AllFreeNovel
Share Us
As I stepped out into harsh daylight, my steps felt heavy but determined. Dark and light still battled around me, but now Istood as one who might compel a just outcome. And for today, clinging to that hope would have to do.
….
It had been over a week since I'd last heard Leonardo's voice. After the chaos with Bree and having to go into hiding, we'd agreed it was safer not to be in contact for a while. But that didn't make missing him any easier.
I paced my bedroom restlessly, phone in hand. Enzo was finally stable and the immediate threats seemed to have passed. Surely one quick call to ease my aching heart wouldn't bring disaster. Before I could overthink, I hit Leonardo's burner number, holding my breath as it rang.
"Cara," Leonardo answered on the second ring, his rich voice instantly soothing my soul. "I was just thinking of you."
"Were you?" I couldn't contain my smile. "Good things, I hope."
"The very best things," he assured tenderly. "Although it is torture being apart from you, my love."
"Tell me about it," I sighed. "The days drag on endlessly here without you. I swear time has slowed down just to torment me more."
Leonardo's chuckle sent pleasant warmth curling through me. "I'm afraid I haven't uncovered any scientific plot to alter time and keep us separated. But I confess each minute without you feels like an eternity."
I curled up happily on my bed, cradling the phone closer. "So dramatic," I teased. "Anyone would think you missed me or something."
"Perish the thought," Leonardo shot back. "I simply noticed a vexing draft with you gone. Who else will steal all the blankets at night?"
I gasped in faux affront. "Excuse me sir, I do not 'steal' anything! I just require optimal coziness for beauty rest, unlike cavemen who sleep in ice caves." Leonardo's rich laughter filled my ear, soothing the constant ache of our separation.
We continued trading playful banter and gentle flirtation, the easy rapport flowing as effortlessly as ever despite the forced distance. With Leonardo, it felt like coming home - no pretense or facades required.
Our laughter eventually faded into comfortable silence for a moment. Then Leonardo asked tentatively "How are things there in the aftermath? Is your family...recovering?"
I exhaled slowly, sobering. "It's been tense. Enzo's still healing, and Father has been distant dealing with fallout from theattacks. Plus laying low means boredom." I brightened. "But he let me sit in on a big meeting the other night. I think I'm finally gaining true respect."
"That's wonderful, Natalia." Leonardo's pride warmed me. "It's about time they recognized that brilliant mind and spine of steel."
I smiled. "Still a process, but feels like progress. Anyway, I should be asking about you! Is it safe where you are?" Worry crept into my voice.
"Safe enough for now," Leonardo assured. "I'm more concerned for you though, amore. You're the one still too close to the coals. Have you given more thought to...?"
He trailed off suggestively, but I knew what he meant. Leonardo wanted me to flee the simmering dangers here and start fresh somewhere far away, just the two of us. And though part of me yearned to leave this mess behind, doubts still lingered.
"I just don't know if I'm ready to abandon my family forever," I admitted quietly. "Things are strained lately yes, but walking away completely?"
Leonardo sighed, but didn't push. "I understand, cara. I just want you someplace you can be happy and free. But as long as you're safe for now, that is enough."
His selfless patience made my heart squeeze. I wished fiercely we could be together in person again soon rather than reduced to hushed phone calls. But the threats were not gone entirely yet.
As if reading my wistful thoughts, Leonardo murmured "I wish I could be holding you in my arms right now, Natalia. This forced distance is agony." His gravelly voice sent pleasant shivers through me.
"It really is," I whispered back. "I miss waking up next to you. And oh, the other things we could be doing if you were here..." I trailed off suggestively, emboldened by our intimate separation.
A pleasured grunt rumbled through the phone. "Minx," Leonardo growled. "You can't talk like that when I'm too far away to remind you just how much trouble that mouth gets you in."
Even without seeing him, I could easily picture Leonardo's eyes smoldering, his powerful body coiled with restrained desire. Heat curled deliciously in my core. But I wasn't done teasing yet.
"Oh I don't know, I think I enjoy getting a...rise out of you," I purred, reveling in this naughty game.
Another rough noise of frustration. "Careful, my love. You may start something you can't finish."
Leonardo's gravelly warning sent a secret thrill through me. I delighted in provoking his intense passions, knowing soon we would be free to indulge them fully again. For now, simply hearing raw need creeping into his controlled voice was victory enough.
I decided to show mercy before pushing Leonardo too far into torment. We still had reality to contend with after all, and burning too hotly now could end our call prematurely.
