New York Lovers { The Backstories }

2 | Heartbeats

Slight trigger warning: throwing up / vomiting

Serafina's pov - January 1999

Time had flown by since that passionate night with Leonardo.

I never could have predicted how quickly things would progress between us. We were inseparable, constantly going out for drinks, indulging in shopping sprees at his insistence, and simply relishing each other's company. It felt as if we had known each other for ages.

Recently, I had been staying at his place more often than not, and last night was no exception. As I lay curled up in his bed, cocooned in the warmth of his oversized hoodie, a sudden wave of nausea hit me like a freight train.

My head spun and my stomach churned, threatening to expel its contents at any moment.

My eyes finally snapped open, and I was immediately jolted into action, my body reacting before my mind could even process what was happening.

I launched out of bed, the cold floor beneath my bare feet sending a shiver up my spine as I stumbled towards the bathroom.

The urge to vomit was overwhelming, and I could feel it rising in my throat as I frantically gripped onto the door frame for support.

Behind me, I could hear Leonardo's heavy footsteps, a clear sign that he had been roused from his deep slumber.

He knelt down next to me, pulling back my hair and rubbing soothing circles on my back as I emptied the contents of my stomach into the toilet. "It's okay, my love...take your time," his voice, laced with sleep, was like a beacon of comfort in the midst of my discomfort.

Even in his groggy state, he was so attentive and caring, filling my heart with warmth and gratitude

As I leaned over the toilet, struggling to steady my shaky hands, every detail from that night came rushing back with a merciless force.

The way our bodies pressed together with an insatiable need, the sound of our laughter filling the air like music, the taste of his lips on mine... But amidst the haze of memories, a sudden realization hit me like a ton of bricks.

Did we use protection?

My eyes darted towards him, searching for any sign or confirmation. My heart raced and my chest tightened with fear.

"Did you remember to use a condom?" I couldn't help but ask, my voice trembling uncontrollably.

For a brief moment, Leonardo's face remained emotionless as he tried to recall the details of that passionate night.

And then it happened - his eyes widened ever so slightly, a small flicker of recognition glinting in them. Like a knife piercing through my gut, I felt pure panic wash over me.

Not just from the memory of our wild night together, but from the terrifying possibility that we may have made a grave mistake.

My mind was spinning, my heart pounding as I tried to process the news. "Okay, wait, wait," he stammered, still half in shock but trying to be the calm one.

His voice sounded distant, like it was coming from underwater. "Let's just... let's just breathe for a second, okay?" He pulled me into his arms, his touch warm and steady as he rubbed soothing circles on my back.

I could feel the tension slowly easing out of my body with each gentle stroke. His words were a soft murmur in my ear, whispering sweet promises and reassurances.

For a moment, I let myself sink into his embrace, seeking solace and security in his arms.

After a few deep breaths, we managed to calm down enough to think rationally.