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"What happened? I thought you were just..." Enzo trailed off, realizing this wasn't the time for questions. "Never mind, stay put. I'll come get you."
Pacing anxiously, I peeked around the corner of the wall every few seconds until Enzo's lean form appeared, slipping through the hidden gate.
He hurried over but pulled up short when he got a good look at me. I realized suddenly how I must appear after a night of passionate abandon - dress rumpled, hair wild, lipstick smudged. Hardly the polished mafia princess image.
"Natalia, what..." Enzo started, shock evident on his face. But then he seemed to think better of it with a shake of his head.
"Tell me later. Let's get you inside quickly." He drew me into the shadowy garden, scanning for any sign of guards.
We ducked behind hedges and slipped through side entrances until we made it back to my chambers unseen. Enzo stood watch outside my bedroom door as I changed and tidied my appearance.
"Thank you, Enzo," I said fervently when I emerged looking presentable again.
He gave me a searching look. "You know you can talk to me about...whatever is going on lately. Right, sis?" I heard the concern in his voice.
Impulsively, I threw my arms around my brother in a fierce hug. "I know. You've always had my back." Enzo returned the embrace after a moment.
Pulling back, I squeezed his hand gratefully as we moved down the hall. "I promise we'll talk soon. But right now, I need a very large cappuccino."
Enzo chuckled, shaking his head with amused exasperation. "Caffeine first, confessions later. You got it." We shared a smile of perfect understanding that eased my lingering anxieties.
I knew I couldn't hide the truth from Enzo forever. But having his patient, unwavering support meant everything as I tried to navigate this complicated new reality with Leonardo. Enzo would protect us both to the very end.
Safely back in my suite, I collapsed onto the plush bed, emotionally exhausted. My mind replayed every electric second with Leonardo like a movie - the passionate embraces, easy laughter, his solid warmth beside me through the night.
Already the memories seemed hazy, like a dream fading too quickly. But the visceral ache in my heart was real. Being torn away from Leonardo felt like leaving a piece of my soul behind.
I couldn't imagine never seeing him again. But the forces determined to keep us apart were quickly closing in. I had to be smart, keep my head down. Now was not the time for more reckless defiance.
Closing my eyes, I allowed myself to relive every touch, every searing kiss, letting the memories rekindle that irresistible heatin my veins. I didn't know when or if Leonardo and I would manage another stolen night together.
But I intended to hold my memories of him close, draw on them when I needed strength or a spark of hope. However star-crossed this affair was, nothing could diminish what we had shared. And that would sustain me through anything to come.
A soft knock at the door drew me from bittersweet contemplation. I sat up as Enzo entered bearing a mug of coffee and a small plate of pastries.
"Thought you could use these this morning," he said, handing me the steaming cup.
The caffeinated aroma was heavenly. "Have I told you lately that you're my favorite brother?" I asked teasingly before taking a long, restorative sip.
Enzo pretended to look offended. "I better be your only favorite brother." Moving to the window, he gave me a considering look.
"So...are you ready to tell me where exactly you disappeared to last night, looking like that?" He arched an eyebrow, waiting.
I nearly choked on my coffee. There was no suspicion in Enzo's voice, only caring curiosity. But I still hesitated, afraid revealingthe truth about Leonardo would make this real forbidden romance even more fraught.
Sensing my internal conflict, Enzo came and sat beside me on the bed. "Hey, take your time. But just know, you don't have to handle this alone, whatever it is." His steady support gave me courage.
Setting down my coffee, I turned to face Enzo fully. "Okay. There's someone I've been seeing. Someone I'm falling hard for, despite the situation being...complicated." It wasn't the whole truth yet, but it was a start.
Enzo looked thoughtful but not entirely surprised. "Complicated how?" he prodded gently. When I stayed silent, he seemed to read between the lines, eyes widening.
"Complicated as in...from a rival family?" he asked carefully. My face must have given it away because Enzo exhaled heavily, raking a hand through his hair.
"Wow. Okay. That does complicate things," he said. But then he looked at me tenderly. "The heart wants what it wants though. If he makes you happy..."
Impulsively, I hugged Enzo again, emotion welling up. "He does. More than I can explain." I felt some of the heavy weight on my heart lift just admitting that truth out loud to someone I trusted.
Enzo held me tight for a long moment before pulling back. "Then we keep this between us for now. I'll help however I can."
