Ch. 136..140: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 136-140

Chapter 136: Stars on the Ground

After buying some healthy take-away food that Reiner approved of, we headed towards our car. I didn’t know where Reiner was going to take me, and I could guess that he wouldn’t tell me even if I asked. So, I didn’t ask and just waited to see where he would take me to. Reiner seemed to be much more relaxed than before as if the ice wall between us has melted. He seemed to be enjoying our date and that made me very delighted. Our conversation flowed much easier now and he seemed to be open with me.

It was getting a bit dark as the sun had already set by the time, we left the mall. Reiner drove us somewhere that was uphill. Are we going to see something up there?

“Is the place far?” I asked curiously as the car continued its way up the winding road.

“Nope...we’ll probably be there in around ten minutes,” Reiner replied as he squeezed my hand slightly, his eyes never leaving the road.

I guess I’ll just have to wait and see. True to his words, in less than ten minutes we arrived at our destination. Reiner parked the car in a small parking lot on the side of the road. I wonder where we are, we were up quite high on a hill somewhere close to the city. I couldn’t see what could be described as a ‘place’ as I looked around. All I could see was the road we were on with dark forests to both sides, and it was starting to give me the creeps.

Reiner opened the passenger door on my side, and I took the hand he offered as I got off the car. If Reiner isn’t by my side right now, I would probably have a slight panic attack at how dark and deserted this place is. Not to mention that we were surrounded my dark forests on both sides. I pressed a hand on my chest, feeling my erratic heartbeat, I need to get a hold of myself.

“I’m here, Natalia,” Reiner whispered calmly into my ears, and he hugged me closer to his side. He probably sensed that I was starting to feel scared.

“Where are we going?” I asked Reiner in a shaky voice.

“Get on,” Reiner instructed instead of replying to my question as he knelt down with his back turned towards me.

Get on...as in get on his back? No...right?

“You mean, like...get on your back?” I asked hesitantly. His actions were clear that he wanted me to climb on his back, but I did not imagine a piggyback ride as part of our date today.

“Of course, what else? Get on,” Reiner replied impatiently.

“I can walk now...I’ll walk myself,” I began protesting. Getting on his back is a little too embarrassing...even considering all the other things that we’ve already done.

“Through there? You sure?” Reiner turned his head to face me and asked while pointing his finger into the deep and dark woods. Oh...my god...

My eyes followed the direction of his finger and I gulped. There is no way, I am going in there.

“No...we’re not...I’m not going in there,” I replied stubbornly. I don’t know what lay on the other side of that thick mess, but I know that it is not worth it.

“Get on my back, Natalia or I’ll throw you over my shoulder. Which is it?” Reiner said, completely seriously. No!

“Ok! I’ll...get on your back...” I mumbled grudgingly. Reiner bent down lower, and I climbed onto his back.

I wrapped my arms around his neck as he stood up effortlessly. Wow...if he acts like this it will get to my head. I mean, he’s acting like I’m light as a feather. Maybe I don’t need to go on a diet anymore! However, deep down I knew that I was not light for a girl of my size and height...Reiner is just crazy strong. With one hand under my hips, he took out a flashlight with the other.

“If you’re scared; just close your eyes, ok? It’s a short walk anyways,” Reiner said comfortingly as he began walking forward.

I have no recollection of what happened next or where we went because when I saw that we were indeed approaching the woods, I immediately closed my eyes. I heard the wind, the sound of Reiner walking on what must be leaves and occasional leaves brushing against my arms and knees; however, apart from these sensations, I didn’t know or feel anything else.

After a while, Reiner stopped walking and I felt him bend down. We must have arrived.

“You can get off now and open your eyes, Natalia. There’s nothing to be afraid of,” Reiner said encouragingly, and I slowly opened my eyes.

“Wow...” I cried out in amazement at the sight before me.

“Pretty impressive, right?” Reiner said with a small laugh before I felt his warm lips brushing against my forehead.

“Yes, it truly is...” I whispered in awe as I continued to stare at the view before us.

It was dark now and in front of us we could see the night view of the entire city. The city lights looked like stars that have fallen to the ground, and it stretch as far as my eyes could see. I never knew we could see a view like this up on a hill nearby the city. This was a view that I thought we could only see up on observatory decks in the city center. I wonder how Reiner knew of such a romantic spot...he must have been here before with someone special. That girl must be so lucky, I thought to myself with a slight feeling of jealousy.

Since I’ve been busy admiring the view, I had completely forgotten that I was still being carried on Reiner’s back. I should get down already...

“R...you can put me down now,” I whispered shyly.

Reiner slowly lowered me down. I felt the ground beneath my feet again as I stood next to him. I took his hand in mine and leaned my head on his arm. He feels so warm although it was quite windy up here.

“How did you find this place? Did you come up here for dates with other girls too?” I asked teasingly.

“No...I came here for work,” Reiner replied dispassionately.

Chapter 137: Hidden Truths

“You came for work...here? Are you sure you didn’t come here to slack-off from work?” I asked as I laugh. How could he or anyone work here? Apart from the amazing view, there was nothing else here.

Reiner did not reply to my question, instead he started to lay out a large mat on the grass clearing that we were standing on. Someone was well prepared as always. Guess we’ll be having a late-night picnic together at this place. Awesome!

I sat down immediately when Reiner was done setting up. I know I wasn’t the one who walked here, I was carried, but I still felt a little tired from the fear and excitement of our journey here. It was good to sit down and relax while gazing at the view. The city was lit with so many beautiful lights and the sight was mesmerizing. Looking down from where we were I could see the winding road that we must have taken to reach this place.

Reiner brought out the food and we started eating. We talked about random things to pass the time. The food didn’t interest me, so I finished eating in almost no time at all. Reiner hugged my body to his from behind as he continued to enjoy our conversation, the view and the light breeze.

“You know, I know so little about you. Mind telling me more about you?” I asked abruptly.

“What do you want to know?” Reiner replied flatly after some thought.

“Random things like...how old you are? Where were you born? Do you have any siblings? What you were like growing up?” I replied eagerly with a list of things I could think of at the top of my head that I wanted to know about Reiner.

“I’m 30. I was born in this country. I don’t have any siblings. I was an ordinary kid growing up,” Reiner replied emotionlessly.

“I see...” I replied blankly. What else was I expecting? I sighed softly at his unanimated response.

The conversation came to an awkward standstill as Reiner refused to offer further information and I wasn’t sure what else to ask. Actually, I had many things I wanted to ask but I feared being greeted with the same type of responses. This is a lot more challenging than I thought. Well, no pain no gain is what they always say.

“Do you have any hobbies?” I asked.

“I don’t have time for hobbies,” Reiner replied.

“What is your favorite food?” I asked.

“I can eat anything as long as it’s healthy enough,” Reiner replied.

“How come you seem to know how to do everything?” I asked.

“I was well trained,” Reiner replied.

“What are your parents like?” I asked.

“They’re normal,” Reiner replied.

“Where do you usually go on your holidays?” I asked.

“I don’t take holidays,” Reiner replied.

Ok...I’m done. After asking countless questions and being offered the same curt and not-so-informative answers; I believed that I finally learned something about Reiner. The first thing I learnt from all the questions I asked was that Reiner did not want me to know anything about him. At all. The second thing I learnt about Reiner was that he wasn’t interested in getting to know me either. Reiner never asked me any questions back. At all.

Suddenly, the air around me felt cold and the wind seemed hostile. The light of the city nightscape seemed dimmer and less attractive. I felt like I was still here, yet I wasn’t. I felt like Reiner was with me, yet he wasn’t. Similarly, I felt like we had gotten closer, yet we hadn’t.

I sighed as I looked up at the dark night sky. I couldn’t see any stars and I definitely couldn’t make out the North Star that Edward wanted me to find. This is so pathetic. The ice wall in between us is still standing as strong as before; it has not melted at all.

“R...hug me...” I whispered and Reiner hugged me tightly to him immediately. I enjoyed the warmth in his arms, the feel of his hard toned body against my back and the feel of his chin resting on top of my head.

“R...kiss me...” I pleaded sweetly and he complied. Taking my chin in his hand, he tilted my head up and kissed me firmly on the lips. His cold attitude towards me did nothing to change the warmth of his passionate kiss.

If his body is all he’s willing to give me; I’ll gladly take it.

...

Edward sat alone in his dark and gloomy office with his legs rested on top of his worktable. The room was completely dark except for a large monitor that was switched on. Edward stared silently at the red dot on a map that had recently stopped moving. His eyes narrowed and he started smirking as he continued to stare at the red dot on the screen.

“Reiner...you sick bastard...” Edward muttered to himself as he smirked.

I had the guts to take Natalia to the lake house where one of her most haunting experiences took place and I even forced her somewhat into remembering the incident. That must have led to some psychological strain on Natalia...that, however, would be nothing compared to this. If she learnt about the truth behind the exact location that she now stood, would hell break loose?

If she’s standing there, then she is without a doubt with Reiner. Of all the places he could take her out for a late-night date, he had the balls to take her there. That guy must be plain stupid, super brave or simply out of his mind. I chose Reiner to be Natalia’s bodyguard knowing that he would be the one to spend the most time by her side. I still chose him because I knew that he would keep her safe, and above all else, there is a very good reason why Natalia could never fall in love with Reiner.

Reiner, you can’t copy what I did. I took her to a place for her to remember but you’re taking her to a place that she should forget. Forever.

This is getting very interesting...

Chapter 138: Hiding with You

“It’s getting colder. Let’s head back,” Reiner spoke up suddenly as he got up.

After packing up our stuff very swiftly. He bent down once again indicating that I should get on his back. This time I didn’t hesitate as I slowly got on his back. He carried me the way we came back to the car. Similar to our journey here, I kept my eyes closed all the way. I still hated the dark forest.

The ride back to the mansion was slightly longer than I first thought. Soon after getting into the car, it started to rain. I felt so lucky that it didn’t rain while we were still in the forest. That would have ruined everything for us. I guess I still had a little bit of luck on my side after all.

“It’s great that it didn’t rain while we were still outside. Guess we were pretty lucky,” I said as I flashed Reiner a smile.

“Yeah...it’s going to rain more often from now on. Rainy season seemed to have arrived,” Reiner stated as he kept his eyes on the road.

I reached out my hand and held his hand. My hand looked so small compared to his. It is indeed getting late, the day is coming to an end and so was our date as boyfriend and girlfriend, I thought sadly as I watched our entwined hand.

“We’re here...Natalia...” I heard Reiner call out to me. He seemed so far away...

I gasp as I sat up in the car seat. Did I fall asleep? I guess the ride was longer than I thought and so I fell asleep.

“You seemed to be a little tired and sleeping quite well, so I didn’t wake you,” Reiner explained as he gently patted my head.

I can’t believe I fell asleep. I didn’t have much time left to spend with Reiner today and I spent a portion of that time sleeping in the car?! Natalia...you are so stupid...

“Let’s go inside the rain has stopped for a while already. It’s wet outside, be careful not to slip,” Reiner said before he got out of the car and walked over to my side of the car.

He took my hand as he helped me out of the car. It was indeed a little slippery outside as I stepped out of the car. The mansion seemed oddly quiet. Perhaps it was late, and the staff have already retired to their living quarters. Reiner led me inside the mansion before leading me straight to my bedroom.

“You must be tired. Why don’t you take a bath first,” Reiner said as he ushered me towards to my bathroom.

But I don’t want to take a bath and my head feels strangely clear probably from the rest that I got from my powernap in the car. I want Reiner.

“R...was I a good girl today?” I asked as I reached out to stroke his chest lightly with my fingers. His eyes became a darker shade of blue as I stared at them.

Reiner was silent but I could see a conflict raging behind his beautiful blue eyes as he considered his options.

“...You know that I was, right?” I whispered seductively into his ears as I got on my tiptoes.

“Natalia...” Reiner said sternly as he glanced around. What is making him look so panicked? Surely, it wasn’t the mere idea of taking me.

“R...you promised. You’ll keep your promise, right?” I continued to seduce him as I stepped closer to him.

“Natalia!” Reiner hissed between clenched teeth before suddenly grabbing my waist and turning around as if to shield be behind his large frame. What is he doing? There’s no one else in here except for us.

“Reiner...what’s wrong?” I asked with concern. He wasn’t acting normal. Something must be off.

Slowly Reiner turned to face me.

“Natalia...don’t touch me...” Reiner hissed as he slowly pushed me back away from him.

“What...are you mad?” I hissed back. There’s something wrong but I can’t figure out what it is.

“Natalia...control yourself. Act as normal as you can. Slowly walk towards the bed and sit on it. Go..now,” Reiner whispered softly as his eyes urged me to trust him.

I did exactly as I was told. Obediently, I walked slowly towards the bed and sat on it. Reiner carried a chair over to sit next to my bed.

“Can you tell me what’s going on?” I asked in a soft and confused whisper.

Reiner faced me directly. What he said next shattered a piece of the world I thought I knew.

“Act natural. Don’t look. Don’t scream...there’s a peeping hole in that wall behind me and someone is watching us right now...” Reiner said surprisingly calmly.

...Huh?!?!

...

I felt it the moment I stepped into the room. We were alone but we were not completely alone. I knew this day would come; however, I didn’t think it would come at such a bad timing as this. I pray that Natalia does not do something completely wild now that we were alone together in her bedroom. I’ve paid special attention every time I came into Natalia’s bedroom to sense any hidden presence. Today is the first time that someone is on the other side of that wall and peeping into this room.

“R...was I a good girl today? You know I was, right?” Natalia started speaking seductively as she approached me. This is not the right time for this, I thought as I tried to keep my sight away from the hole in the wall.

I wish I had the chance to break this shocking news to her in a more calm and secure situation but given the circumstances, I didn’t have the luxury to be choosy anymore. Natalia isn’t a fool, if I tell her about the peeping hole, she will probably have a very good guess of who is on the other side...

I must tell her...before she does anything...

Chapter 139: Escape

There’s a what?! Did Reiner just say that there was a ‘peeping hole’ in the wall of my bedroom. Is it true? Why is it there? Who put it there? How long has it been there...?

So many questions came rushing into my mind and my body completely froze in panic and fear. The privacy that I thought I had in this bedroom was now completely gone. To be more accurately, it never existed in the first place. I never had complete privacy in this room, and I didn’t know about it all this time. I tried my best to keep my eyes on Reiner’s face so that it would not stray towards the wall behind him. I need to trust Reiner for now but what do we do now?

I want to get out of here...but how do I do that? I looked at Reiner in a panic. Reiner, save me please!

“R...I...” I started to whisper to him. I need to tell him to get me out of this room. Now!

“Yup! You’ve been good girl today. So, as I promised, I’ll accompany you for a late-night stroll. But remember, you’re not allowed to leave the house without me. Ok?” Reiner spoke up abruptly in a loud and clear voice. He winked at me, and I understood. We can leave now, right?

“Thank you! I just want to take a stroll in the garden for a bit...” I replied, trying to sound as natural as possible.

“Let’s go...” Reiner said as he turned to walk out of the room.

I quickly followed him without saying another word. I knew I had to act as natural as possible while I walked out of the room. However, I felt so much fear and paranoia deep inside. Since Reiner mentioned the hole in the wall, I had been conscious of being watched. I’ve been sleeping in that room for more than ten years; how could I never realized?

The thing that shocked me the most wasn’t the existence of the peeping hole but the implication of who had been peeping on me all this time. I was certain that the staff wouldn’t dare create a hole let alone want to spy on me. Most of the staff were female to begin with and the males were either very old butlers or Lucien’s bodyguards. Naturally, Lucien’s bodyguard never entered my wing of the house. Who else could it be? This house only has two family members...and I wouldn’t need to spy on myself.

Lucien...why did you do this?

...

I sighed with relief as we exited the room and Reiner firmly closed the door behind us. Never in my life, did I ever dream that the room I felt the safest in would become the most dangerous room for me right now. Once again, another part of my old and peaceful life has crumbled away into dust. I stood still, stunned, and unable to take in what was happening until I felt the warmth of Reiner’s hand around mine as he gently but firmly held my hand.

“Let’s go...Natalia,” Reiner said in a low voice before pulling me along with him.

I didn’t know where we were going, and I didn’t care. Right now, anywhere must be safer than here. My mind was blurry from shock, and I didn’t pay any attention to where Reiner was taking me. We walked through the corridors of the big mansion until we emerged from one of the exits and we were outdoors in the garden. I felt the slightly cold wind on my face and the slight softened wet grass under my feet.

“Where do you want me to take you?” Reiner asked as we stood alone together in the garden. He still held my hand and I thanked whatever holy being that existed in this world that he was here with me.

I considered my options. This late at night, where could I go? My most obvious option was to go and see Zak, who lived next door. Unfortunately, Zak was not back from his business trip abroad and Reiner will probably hate that idea. Should we go to a hotel? That might seem too suspicious if we suddenly left. After all, there shouldn’t be a reason for me to leave the mansion now that I was back here, and it is already this late at night.

“Can we...go to your room?” I asked in a low whisper. For the first time, I wasn’t teasing him about letting me into his room.

To my surprise, Reiner just nodded before pulling me deeper into the garden. Did he misunderstood or misheard me? This is clearly not the way to his room at all. We were walking deeper and deeper into the garden and further and further away from the mansion.

After a short while of walking in silence, I tugged on his arm and stopped walking. Reiner immediately turned around to face me.

“R...where are we going?” I asked in a shaky voice.

“To my room,” Reiner replied flatly.

“But this isn’t the way to your room...” I replied as I looked around the garden.

“We’re going to go around the garden and use the staff entrance. You wouldn’t want anyone to find out that you’re spending the night in my room, right?” Reiner replied calmly as he patted me on the back to calm me down. I was so glad that he was so calm in this situation because it was starting to calm me down too.

“Ok...” I whispered.

Reiner took my hand and slowly we walked around the garden until we looped back to the staff wing of the mansion. I didn’t know that there was an entrance into the mansion here. The entrance was much smaller than the main entrance and lacked the usual luxurious decoration. It made sense that the mansion had a staff entrance. It was made for staff that didn’t sleep in the mansion to commute in and out of the mansion while wearing their private clothing or carrying personal belongings without disturbing the family members and other guests who could be in the house.

Chapter 140: Please Stay with Me

“This way...” Reiner said as he guided me through the staff entrance.

Reiner’s decision was sensible as always. Lucien wouldn’t spot us if we used the staff entrance because he probably never visits the staff quarters at all. There would be no reason for him to. I was hoping that by now he was already back in his bedroom after seeing that Reiner and I had left the room.

We walked along the corridor for a while before we finally reached Reiner’s room. Unlike all the previous times that I’ve been standing in front of his door, this time I didn’t need to knock or beg for him to let me inside. Reiner opened the door for me and pulled me inside before locking the door firmly behind us.

I flopped down onto the floor right in front of the door as relief washed over me and my legs lost all strength. Reality was very harsh to me, and I started to sob quietly. Reiner crouched down and hugged me gently in his warm arms as I silently cried. I don’t know how many times I’ve asked myself this...why is this happening to me?

“I’m sorry, Natalia,” Reiner apologized very softly. I couldn’t understand his guilt at all.

“Why...are you apologizing?” I asked in between my sobs.

“I’m sorry I didn’t tell you this sooner. I’m sorry you had to find out like this...”

“How long have you known?” I asked very softly.

“...since the first time I set foot in that room. I’m sorry. I couldn’t find the right time to tell you,” Reiner replied sincerely.

“It’s not your fault...it’s my fault” I said with a sad smile.

“Natalia...none of this is your fault,” Reiner insisted firmly. I’ve heard those words before...a long time ago. Just like all those years ago, I shook my head...

No, all of this is probably somehow my fault.

“What do I do now? I don’t want to go back to that room anymore. Can we just close the hole?” I asked as my mind searched for a solution to this problem.

“Natalia, closing the hole isn’t a simple matter. If it was, I would have blocked it since the first time I spotted it. Do you know what blocking the hole would mean?”

“What do you mean?” I asked, I didn’t quite follow.

“It would expose to whoever put that hole there that you know of its existence and of the peeking activity. It would lead to a confrontation. Without confronting that person, you cannot permanently close the hole. Do you understand?” Reiner explained patiently as he continued to hug me safely against his chest.

If I closed the hole, I would have to confront Lucien about it or I have to confront Lucien first before the hole could be closed permanently. Regardless, I will have to confront Lucien about this issue. Although, I wasn’t the one in the wrong here, I felt like I was at a disadvantage. I didn’t want to confront Lucien about this or about anything for that matter.

“Is this why you didn’t close the hole?” I asked softly.

“Yes. I didn’t think you were ready or wanted to confront Lucien about it. So, I thought I should find the right time to tell you. Meanwhile, I’ve been keeping an eye on the room next to yours...” Reiner explained.

In the end, I will have to confront Lucien about it. I need time to think about how to do it though. During that time what do I do? I will need to rely on Reiner again to protect me. This is all going as Edward had predicted and it’s scaring the hell out of me. Does this mean that I cannot let Reiner go like I had planned? I had been thinking too hard that before I knew it I had already stopped crying.

“Feeling better? Wait here...I’ll get you a change of clothes,” Reiner said as he slowly let go of me. Reiner got up and started to walk away.

“Wait!” I cried out much louder than I intended as I quickly grabbed his arm.

“Natalia...?” Reiner called my name questioningly.

“Please don’t go...please stay with me...” I said softly as I pleaded for him to stay.

“You can’t sleep in those clothes, right? I won’t take long so just wait here,” Reiner replied as he patted my head comfortingly.

He must see me as such a kid, although he wasn’t that much older than me. This is pissing me off a little...

“I’ll just sleep naked...” I replied stubbornly as I started to strip.

“What do you think you’re doing?”

“Stripping...” I replied bluntly as I took my top off.

“I meant...why are you stripping all of a sudden?” Reiner asked in confusion.

“Because I’ll sleep naked, so you don’t have to leave me alone in this room. No need to grab me clothes. Just stay...please,” I replied as I took of my skirt and reached for my panties.

“Stop stop stop!” Reiner said with more annoyance than anger.

“Why?” I asked.

“Don’t randomly strip in a random guy’s room,” Reiner stated as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. I guess he was sort of right though, but...

“I’m not randomly stripping...and you’re not some random guy,” I replied stubbornly as I stood up as tall as I could.

“I’m surprised how you could’ve survived for as long as you have with so little common sense...” Reiner said with a huge sigh as he sat down on his chair and turned away from me.

I finished stripping and wondered what I should do next. As I stood there lost in my own thoughts, Reiner spoke up.

“Go to sleep, Natalia. Let’s sort out this mess when morning comes...” Reiner advised wisely as he stretched his arms. He must be tired as well. It’s been a long day and he’s been taking care of me for the whole day.

“Ok...” I replied softly.