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Leonardo’s POV:
The moment Natalia opened the door, I swept her into my arms, holding her close against me. The fear and tension that had gripped my chest ever since getting her desperate message finally loosened. She was here, safe and real in my embrace.
"Thank God you're alright," I murmured, kissing her forehead, her temple, any part of her I could reach.
Natalia clung to me just as desperately. When she finally leaned back to meet my gaze, her emerald eyes glistened with emotion.
"I was so worried when I couldn't reach you," she breathed, cradling my face in her delicate hands. "What happened?"
I turned my head to press a fervent kiss to her palm, cursing myself again for causing her such distress. "I'm sorry I couldn't contact you sooner. I moved locations to be cautious and couldn't risk using the burner phone."
Natalia's brows pinched together as she searched my face. "But you're really okay? Enzo refused to tell me anything when he took me away. I thought..." She blinked back tears, unable to voice her worst fears.
My chest ached seeing her so shaken. I pulled Natalia close again, wishing I could spirit her away somewhere no shadows could ever touch us again. But stolen moments of ignorance were a fantasy. Reality had caught up the night Enzo rushed her into hiding.
As if sensing my thoughts, Natalia looked up at me anxiously. "Leonardo, do you know why Enzo would make me flee in the night like that? He was terrified but wouldn't explain what was happening."
I shook my head heavily. "I don't know yet. But something clearly spooked him into getting you out of there fast."
Natalia nodded, eyes distant and hurt. I knew how deeply this mystery upset her natural trust and devotion to family. The life she had known was unraveling rapidly.
I grasped her shoulders, vowing fervently "Whatever is going on, I swear I'll get to the bottom of it. Your safety is all that matters to me."
Some of the shadows lifted from Natalia's eyes hearing my vow to protect her. She knew I would move heaven and earth to shield her from harm.
At that moment, her friend Ashley appeared in the entryway, offering us an uncertain smile. "Sorry to interrupt. Just wanted to let you guys know I ordered some pizzas, if you're hungry at all."
Natalia quickly made introductions, her voice warm with affection when speaking about her best friend who had taken her in. Ashley regarded me curiously but without any visible fear or judgement.
"Well it's nice to meet you, Ashley," I said politely. "And thank you for extending your hospitality during this...situation."
Ashley waved off my thanks. "Of course, any friend of Natalia's is always welcome here." She shot a playful wink at Natalia. "Even her super mysterious fugitive boyfriends."
I raised an eyebrow at Natalia in amusement. She flushed prettily. "I may have told her some details about you," she admitted with an impish little grin.
Seeing Natalia's lighthearted happiness made me instantly like this vivacious friend of hers. Ashley's cheerfulness was clearly helping keep Natalia's spirits up during this uncertainty.
"Don't worry, I didn't reveal anything top secret," Natalia stage-whispered conspiratorially.
Ashley laughed. "Yeah, all I know is he's handsome and treats you right. That's enough for me!" She regarded me thoughtfully for a moment. "Gotta say Nat, you were holding out on me! He really is sexy in that whole strong, silent type way."
"Ashley!" Natalia gasped, blushing crimson as she swatted her friend's arm. But she was fighting back a smile. I found myself chuckling too.
Ashley just winked unrepentantly. "What, I have eyes! Clearly Natalia has great taste." She headed back toward the kitchen. "I'll let you two lovebirds get back to your reunion. Pizza will be here soon!"
Still flushed, Natalia turned back to me. "Sorry about her. Ashley has always been boy-crazy and melodramatic." But fond amusement colored her voice.
"She seems lovely," I said sincerely. "I'm glad you have such a loyal friend by your side."
Natalia nodded, some of her usual spark returning. "She's the best. We keep each other laughing no matter what's happening."
I made a mental note to find some small way to repay Ashley's generosity. She could have turned Natalia away out of suspicion or fear. Instead, she had embraced her unquestioningly. Such open-heartedness was a gift.
For now, I drew Natalia close again simply needing her near. There would be time later to discuss threats and make plans. But this longed-for reunion took precedence over all else.
With Natalia nestled trustingly against me, her dearest friend keeping watch, I felt the vice around my heart loosen slightly. We were together, and for tonight, that was enough.
Soon the pizzas arrived, and Ashley set everything up at the kitchen table with an enthusiasm that made me smile. Clearly this was a familiar comfort ritual between the two friends.
