Leonora Bernardi locked in the dark. Hurt for most of her life, scared of her own shadow. Not knowing what the outside world is like, she's the epitome of innocence. One look at her and it's like her aura could light up the room.
Nikolai Volkov fut...
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Rubatosis: - the unsettling awareness of your heartbeat.
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Leonora POV
"Nora!"
A small body crashes into me from behind, little arms wrapping around my hips as I stumble forward. I smile already knowing who this cutie is behind me.
"H-hi Alexei." I say turning around so I can see him better. He holds his arms out to me before I pick up him, his little legs wrapping around me tightly like a life vest. I see my papa give Anastasia a small hug out the corner of my eye before she frowns and makes our way towards us.
"L-look how b-big you've g-gotten." I giggle, moving to tickle his sides as Alexei writhes in my arms. How is it possible that he's already bigger and it hasn't even been that long since I've last seen him.
"Alexei what have I told you about Leonora's leg?" Anastasia scolded, before moving over to my side and leaving a kiss on my cheek. Alexei holds onto his mother, his warmth now leaving my arms.
"T-thats okay. My p-papa said I m-might be able t-to get it o-off in a w-week or two." I say, pointing towards the large boot on my leg. The pain has pretty much gone at this point, but the boot is beginning to become a pain, the heavy weight of it feeling like my leg's being suffocated. I also haven't been able to shave that part of my leg since I've had the boot on, so I already know I'm going to look like a hairy bear once it comes off.
"That healed quickly then. I knew your daughter was strong Armando." Viktor said coming round to give Anastasia a hug from behind, a smile directed my way. My papa chuckles patting Viktor on the back.
"It's good to see you Leonora." I give him a warm smile in return. These people are like a second family to me.
"Son." Viktor nods. I move to turn around but Nikolai's arms come around me, my back to his front. Viktor looks at me before moving back to Nikolai a nod to his head and a small forming on his face.
"I know you and your family only just got here Viktor but I must press caution. The quicker we get this meeting done, the earlier we can get work started and you can spend time with your family." My papa said, straightening out his jacket.
"Of course Armando. And who... will be attending this meeting other than us?" Viktor said. I can see the quick glance he sends my way.
Papa looks towards me before making his way forward, Nikolai tightening his hold on me. I fiddle with the ring around my finger as anxiety grips my body in a tight hold. Nikolai's hands now coming to hold mine.
"I'd like it if you could join us Leonora. I know it might be hard for you to talk about... him, and what he did to you. But it would really help us out bambina." Papa said. My eyes widen in worry. I don't want to talk about what happened down there. Those are were the monsters lurk. Where he lurks.
