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"Roman?" Victor chuckles, the sound rich and warm. "Oh, he's perpetually twelve, I swear. But," he adds, flashing me a playful grin, "the boyish charm seems to be a hit with the ladies."
I can't help but laugh, but then I notice a subtle shift in his posture. A tension in his broad shoulders that wasn't there a moment ago. My smile fades a little, replaced by concern. I close the gap between us, instinctively wrapping my arms around him. His embrace is immediate, enveloping me in a sense of safety that's hard to describe—it's right in a way that fills me with warmth yet wrong because it reminds me of all the barriers still standing tall between us.
"Feels a bit like we're dancing on a tightrope, doesn't it?" I murmur into his chest, my words slightly muffled.
Victor's arms tighten around me, and he lets out a long sigh. "Let's not worry about the fall right now," he whispers back, his breath stirring the hair near my ear. "For now, just remember how right this feels... We'll figure out the rest later."
There's a promise in his voice, and I nod against him, letting myself sink into the moment, wishing time would slow down and let us linger here a little while longer.
The chime of the doorbell slices through the air, and Victor's body goes rigid beside me. His blue eyes flicker with something unreadable as he pulls away from our embrace.
"Hey, why so jumpy?" I ask, tilting my head to catch his gaze.
He rubs the back of his neck, a small frown etching his brow. "I don't know," he admits, voice trailing off. "It's just... it's been a year since we've all been in one place. We text, sure, but..."
I nod, understanding the unspoken worries swirling behind his stormy eyes. "They're your family, Victor. They love you. There's nothing to be nervous about."
His lips twitch into a half-smile, appreciation lighting up his features. "Yeah, you're right."
Together, we move towards the door, steps in sync. I reach out and turn the handle, pulling it open. On the other side stand two men, their presence commanding, each distinctly different from the other.
Two men stand at the forefront – Lawrence, with his fiery red hair and sharp hazel eyes, practically vibrating with energy. Beside him, Sebastian cuts a more reserved figure, his black-rimmed glasses perched on his nose as he surveys us with a thoughtful gaze.
But it's the woman who truly catches my eye. Her emerald hair cascades over her shoulders, and vibrant tattoos adorn her skin – a tapestry of flowers and vines that seem to dance in the light. Despite her fierce appearance, there's a warmth in her eyes that immediately puts me at ease.
Victor clears his throat. "Guys, I'd like you to meet–"
Victor's introduction is cut short as Roman bursts through the balcony doors, Olivia perched on his shoulders, both grinning from ear to ear.
"Hey, the gang's all here!" Roman exclaims, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the newcomers.
Victor chuckles, some of the tension visibly leaving his shoulders. "As I was saying, this is–"
"I'm Olivia!" my daughter chimes in, waving enthusiastically from her lofty position.
I can't help but laugh. "And I'm Avery, Olivia's mom. It's great to meet you all."
Victor nods, gesturing to each person in turn. "Lawrence, Sebastian, and this is Willow, Lawrence's wife."
Willow steps forward, her tattoos seeming to shimmer as she moves. "It's lovely to meet you both," she says, her voice warm and melodic.
The guys exchange hearty handshakes and back-slaps, their joy at being reunited evident. I watch Victor's face, seeing his earlier anxiety melt away in the presence of his friends.
"C'mon, Liv," Roman says, turning back towards the balcony. "Let's catch the rest of the parade!"
As they disappear outside, Victor ushers us all towards the kitchen. "I've got breakfast ready. Shall we?"
We settle around the large island, the aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries filling the air. I find myself wedged between Victor and Sebastian, acutely aware of Victor's knee brushing against mine under the counter.
"So," Lawrence says, reaching for a croissant, "whatdo you all do these days? It's been too long since we've caught up properly."
Sebastian adjusts his glasses. "Still running the software company. We've expanded into AI now, actually."
I feel a knot forming in my stomach. These are Victor's successful friends, and I'm just... me.
"That's fantastic," Willow says, her eyes sparkling with interest. "I've been working on sustainable agriculture projects. It's challenging, but rewarding."
Lawrence nods proudly. "And the shipping company's doing well. We've gone international this year."