Leo's heart ached. He could feel her fear radiating through her trembling body. He wrapped both arms around her and gently kissed the top of her head.
"You don't have to answer anything you don't want to."
Bella buried her face deeper against his chest.
Leo continued holding her, his hand moving in slow, soothing circles on her back.
"We'll go together," he said softly. "And if at any point you feel uncomfortable, we'll leave. No questions asked. I promise."
Bella was silent for a long moment. Her grip on his shirt slowly loosened.
"...Really?" Her voice was small and uncertain.
Leo nodded. "Really."
Bella looked up at him. Her eyes were still red and swollen but something in them had shifted. A small spark of trust.
"...Okay." She whispered.
Leo smiled. "Okay."
He kissed her forehead again.
"Thank you for trusting me, bunny."
⊹₊˚‧︵‿₊୨୧₊‿︵‧˚₊⊹
The atmosphere inside the old Moretti mansion had changed completely.
