Page 46 of Forbidden Fruit

"Actually, there was this girl Bree who came over and started insulting me out of nowhere. She acted like Derek was herproperty." I shook my head, bemused by the absurd territorial display.

Ashley made a disgusted sound. "Ugh, sounds like Bree. She's got a reputation for being super petty and jealous when it comes to guys. It's pathetic really."

I nodded slowly, debating how much to reveal about my observations. "I noticed she was wearing a ring with a sort of crest on it. Looked almost like a family emblem." I kept my tone light, not wanting to worry Ashley.

"Oh yeah, she loves showing off that gaudy thing like it makes her royalty or something," Ashley said with an eye roll. "I think her family is old money, so probably some ancestral coat of arms nonsense."

I hummed noncommittally, not wanting to drag Ashley into darker realities. But I recognized that insignia - it belonged to a notorious mafia clan, one allied with my parents. Bree was Mafia nobility, just like me.

We walked in thoughtful silence for a few moments. I wrestled with wanting to shield Ashley from ugly truths, while also honoring our honest friendship.

Finally, I spoke up hesitantly. "Ash, maybe you should be careful around Bree, with her being jealous and...connected. I don't want you getting hurt."

Ashley waved off my concern breezily. "Puh-lease, I can handle Queen Bree and her little minions. But thanks for looking out." She elbowed me playfully. "That's sweet of you, new girl."

I laughed, letting the matter drop for now. Ashley's cheerful spirit was indomitable. And I realized she was likely safer not knowing the dark roots coiling beneath the shiny facade here. Ignorance could be bliss.

Linking my arm through hers, I changed topics to happier things. "Any other cute boys I should know about before they come drooling over my best friend?" I teased.

Ashley grinned mischievously. "Girl, do I have some juicy picks..."

The rest of our leisurely walk was filled with Ashley's witty gossip and observations about classmates, along with plans for a girls' spa day. I shook my head, smiling at her antics.

After Ashley finished her last class, we went out for a sugary caffeine boost before heading home. I basked in the cozy normalcy of chatting over frappes, nothing but laughter and stories between us. A perfectly ordinary end to an extraordinary day.

Pulling up outside Ashley's house, I turned to her with utmost sincerity. "Thank you again for today. I can't remember the last time I laughed so much or felt so...normal."

The rest of the evening passed uneventfully. Ashley and I ordered takeout and watched silly movies until late, determined to end the day on a lighthearted note.

As I lay in bed that night, feeling more centered than I had in ages, my thoughts turned to Leonardo. I hoped wherever he was, whatever darkness he faced, some small flicker of light could sustain him too until we were reunited.

Because today had proven even a single ray piercing the gloom could make all the difference. My spirit felt fortified having glimpsed the possibilities ahead if Leonardo and I dared reach for something new together, far from the sins of our fathers.

But those dreams would have to wait for now. Tomorrow the harsh light of reality would creep in again, no doubt bringing fresh uncertainties and dangers. There were still demons to be faced down before we could glimpse a better future.

Enzo’s POV:

After getting Natalia out of that hellhole, I needed some time alone to clear my head. Sending her off into the night unprotected went against every protective instinct I had. But it was the only call I could make in that moment.

Fact was, it wasn't safe for her there anymore. Not with our father losing his damn mind, spewing all kinds of venomous trash about "disloyal daughters." I don't know what's gotten intohim lately, but it's bad. He's turned paranoid, violent. Wasn't always like this.

Maybe getting Natalia away was foolish in his eyes. But I don't regret it. She's my little sister. Keeping her safe is all that matters to me. Away from the old man's crazy rants and irrational temper. From the ugly scheme he has brewing. I had overheard his ghastly plans, orders for men to track down the mystery boy he suspected of "poisoning" his daughter against her family and.... well…

But I had gotten there first, delivering Natalia from this viper's nest before she could come to harm

I know Natalia can handle herself better than most give her credit for. She's got more steel in her spine and fire in her belly than half our made guys. Probably my fault, letting her tag along and get mixed up in family dealings when she was young.

But I won't apologize for it. Taught her to be strong, stand up for herself. She'll need those guts now more than ever. And that wild streak will keep her moving, stop her becoming a victim. My sister's a fighter. She'll be okay.

Still doesn't mean I can rest easy. Not while she's out there dealing with this chaos alone, trying to make sense of it. Natalia feels things deeply, takes losses and betrayals to heart. I need to get to her soon, explain face to face.

And I gotta find out who this mystery guy she's supposedly been sneaking around with is. Because if Father discovered his identity, there'll be hell to pay. He's out for blood, ranting about revenge and family honor. The situation's likely to explode any day.

I should've tried harder to get through to the old man, make him see reason. Remind him family comes before this nonsense about saving face and retaliation. We've lost too much already thanks to hot tempers.

But he's too far gone in the paranoid rage and bitterness now. Won't listen to anything but the vengeance whispering in his ear, egging him on. Poisoning him against his own. I don't know how to turn this thing around anymore.

All I can do is try to protect Natalia from becoming collateral damage. Get her away someplace he'll never think to look. Easier said than done with her stubbornness and thirst for adventure.

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