches – a gentle hand on her arm, a lingering gaze across the table – that hinted at a growing connection. Ruby found herself increasingly drawn to him, the initial apprehension replaced by a sense of excitement and a budding sense of... something more.
As the night drew to a close, and Leonardo walked her back to her door, a comfortable silence settled between them. He paused on her doorstep, the city lights casting a soft glow on his face.
"I had a wonderful time, Ruby," he said, his voice soft.
"Me too, Leonardo," she replied, her heart beating a little faster.
He hesitated for a moment, his gaze searching hers. Then, he gently reached out and brushed a stray strand of hair from her cheek.
"Perhaps," he said, his voice a low murmur, "our paths were meant to cross after all."
He leaned in, and their lips met in a soft, tentative kiss. It was a brief but surprisingly tender moment, a silent acknowledgment of the connection that had sparked between them.
As he pulled away, his eyes held a warmth that made Ruby's insides melt. "I'll text you tomorrow," he promised, a genuine smile gracing his lips.
Stepping inside her apartment, Ruby leaned against the closed door, a hand pressed to her lips. Her world, once confined to the comforting predictability of the zoo, was expanding in ways she had never imagined. And she had a feeling that this was just the beginning of a very unexpected adventure.