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As Bruno sputtered in shock, I darted away, weaving through tables. Just as bouncers appeared to grab me, I managed to run and hide under a table, my heart racing with exhilaration.
Spying a tiny opening between a group of drunken men, I squeezed myself into the tight space, trying to calm my frantic breathing. Peering over someone's shoulder, I watched Bruno angrily scouring the bar, demanding people move aside so he could find me.
My heart pounded. I was trapped here until he gave up or was thrown out. The drinkers pressed in around me, oblivious to my predicament. I had wanted excitement and adventure, but this was more than I'd prepared for.
Despite the danger, I couldn't help laughing. The image of Bruno's stunned expression covered in peanuts and shells was priceless. But I shouldn't press my luck - it was time to get out of here.
After several agonizing minutes, I saw Bruno stomp angrily towards the exit. Relief crashed over me.
I stayed hidden for a few more minutes, just to be sure. Finally I crept out from my cramped hiding place, keeping my head down. I just had to make it to the shadowy back corner of the bar and find the back exit without attracting attention.
I was halfway across the room when rough hands grabbed my shoulders from behind. "Thought you could get away that easy?" Bruno snarled in my ear.
Panic surged through me. I drove my elbow back into Bruno's gut, ducking under his arms when he loosened his grip. I had to get away, fast.
As I run, I couldn’t believe what my eyes were watching, I spotted Leonardo's dark head bent over a drink at the bar.
I sprinted desperately toward Leonardo, trying to escape Bruno's grasp. But in my haste, my foot caught on a chair leg and I lurched forward uncontrollably.
Time seemed to slow down as I realized I was going to crash right into Leonardo. I squeezed my eyes shut, bracing for impact.
With an "oomph!" I slammed into Leonardo's solid chest, knocking him completely off his feet.
We tumbled to the ground in a tangled, graceless heap. I landed on top of Leonardo, my elbow digging into his gut. He let out a pained groan beneath me.
"Oh my god, I'm so sorry!" I squeaked, mortified. I tried to roll off of him but my foot was somehow still caught on the chair.
"Well hello to you too," Leonardo chuckled, though he winced as he shifted underneath me. "If you wanted to get close, all you had to do was ask."
My face burned crimson. This was so embarrassingly awkward. "I swear, I didn't mean to attack you like this," I stammered.
With Leonardo's help, I finally untangled my foot and scrambled up. Mortified, I smoothed my mussed hair as Leonardo rose to his feet, chuckling. "Fancy running into you here," Leonardo grunted, though his eyes sparkled with amusement.
Our awkward entanglement was briefly forgotten though when Bruno stormed over.
Leonardo’s strong arms wrapped around me.
"You think that's funny?" he snarled at me. "You're going to pay for making a fool out of me, you little-"
Leonardo stepped forward, cutting him off. Though he was leaner than the bulky Bruno, Leonardo radiated deadly power. "I believe the lady asked you to leave her alone," Leonardo said softly.
Bruno scoffed, though a flicker of unease crossed his features. "Yeah? And who's going to make me?"
In a blur, Leonardo grabbed Bruno by the throat and slammed him down onto a nearby table, rattling glasses. Bruno's eyes bugged out in shock. No one dared intervene.
Leonardo held him pinned tightly. "Let's get something straight," he said, his tone lethally calm. "This woman is off limits. Come near her again, and they'll be cleaning your blood off the floor. Are we clear?"
Bruno made a choking sound. Leonardo eased up just enough for Bruno to gasp out, "Crystal clear, man. I won't bother her again."
Leonardo released him. Bruno slunk away quickly, not looking back. Adrenaline and desire coursed through me seeing Leonardo's fierce protection.
Leonardo's turned around and looked at me with his piercing eyes. Confusion registered on his handsome features. "Natalia. What are you doing here?"
"I had to see you," I confessed in a rush. Reckless or not, I didn't regret coming here tonight. No rules or reason could keep me from him any longer.
Leonardo's initial surprise melted into a look of heated desire. Without another word between us, he took my hand firmly in his and led me toward a darkened corner, ready to steal another beautiful moment despite the danger surrounding us.
Leonardo pulled me close, his strong arms wrapping around my waist. "You continue to surprise me, Natalia," he murmured, his eyes roaming my face.
