Pieces Of A Broken Past.

Leone and Evelina lay in bed, wrapped in each other's arms. The soft glow of the bedside lamp cast warm shadows on the walls, and the faint sounds of the city outside were barely audible.

Leone held her tightly, his arms firm around her as though afraid she might vanish if he let go. His eyes were closed, his breathing steady, but there was a tension in his hold that Evelina couldn't ignore.

Her cheeks flushed as she gazed at his face, her thoughts racing. This is the second time Leone has asked me to stay. If this isn't progress, I don't know what is.

"What are you thinking so hard about?" Leone's voice was low and soft as he opened his eyes, their piercing gaze locking onto hers.

"Oh, it's nothing…" Evelina replied quickly, her heart skipping at how easily he could read her.

"Evelina…" he murmured, his voice almost contemplative. "I didn't foresee myself actually hugging… someone else."