During the Thunderstorm (Natural Disaster) ✔

Chapter Twenty-Three

Ally didn't have to wait long for Federico to arrive.

Either he lived close to the campus, or he was nearby. Or he drove like a maniac, that could also be an option, though it sounded like the least probable. He was worried, but not enough to endanger his life.

One moment, Ally was there, sitting on the sofa and listening to excellent music; and the next one, a hand was touching her shoulder. She looked up and was excited to see Federico there in the flesh.

God, did he look better in person. So much better. The photos he'd sent her did no justice. Nor her dream could compare to this.

A large beam cracked in her face, she couldn't help it, and she jumped from her seat and threw her arms around him. And oh God, his shoulders and back! His woodsy, fresh, and delicious cologne!

"Hey," Federico said, breathless—perhaps because she was choking him. His large and muscular arms surrounded the lower of her back. They felt like steady bands like he was unwilling to let her go. A thrill rushed through her as she pressed herself closer to him, feeling every contour of his hard body meshing against her soft one.

He was really here. Because of her. And she shouldn't be glad to see him. She should tell him they couldn't see each other anymore. She should be mad at him. But she was so damn happy to have him there. That was the effect he had on her, it made her lightweight. And she would worry about everything tomorrow.

For now, she was going to bask under Federico's presence and his smile, and his spectacular arms.

Besides, it would be rude to shoo him away after he had come because of her.

"Miss me?" Federico teased, his hot breath against her ear. She shivered as she pushed away and got lost in his green, amused eyes.

"Just a tiny bit," She said, squinting her eyes and pinching her fingers. "I mean, I didn't have a reason to be distracted from studying this week. It was terrible how little procrastination time I had. My brain is fried."

One of the corners of his lip tugged up as he shook his head. "Awful, we have to remedy that." When Ally nodded with eagerness, his mouth turned into a full smile. "Let's get you out of here."

At this point, he could be taking her to a hellhole to bury her and she would follow him gladly.

To hellhole and beyond.

Federico stepped back but didn't give her much space. And when she started limping, he wrapped one of his wonderful arms behind her back and carried half of her weight without a protest.

She glanced up at him, and he leaned closer, his intoxicating cologne invading her space. She took a shameless deep breath.

"Your ankle," He explained. She nodded, placing one hand on his shoulder for purchase, of course.

Who was she to deny his helpful arm? Not a complete idiot, obviously.

It was a miracle they didn't find anyone on the way out. Actually, it wasn't. The frat house was packed. It was a miracle Federico found her so fast.

Once they were out and able to have a decent conversation without attacking each other's personal space—much to her dismay—Ally craned her neck up to him.

"How did you even find me in there?"

"I asked after the girl who sucks at dancing and hurt her ankle. You made an impression in there," He teased, his eyes glimmered. God, she even missed his terrible teasing and his sparkling eyes. Green olive and sparkly. So unfair to have such pretty eyes.

"Hey!" She was far from indignant. "It was criminal not to dance. You heard the music. Amazing."

He chuckled, his chest brushing against her side, and she felt a pressure building in her stomach and lower down.