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Natalia pulled me to sit beside her, tucking into the meal with delight. I realized suddenly when her last proper meal had been in the chaos of recent days. Just seeing the simple joy eating pizza brought her made my chest tighten.
Ashley kept the mood lighthearted, chattering about school gossip and plans for some upcoming dance. I was content just to observe Natalia engaging with her friend, their banter lively and warm. This carefree side was new to me.
"Oh my god, so get this," Ashley said dramatically around a mouthful of pepperoni. "The vice principal was spotted at the mall getting waxed, and now the whole school is buzzing about what he's grooming for!"
"No way!" Natalia gasped, hand flying to her mouth to stifle giggles. "Mr. Renault is like ninety years old. That's an image I could have gone my whole life without, thank you."
Ashley just cackled gleefully. "Hey, you're the one who said everyone should embrace self-care. Though a full Brazilian may be going too far..."
"Stop, stop! I'm begging you!" Natalia laughed, nearly doubled over. I couldn't help smiling myself watching her so free andunguarded in her amusement. When she met my eyes, her laughter settled into a soft, happy glow that warmed me through.
Ashley nudged her teasingly. "Oh sure, now you want me to stop with your hot date here. Don't want him to hear all our wild girl talk, huh?"
"Please, it's too late for me to pretend to be a proper lady," Natalia retorted, eyes sparkling. "Leonardo already knows I have no manners."
She stuck her tongue out at me playfully. I placed a hand over my heart in mock affront. "I beg your pardon, I happen to think very highly of your etiquette. But I suppose I'm rather biased."
I dropped a quick kiss to her knuckles gallantly. Natalia's returning smile outshone the sun.
Ashley observed our easy rapport, her expression thoughtful. Turning to me, she asked "So Leonardo, got any crazy ex stories you can share? Natalia is always so mysterious about her life."
I nearly choked on my drink at the bold question. Natalia shot her friend an incredulous look. "Ashley! You can't just ask him something like that."
"What? I'm just making friendly conversation," Ashley said breezily, taking a languid bite of pizza. "Unless you're afraid of what he might reveal..."
"Oh hush, I tell you everything," Natalia retorted, blushing prettily.
Ashley laughed, relenting with a teasing wink. "Alright alright, I'll stop grilling your gentleman caller. We can save the juicy stuff for when you're not around."
Natalia rolled her eyes in exasperated amusement. I just smiled, utterly charmed by their antics. This playful girlish side of Natalia was new to me. Seeing her so carefree did my heart good.
We passed the rest of the meal in easy laughter, Ashley drawing me out with questions about places I had visited during my travels. I was careful to steer away from any dark chapters. But I found I enjoyed regaling them with lighter adventures and misadventures.
Natalia nestled against my side as we chatted. The simple comfort of having her close in a relaxed domestic setting was something I had not realized I yearned for. But now our knees brushing under the table felt like the most natural thing in the world.
When we finally said goodnight, Natalia led me upstairs to the cozy guest room. At the doorway, she turned to me hesitantly. "Can you...stay with me tonight?"
The vulnerability in her voice could have brought me to my knees. "Of course," I said at once, drawing her into my arms.
Holding Natalia close as she drifted off to sleep, her body fitted trustingly against mine, was a gift I knew I did not deserve but would be endlessly thankful for. Tonight, I was simply a man falling asleep beside the woman he adored, free of bloodshed or darkness. And it was perfect.
I awoke slowly, momentarily confused by the unfamiliar bedroom. Then awareness rushed back. Natalia's friend Ashley's house, where I had come to Natalia's side after days apart.
The warm weight nestled against me drew my gaze down to Natalia's sleeping form. In slumber, her lovely features were softened, free of any worries. She looked angelic curled up trusting and peaceful.
Unable to resist, I brushed back a lock of chestnut hair that had fallen across her cheek. Natalia stirred slightly, eyelashes fluttering. She blinked up at me drowsily.
"Good morning," I murmured, my voice still gravelly with sleep.
A smile of pure radiance lit Natalia's face. "Morning," she sighed happily, snuggling closer. We lay unhurriedly trading lazy kisses, still cocooned together under the sheets. I wished we could stay here always, shut away from the outside world.
But voices eventually drifted up from the kitchen below, signaling Ashley was awake. With a reluctant sigh, Natalia sat up and stretched. "We should probably make an appearance. Ashley's an unrepentant gossip hound and will want details about last night."
She rolled her eyes in amusement, but I could tell Natalia cherished her friend's lively exuberance. Though it was still foreign to me, I found I enjoyed witnessing this relaxed girlish side of Natalia.
On impulse, not ready to share her yet, I suggested "Why don't we make breakfast first, before joining Ashley? Might earn us some leniency from the interrogation."
Natalia's answering smile was impish. "Look at you being all strategic first thing in the morning! I like it." She popped up from the bed and held out her hand to me. "Let's go show off your domestic skills, tough guy."
