Page 17 of Forbidden Fruit

Ashley: Any ideas yet for your prison break this weekend???

I quickly typed back: I think I have the beginnings of a plan! The tree outside my window is key. Maybe you could call the house that night and keep whichever guard is on duty occupied for a few minutes?

Ashley: Oooh look at you with the sneaky schemes! I like it. Just say the word and I'll make that call happen!

Relief swelled within me. With Ashley's help, I might just pull this off.

Natalia: You're the absolute best, Ash! I'll keep you posted on the exact time. Operation Secret Rendezvous is officially in motion!??

Ashley: Yessss! So excited for you babe! Go get your man!??

I set my phone down with a giddy smile. The thrill of covert plans and my rebellious streak was rising. This mafia princess was determined to defy all the rules and restraints to get a taste of adventure and passion.

Let Father keep me under lock and key. With Leonardo waiting, I now had all the motivation I needed to break free. Nothing could keep us apart - not when we burned for each other with such fiery intensity. The forbidden only made our connection more electric.

This weekend, come hell or high water, I would feel Leonardo's arms around me again. And all my father's impotent rage couldn't stop it. I wasn't his naive little doll anymore.

I was looking up discreet transportation options for Saturday when a knock at my door made me jump. Before I could react, Enzo poked his head in.

"Hey sis, mind if I come in?"

I quickly hid my phone and waved him inside, heart still racing. Enzo sat on the edge of my bed with a weary sigh.

"How are you holding up in solitary confinement here?" he asked, giving me a little smile. But I could see the stress lines on his face had deepened lately.

"Oh you know, going stir crazy as usual," I replied lightly.

Enzo nodded. "I know Father's rules seem harsh..." He hesitated. "But he's just trying to protect you, Natalia. This life we lead, it's dangerous."

My carefree facade cracked a little. "I'm not a child anymore, Enzo. I can handle some danger."

"I know you think that. But there are threats out there you don't understand," Enzo said seriously. "Like what almost happened the other night when you snuck out."

I looked away, a twinge of guilt hitting me. Enzo put a hand on my shoulder. "Recklessness will only put you at greater risk, little sis. Please just try to understand where Father is coming from."

I knew Enzo meant well, but frustration simmered inside me. I was tired of being shut away and underestimated. But arguing would get me nowhere. So I bit my tongue and simply nodded.

Enzo studied me for a moment. "Come on Natalia, talk to me. I know you must be feeling cooped up and restless in here."

I shrugged, avoiding his gaze. "I mean...it's not ideal being stuck in my room so much. But I get that Father wants to protect me."

"It's more than that though, isn't it?" Enzo prodded gently. When I didn't respond, he continued.

"Sis, you've always been daring, eager to push boundaries and limitations. I admire that fire in you. But this life demands a high level of...discretion."

I bristled at the implication. "You think I'm too reckless then? That I don't know how to be careful?"

Enzo held up his hands. "I didn't mean it like that. I know you're smart and capable. But even with the best intentions, your boldness could put you in jeopardy."

I looked away, unwilling to show Enzo how much his words stung. Did he really view me as a liability, a weak link?

Enzo touched my shoulder, forcing me to meet his earnest gaze again. "All I want is for you to be safe. We've lost too much already."

My defiant anger wavered at the grief shadowing his eyes. I knew Enzo still carried the weight of our mother's death years ago. In his mind, keeping me protected was a way to redeem that tragic failure.

I placed my hand over his. "I know," I said quietly. "And I understand why Father and you worry so much. But you have to trust me to find the right balance in my own way, Enzo. I don't want to live in fear."

He studied me a long moment, then nodded. "Alright. I can try to loosen the reins a little. Just...promise me you'll be careful?"

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