Page 49 of Forbidden Fruit

In the luxe fitting room, I rotated through what felt like countless dazzling outfits. But Ashley shook her head at each one critically, unsatisfied.

"It needs to be sexy but also sweet and romantic," she mused, tapping her chin. "We want an elegant look that totally fits your personality."

I surveyed the growing pile of rejected dresses, wondering if we were being too picky. But this date with Leonardo deserved an exceptional ensemble. I wanted the perfect outfit to match the magical night I was envisioning.

Finally near the back of the boutique, a gown caught my eye - floor-length blue chiffon with a beaded bodice that sparkled like stars. I emerged from the fitting room almost shyly to show Ashley, hoping she agreed this one was the winner.

Her hands flew to her mouth when she saw me, eyes lighting up. "Natalia, it's absolutely gorgeous on you!" she exclaimed. "This is definitely the one - you look like Cinderella going to the ball!"

I turned to admire the shimmering dress in the mirror, unable to stop smiling. The fine fabrics and ethereal silhouette made me feel like something from a fairy tale. Leonardo's jaw was sure to drop when he saw me in this.

Ashley and I shared a giddy grin, both thinking the same thing - Mission "find a show-stopping date outfit" was accomplished. Though the dress was a splurge, I didn't care. This night deserved only the best.

Clutching my glamorous shopping bag protectively, I floated through the rest of the afternoon on cloud nine. In just two days, I would be dressing up like a princess to meet my very own Prince Charming for our first official date. It was almost too wonderful to feel real after so much darkness and uncertainty.

At the crowded mall with Ashley, I was admiring a display of glittering jewelry when a glimpse of someone across the atrium made my stomach plummet. Even at a distance, his smug swagger looked all too familiar - Vincent, heir apparent to a rival mafia clan my family had been feuding with for ages.

I quickly stepped back, pulling Ashley with me around a pillar to block us from Vincent's view. Peering carefully around the marble column, I watched him stroll casually past the upscale shops, two tall bodyguards trailing a short distance behind. Theylooked relaxed, likely just killing time rather than hunting for me. But being recognized was too big a risk.

"We need to go, now," I whispered urgently to Ashley. Grabbing my hand trustingly, she instantly fell into step beside me without question as we swiftly wove through the afternoon crowds.

I kept my face angled away anytime Vincent's entourage drew near, ducking casually behind other shoppers. Luckily the mall was busy enough to provide ample cover. We just needed to get back to the parking lot without catching their notice.

My heart pounded as we speed-walked toward the east exit, willing Vincent to stay immersed in whatever errand had brought him here so I could slip away undetected. Just a bit farther and Ashley's car would be in sight...

Suddenly raucous laughter nearby made me freeze. Glancing cautiously over my shoulder, I spotted Vincent exiting the Apple store, still accompanied by his stone-faced guards. They were going the same direction as us, cutting off our escape route.

Thinking fast, I tugged Ashley toward a nearby department store instead. We could lay low browsing racks of clothing until Vincent passed. I just needed a few more minutes of avoiding his periphery.

Inside the crowded store, I angled us behind displays, keeping my back to the entrance. Ashley shot me curious glances butdidn't speak, waiting for me to explain later. Grateful for her quick compliance, I squeezed her hand and managed a tense smile. Just a little longer...

After several agonizing minutes and seeing no sign of Vincent, I dared to peer out toward the mall corridor again. Relief crashed over me seeing it empty - somehow we'd managed to duck out of view and avoid notice. The coast was finally clear.

Keeping up a casual, leisurely pace now, Ashley and I made our way safely out to her car without catching any more glimpses of Vincent and his guards. Only once the locks clicked safely once we were inside did I finally relax, letting out a shaky exhale. That had been too close for comfort.

On the drive home, I hesitantly tried to explain to Ashley who exactly we'd been avoiding at the mall. I kept mafia details vague for now, but said enough that she understood seeing that man meant serious trouble.

Ashley just shook her head and reached over to squeeze my hand. "I don't need details. But Nat, whatever you've gotten yourself mixed up in, I'm here, okay? We're in this together."

Her steadfast loyalty even in the face of unknown dangers brought tears to my eyes. Tonight had proven yet again that with Ashley by my side, I could survive anything.

After the close call seeing Vincent at the mall, I realized how dumb and risky it was being out in public with zero security.Vincent's old-money mafia clan has hated mine for generations. If he'd recognized me just casually shopping with Ashley, things could've ended really badly.

Ashley kept peering over at me in the car, clearly noticing how tense I looked. "Don't beat yourself up too much," she finally said gently. "I mean, how could you have known that guy would randomly show up too?"

I just shook my head, consumed with guilt. It was so stupid letting Ashley get tangled up in the messy web of grudges and danger surrounding my family. She knows nothing about that sinister world. I should've been looking out to protect her.

"Natalia, listen," Ashley said in a firmer tone, waiting until I met her earnest gaze. "Being your friend and being there for you will always be way more important to me than playing it safe, okay? Whatever's going on with your family, we're in this completely together."

Her fierce, unwavering loyalty hit me hard in that moment. Even after witnessing the reckless risks I'd taken today, endangering us both, loyal Ashley still wasn't about to abandon or judge me. I really didn't deserve such an amazing friend, but damn was I grateful to have her steadfast support. We were sisters now - and that meant we always had each other's backs.

Anyway, after all the fraught emotions of our near miss at the mall, we were both more than ready to move on to lighter conversation topics once we got back to Ashley's place.

Always adept at distracting me from anxious thoughts, Ashley immediately started chatting blithely about styling my hair and makeup for the big romantic date night. She really does have a special talent for pulling me out of even my darkest moods and making me smile again.

"Oooh girl, I just remembered - I know the absolute most perfect shoes that are going to look killer with your princess gown!" she exclaimed later, eyes lighting up.

Of course, her next insistently brilliant idea was that we obviously needed to go right back downtown again so I could try on the divine shoes immediately. I probably should've resisted and played it safer, but Ashley was so enthusiastic, and well...she's also pretty much impossible to say no to once she sets her mind on something.

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