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I swiped at the moisture in my eyes, gratitude swelling. My brother truly had the biggest heart underneath his tough facade.
"Have I mentioned you're my favorite?" I said lightly, trying to diffuse the intense emotions.
Enzo gave me a little smile. "Yeah, yeah, don't get all mushy on me now." His feigned nonchalance made me laugh wetly. Everything would be okay if Enzo was in my corner.
Over the next week, I slowly opened up more to Enzo about Leonardo - keeping identifying details vague - but it felt cathartic letting someone in on the thrilling highs and wrenching lows of our affair.
True to his word, Enzo covered for me, running interference and providing excuses so I could sneak away to call Leonardo safely when the yearning for his voice became too acute.
"Just be smart, okay?" Enzo lectured when he caught me grinning at Leonardo's texts. "I know you two have that passionate Montague-Capulet thing going. But don't let it cloud your judgment."
I rolled my eyes but smiled fondly at his brotherly concern. "Trust me, I'm being careful." More careful than he realized, not confiding the new and mysterious threats possibly facing Leonardo. Some secrets were mine to bear alone.
Of course, Enzo and I couldn't keep my increasingly frequent unexplained absences from Father's notice forever
After Enzo left my room, flopping onto my bed, I pulled out my phone and opened my chat with Ashley. In my despair over Father's renewed restrictions, I had neglected texting my best friend for too long.
Natalia: Hey Ash! I know I've been MIA lately but I have sooo much to tell you! The date with Mr. X was...??????absolutely everything.
Ashley responded immediately, with her usual exuberance.
Ashley: OMG finally you answer! I've been dying for details! Tell me EVERYTHING. Was it romantic and dreamy? Give me something here, I need details!
Relived to have someone to gush to, I typed out all the highlights from my night with Leonardo - the passionate intimacy, easy rapport over breakfast in our pajamas, falling asleep cradled in his strong arms. Ashley demanded every swoon-worthy description.
Natalia: It was perfect. I've never felt this way about someone before. He's it for me, Ash.?? I don't know how we'll make this work but we have to. I can't lose him.
Ashley: You two are like star-crossed Shakespeare lovers! Don't worry babe, love conquers all. It's gonna be okay. But most importantly...when can we double date????
I smiled down at my phone, grateful for Ashley's unwavering support. Just chatting with her lifted my spirits. I missed my best friend and our carefree times together.
Natalia: Haha well it may be a while before we can double date safely. But thank you for everything, Ash. For listening and just being your amazing self. Love you!??
Ashley: Aww love you too babe! That's what besties are for. Can't wait for your next romantic rendezvous whenever it is!??
Talking to Ashley always grounded me. No matter how chaotic things got, I could rely on her cheerful strength to lift me back up.
Even under the threatening storm clouds of Father's renewed restrictions, I felt a lingering glow of happiness over my night with Leonardo. Like the sun peeking through on an overcast day, the memories warmed me from within.
Humming to myself, I breezed through lessons with my tutor and afternoon tea with Father. He regarded me curiously,perhaps noticing my high spirits despite his punishments. But he made no mention of it.
I should have been more careful, concealed my joy better. But I was too intoxicated on the feeling of being in love, of sharing a connection with Leonardo like nothing I'd experienced before. Caution slipped my mind.
So I didn't think twice about happily chatting with Enzo after dinner as he walked me upstairs. I failed to notice Father watching us from his office threshold, eyes narrowed in suspicion at my laughter.
Later, as I brushed out my hair before bed, lightheartedly replaying Leonardo's parting kisses in my mind, Father appeared unexpectedly in my doorway.
I dropped my brush, startled. "Oh, I didn't hear you knock. Did you need something?" I asked, trying to sound casual despite the warning prickle running up my spine.
Father's face was impassive, but his eyes were darting, assessing. "I thought I heard you come in late again last night," he remarked too lightly, watching my reaction.
I forced an easy, confused smile. "What? No, I was in bed by ten as usual." My heartbeat stuttered, but I kept my face neutral.
Father stared at me for a long moment. Then suddenly he stormed forward, grabbing my chin roughly to examine my face. I yelped, trying to pull away, but his grip was vicelike.
"I knew it!" he thundered. "You still have lipstick on, Natalia. Were you out gallivanting again? Don't you dare lie to me!"
I froze, cursing myself for overlooking such an obvious oversight. Panicked denial rose to my lips, but I bit it back. Any more lies would only deepen Father's fury.
