But Too Well

XXII : Allies

"THANKS FOR AGREEING to meet with me." I give her my sincerest smile, and she smiles back, though in her dark eyes I can see the caution, the hesitation.

For a moment we just look at each other, and the first thought in my head is wow she's gorgeous. Beautiful. High cheekbones, flawless skin, perfectly sculpted eyebrows. No wonder my brother is head over heels in love with her. And her dark features definitely remind me of Nero's. I wonder how I didn't see the resemblance sooner.

"So..." I squirm a little, trying to figure out how to say what I want so say. Parts of my stomach, churning, tell me to abandon this mission, but my mind is made up. I have to do this.

I take a deep breath, my voice honest. "I know about you and Nero."

Immediately, her face darkens, every part of her defensive. She narrows her eyes, ready to strike, but I hold up my hands in surrender, shaking my head vehemently, assuring her that I mean no harm.

"I'm not accusing you of anything," I promise, offering a small smile. "I just... want to talk to you about something."

I think she can see the honesty beneath my words, and her shoulders slacken, her features relaxing. "It's not what you think, Rosalyn." Her eyes meet mine, almost pleading. "I'm not like him, you know."

Her words comfort me, give me the courage to continue, to tell her what I've been planning to all along.

"And I believe you. I just..."

She leans in ever so slightly, waiting to hear what I have to say. I see she's curious, her coffee untouched in front her, her dark eyes glued onto mine. "What is this about?"

And, taking a deep breath, I tell her. I tell her everything. Okay, almost everything. I tell her about being Nero's neighbor, about witnessing a crime in the making, about how the men in my life are all unwittingly working against him, and it makes my life a living hell.

And man she's a good listener. She nods and smiles and grimaces and lends her sympathy. Of course I leave out certain parts... I don't mention the kissing or touching or those looks or... any of that.

And when I end with a huff of breath, it feels like a huge load has been lifted from my shoulders—I haven't felt this light, this weightless, in a long time.

When I'm done, Natalia looks at me differently. Sympathetic, yes, but, understanding. Respectful. I realize that she and I are kinda in the same boat, really. Her boyfriend is on the opposite team, against everyone she knows. She's at odds with her entire family.

I imagine she feels guilty, everyday, keeping it all from Daniel. Which reminds me...

"You and Daniel are..." I hate to ask it. It makes me feel like a terrible person, like such a bitch. But I need to know, for my brother's sake. "Real, right?"

I expect her to look hurt but she just looks tired, and she gives me a wan smile. "I get that you must worry about him, knowing everything that you know." She sips her coffee, and I do the same. "I love your brother, Rosalyn."

The way she says it, open, honest, sincere—I believe her completely. I see it in her eyes, the ones that remind me of Nero. Except her eyes are far kinder, I realize.

"I wouldn't do anything to hurt him and... you should know, Nero and I are a part of two different worlds."

God, you have know idea how much I wanted to hear that. The smile I give her, relieved and friendly, trusting, earns me one back.

"This whole thing has been eating at me for so long..." My voice is quiet, emotional. Damn hormones. "You have no idea what it means for me to be able to tell someone." Natalia gives me a beautiful smile, taking my hand gently across the table.