Ch. 206..210: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 206-210

Chapter 206: Emergency Call

I stared at the number on my mobile screen in panic and my hands started shaking uncontrollably. The number was unsaved, but I recognize it so well. This number was of a mobile phone only used in the case of a specific emergency. The maid who held this is the most senior maid in Zak’s mansion and she only uses this to call me when Zak is having one of his episodes.

If this number is calling me then, Zak has turned into Black Zak and isn’t able to revert back. Shit.

I believe that the main reason why Madame Francesca chose to permanently evacuate from her mansion and hand it over to Zak was because she couldn’t and didn’t want to handle Black Zak. This personality that had ironically developed when Zak went against his mother to protect me from further abuse was terrifying for Madame Francesca and most people as well.

Black Zak is terrifying to everyone except me, I guess. Every staff in Zak’s household is terrified out of their minds of Black Zak and it shows in their daily fear of the regular Zak as well.

My body shook as I panicked. This is such bad timing. I need to go see Zak immediately before things get even more out of hand. The staff must be so frightened right now because they don’t understand how Zak functions. If you understand how Zak and Black Zak functions, it is actually not that difficult to revert him back. Although it may require a rare skill that I happen to possess.

However, right now, I was out shopping with Edward. I glanced sideway at Edward who was cheerfully chatting away about the many things he wanted to buy for me today. I need to go to Zak immediately but what do I tell Edward?

“Umm...Edward. Something came up...so, I have to go...” I said hesitantly.

“Huh? But we just got here,” Edward said with a mixture of confusion and disappointment.

“I’m sorry...I’m really sorry, but I have to go...” I apologized profusely.

“Well, it can’t be helped. Where do you have to go? I’ll drive you,” Edward offered.

What do I tell him? If I lie, Edward will find out immediately. However, it wasn’t like I could tell him the truth either...

My phone started to vibrate once again in my hand, signally that I had received another call. I didn’t need to look to know who was calling.

“You’re not going to get that?” Edward asked as he glanced at the phone vibrating in my hand.

“I...no, it’s a strange number so...” I replied hesitantly.

“Are you sure? It’s not some stalker again, is it?” Edward asked with concern.

“No, it’s not. You don’t have to worry,” I denied firmly.

“You look a little pale. Are you feeling, ok?” Edward asked as he leaned closer to peer at my face.

I need to go back home. Then I can walk over to see Zak at his place. I don’t have another choice. I’m sorry, Edward. After apologizing internally to Edward, I decided that I had no other choice but to lie to him.

“Actually, I’m feeling a little dizzy and tired. I’m sorry but...maybe it’s better if you send me home...” I said in a weak voice.

I felt immediately guilty at Edwards’ overly worried expression. His arms looped around my waist to support my weight as his other hand held mine tightly.

“Can you walk? Should I carry you?” Edward inquired in a tender voice that made me wanted to melt.

“It’s ok...I can walk. Thank you,” I replied as I smiled weakly at him.

“Let’s go back. We can always go shopping some other day. You should get some rest,” Edward suggested reassuringly.

The ride back was mostly silent apart from Edward’s occasional questions regarding my wellbeing. I bet I really looked pale and sick to him. Little did he know that I wasn’t pale from sickness, I was pale from anxiety, stress, and shock. I was so worried about Zak that I could hardly breathe properly.

I managed to text the old maid back while Edward was not looking. The message was simple: ‘otw’

I’m on the way.

The ride felt like an eternity because I was so worried and kept imagining the worst. Since I didn’t get a chance to talk to the maid on the phone, I had no idea how bad this attack was and what version of Black Zak had taken over.

Most of the time he wasn’t violent...but...

...

“Thank you so much for driving me back. I’ll make it up to you another time, ok?” I said quickly to Edward as I stepped out of his car the moment he parked in front of my mansion.

I felt like running straight to Zak’s mansion, but I’m supposed to be sick, and I should be heading to my bedroom. As if I had the time and luxury of doing that in this situation!

Edward got out of his car immediately and looked at me with concern. He was beside me in no time with his strong arm supporting my body once more.

“I should take you to bed. You look like you can barely stand,” Edward said worriedly.

“It’s ok...I’m...” I began talking while my brain overexerted itself to come up with a valid excuse that would get Edward to leave as soon as possible.

However, a shrilling cry of my name changed the need for all that...

“Miss Natalia!” The old maid continued screaming as she came running out way.

Edward and I both turned in shock at the clearly panicked shout of my name. Turning around, my worst fear was confirmed when I saw the old maid standing there. So much for discretion...

“Miss Natalia. Why didn’t you answer my calls? It’s Master Zak! You must come quickly!” she continued to wail.

I felt my chest tightened as I saw tear swimming in her eyes. This old woman is clearly at her wit’s end. Whatever she had been dealing with had already gotten too much for her...and it’s all my fault.

“Who are you? How dare you scream at your lady like this?” Edward said as a deep frown formed on his handsome face. His expression that was usually playful was now menacing.

“It’s ok, Edward. She must be panicked...that’s all,” I reassured Edward as I tugged softly on his arm.

“What’s wrong with Zak?” Edward asked, getting right to the point.

Chapter 207: Haunted

“Master Zak...he...” the old maid hesitated to answer as she finally realized that Zak’s condition was a secret.

This secret that was so well kept under wraps by Zak’s mother had been successfully hidden over the years from even her brothers, Lucien, and Edward. However, I wasn’t sure how long we could keep this hidden now that Edward had sensed that something could be amiss.

“Well, I don’t care what is wrong with him. If he’s sick, then you call the doctor or take him to the hospital. Natalia isn’t feeling well so I’m taking her to bed,” Edward said with annoyance as he waved the maid off like she was a dirty fly.

“Miss Natalia...” the maid called my name softly, clearly shock at this unprecedented development.

“Edward, I think I should go see Zak. I feel quite ok now so there’s no need for you to...” I said as calmly as possible.

“Then I’ll go too. That’s fine, right?” Edward suggested as he flashed me an innocent smile. I hated that smile. He definitely knows that something is going on.

“...Yes. It is fine. Please follow me,” the old maid said in a tight voice that surprised me.

How bad must the situation be for the old maid to sacrifice exposing this secret to Edward just to get me to arrive at the scene faster.

“Ok...” was all that I could say in a hushed whisper.

The sight of around ten maids huddled together silently in fear in front of the mansion was enough to give me a general sense of how bad things were this time around. All the maids were clearly upset, scared and all of them were sobbing as they tried their best to hug and comfort each other.

I glanced at them silently as I walked past them through the entrance of the mansion. The mansion was dead silent as I followed the old maid to where I knew would be Zak’s bedroom. Edward followed closely behind me as he squeezed my hand firmly in his. Clearly this was no ordinary visit to see a sick person.

“This way please...” the old maid whispered as she continued to guide us through the dimly lit hallway.

“Can you tell me how he is...this time around?” I asked the maid hesitantly as I glanced at Edwards to judge his reaction.

“You should see for yourself, Miss,” the maid replied flatly. Her voice now professionally void of any emotions.

If all the maids are crying outside like that, they must have witnessed some violence or something that they couldn’t physically and mentally handle. The fact that the butlers and bodyguards were not yet outside also meant that their physical strength was required to deal with it...

I didn’t have a good feeling about this at all.

“I think I should go in alone,” I said firmly as I turned my back to face Edward and the old maid when we reached Zak’s bedroom door.

“What are you talking about? I’m going in,” Edward argued.

“Please wait outside. It won’t take long,” I said desperately.

“Why can’t I see Zak?” Edward questioned.

I don’t have time to argue with Edward right now. Not that I was confident that I would win this argument against him.

“Just stay silent and promise me that you won’t do or say anything. At all. If you can’t do that, please leave immediately,” I said, surprised at how sharp my tone sounded.

I took a deep breath and opened the door firmly before walking proudly in.

“Zak...I’m here,” I said calmly, although the sight that was before me made me want to scream.

There was no audible reply from Zak because the gag in his mouth prevented him from making any sound. Glancing to the side of the bed, a handful of bodyguards and butlers were standing silently in their disheveled uniform and sweating profusely.

It must have been a struggle for them to tie Zak down to the bed like that and gag him into silence. I slowly approached the bed where Zak was bounded. His arms stretched and bounded above his head while his ankles were bounded likewise to the bed posts.

“You guys didn’t need to be this rough with him...” I muttered my complaint under my breath.

I was sure that Edward was shocked at this sight as well but as promised he didn’t do or say anything which was a relief. I stood beside the bed and looked down at Zak to see that he was conscious and seemed very alert to what was going on. I wonder...if we could have a conversation...

“I’m going to ungag him,” I stated to inform everyone of my intentions not to ask for permission.

“Na...talia...” Zak called my name in a hoarse whisper, and I felt an intense pain in my chest as my heart shattered.

“Yes, Zak...I’m here. It’s ok...everything is ok,” I said, trying to sound as reassuring as I could.

“Are you...hurt?” Zak asked with genuine concern.

I’ve seen this loop before so luckily, I knew exactly what I had to do to revert him back. Zak’s eyes were focused on my face before sweeping my body up and down as if scanning for any physical injuries. It was clear that he was oblivious to the other people in the room.

“Everyone, get out,” I ordered.

All staff members complied immediately, relieved to be able to leave. Edward, however, remained standing where he was with his eyes carefully watching my every move.

Well, I guess he can...watch...

“I’m not hurt. There’s not a single scratch on my body...want to see?” I said to Zak softly and reassuringly.

Zak just nodded with his eyes still glued on me.

I turned to flash Edward a small smile to signal that I was ok. The last thing I needed was for Edward to cause a scene and distract Zak. As far as Zak was concerned, Edward doesn’t exist in this room and that was for the best.

Turning back to Zak, I smiled lovingly at him and then began to undress. I heard Edward’s sharp intake of breath and knew that he didn’t like what was happening. However, just as he had agreed, Edward did not make a move.

When I was completely naked, I slowly approached Zak. His eyes widened as I got closer and before long he was smiling back at me. This is risky but I don’t have any other choice. Slowly, I began to loosen the bounds on his arms until both his arms were free.

Chapter 208: Body Inspection

“Are you hurt?” Zak repeated the same question in a daze as his hands snaked out to caress my arms up and down.

“I’m not hurt,” I replied with certainty.

Zak’s eyes narrowed suspiciously as he pulled me closer to inspect my body. Bringing my arm close to his face, he closely inspected my skin. His caressed the soft skin of my neck down to my collarbone before slipping further down to cup my breasts.

After satisfied that my assets were safe, his hands slowly slid down my ribs onto the plane of my stomach. I let him do as he pleased until he was satisfied enough that I was safe, unharmed and in one piece. For this loop, that was the only way to get him to revert. There were other ways out for other episodes.

Zak hugged my waist tightly as he buried his face in between my breasts. I hugged him back comfortingly. Although I was naked and he had caressed every inch of my body, none of this was sexual.

“Zak?” I called his name after a while of hugging each other.

“...what did I do this time?” Zak replied, clearly reverted back to normal.

“It doesn’t matter. You’re back, that’s all that matters,” I replied joyfully as relief swept over me. If that hadn’t worked, I wouldn’t know how else to bring him back.

“You look quite fine...but I was bounded to the bed, huh?” Zak said as he looked around the bed before picking up the strapped that was used to bound him.

“You really gave the staff a scare this time...” I said as I playfully slapped his shoulder.

“I’ll give them a special bonus, ok?” Zak replied like it was nothing.

“Zak...” Edward interrupted our reunion as he approached the bed.

I only remembered that I was completely naked when Edward draped his suit jacket over my shoulders.

“Edward...I wished I could have ignored your existence forever,” Zak teased with a small laugh. I would never be able to understand how Zak could be so carefree in situations such as these.

“Natalia, go and get dressed,” Edward said in a low serious tone. I’ve rarely seen him this serious before.

“But I...” my protest died on my lips when Edward’s sharp green eyes met mine.

“It’s ok. You should go, Natalia. I’ll call you,” Zak said with a smile before waving to me.

“Are you sure?” I asked, worried.

“Just go,” Zak replied firmly, and I knew that these two men will figure something out between them.

Without another word, I picked up my clothes and left the room.

...

Alone in the room with Zak, Edward heaved a loud sigh before pulling up a chair to sit next to the bed.

“What do you want to talk about?” Zak said casually as he sat up and adjusted his dishevel clothes.

“Explain what just happened,” Edward demanded.

“Why do I need to? You were watching so you should know what happened, right?” Zak said without a care.

“...how long have you been like this? Does Francesca know?” Edward asked, his tone dead serious.

“Haha...Of course she does,” Zak replied with a small chuckle as he ran his fingers through his light blonde hair.

“What about Natalia?” Edward asked.

“What about her?” Zak shot back as he smiled playfully at his uncle.

“How is she related to...your condition?” Edward inquired again. His eyes never leaving Zak’s handsome face.

“She’s not related, and don’t you dare say a word to her that might make her think so. This and everything else are not Natalia’s fault,” Zak replied firmly as he stressed every word. For once, Zak was serious.

“You know that whatever relationship you have with Natalia can’t last, right?” Edward asked with an unsuppressed sigh.

“We’re lovers. So don’t refer to our relationship as ‘whatever’ and yes, we’ve known for a long long time that our relationship has no future. Trust me, we’re not fooling ourselves,” Zak stated firmly in a low voice.

“Then why...?” Edward asked, clearly unable to understand.

“If someone has to make it out of here, I’ll make sure that it’s her and not me,” Zak said with clear determination.

“What?” Edward whispered in confusion.

“That’s the promise I made to myself when I found out the truth,” Zak said bluntly.

“When did you find out?” Edward asked.

“Around six years ago...and then, I decided that I couldn’t leave her alone...” Zak replied simply.

“That’s crazy...” Edward said as he looked down.

“What about you? Do you think ‘whatever relationship’ you have with Natalia can last? Does it have a future?” Zak asked, his eyes meeting Edward’s green ones once more.

“...I do. At least, I’m trying my best to ensure that it does. The journey may be slow and unsmooth but, in the end, I plan to untangle Natalia from this family,” Edward replied truthfully.

“I really love Natalia, you see. So...I can tell that you really love her too,” Zak said before smiling a sad smile at Edward.

“I see. How much do you know?” Edward asked, getting straight to the point.

“I know more than you do, old man. I know everything. Everything,” Zak said as he unbounded his own ankles and swung his legs off the side of the bed and got up.

“Last question. Zak, will you let Natalia go?” Edward asked as he watched Zak’s flexing the muscles in his back and arms.

“If she’s willing, then of course. As I said, we don’t have a future together...and what I want for Natalia is a bright future. But Natalia is too kind, can she embrace a bright future knowing that she’s leaving me behind in the darkness?” Zak said questioningly as if he hasn’t quite figured out the answer to that himself.

“Zak...” Edward whispered Zak’s name in wonder.

“I don’t know...but I pray that she can. That would be like granting my ultimate wish,” Zak mumbled as if to himself.

Zak slowly walked as if in a daze towards the bedroom door before stopping and turning back to face Edward.

“I didn’t tell you all this without a price. At the end of all this, I will be the one to tell Natalia the last missing piece,” Zak stated with absolute resolution before turning and heading out the door.

Chapter 209: Unyielding

The door creaked and opened slowly before a very tired-looking Edward walked in. I wonder what the two men talked about and how Zak was doing. He did tell me that he was going to call so until then, all I can do is wait for his call.

“How is Zak?” I asked, trying not to sound too overly worried.

“He’s fine. There’s nothing for you to worry about,” Edward replied with a tight smile.

“That’s a relief...” I said as I breathed out the breath that I didn’t know I had been holding.

Edward sat down on the side of the bed before reaching out a warm and comforting hand to stroke my head tenderly. I closed my eyes in bliss as I enjoyed his relaxing touch.

“Natalia...” he whispered my name.

“Hmm?” I responded.

“The relationship between you and Zak has to stop...” Edward said bluntly and without emotions.

I froze at his words. So, Zak told Edward about our relationship? How much did he reveal?

“...because it doesn’t have a future?” I replied automatically in defense.

“...Yes,” Edward replied with certainty.

I knew exactly where this conversation was going. In my mind, I’ve debated the end of my relationship with Zak countless times as my mind proposed and then defended the idea of completely ending my unconventional relationship with Zak. So, trust me, I knew the arguments from both sides very well.

“Is that it? Then I’m fine with not having a future,” I stated stubbornly.

This was the conclusion that I have reached every single time I thought about ending my relationship with Zak. If being with Zak meant that I didn’t have a future; then perhaps I didn’t want or needed one to begin with.

“Natalia. You have to let go. Zak is not...normal,” Edward said as gently as he could.

“...it’s because of me,” I said as my voice shook with emotion.

“No...it’s not. You’re not to blame...” Edward said firmly as he tried to convince me otherwise.

However, my mind was made up a long time ago...

“If Zak is not normal...then I’m not normal. Why don’t you leave me too?” I retorted.

“Natalia...Zak is going to marry Annie very soon,” He replied, sounding very mature and logical.

“So what?” I snapped.

“Listen to how ridiculously stubborn you sound. You have a job now and should be focusing on your future so that you can become independent from this damn family. Please don’t ever forget your goal,” Edward reprimanded me loudly and firmly.

Perhaps deep down I knew that what he was saying was right; however, I...

“You won’t be able to understand. Thank you for helping me, I really appreciate it...but back then, all those years ago, no one was there to help me. No one was there to help us. There was just me and Zak. I had nothing until he helped me and became my world. I felt like I existed for Zak and he existed for me!” I cried out loud, almost screaming every word as I felt tears sting my eyes.

“No one has to spend their entire lives paying back a debt, Natalia. You don’t need to devote your whole life to make it up to Zak. That is not what he wants...” Edward said calmly and rationally.

“Please leave...” I said stiffly as I turned on my side away from Edward. I didn’t want to see him or talk to him right now.

If things were that simple, Zak and I would have ended our relationship a long time ago. The hardest part was that I still loved him so deeply. I shut my eyes, feeling warm tears running down my cheeks.

I didn’t know when Edward left my bedroom and frankly, I didn’t care.

...

Almost a month had passed since Zak’s episode and my spat with Edward. I only met up with Zak for dinner which turned out a little weird because we were both trying to avoid the topic of his formal engagement to Annie. I heard that the date had already been set. Zak and I didn’t talk about it, though. Personally, I didn’t want to know.

At the end of a very busy workday, Reiner drove me back to the penthouse that I was borrowing from Edward. I let out a sigh at the sight of so many delivery boxes piled in front of my door. I regretted my decision of insisting that it was fine for him to just drop me off in front of the building. Now I have to drag these boxes into the penthouse myself.

Inside the penthouse were many more boxes just like these, still unopened. Since our argument that day, Edward had sent me many gifts. So much that it was starting to get annoying rather than pleasing. He came over for dinner a couple of times but that was it; he never stayed over.

The conversations we had over dinner was dry at best. We didn’t discuss anything besides my experience at work which was fine by me. I didn’t have anything else to say or share. After a couple of failed attempts at rekindling our fire, we both came to a silent consensus to cease future efforts at having dinner together in the penthouse. That was that.

Deep down I knew that Edward was just trying to do what he thought was best for me. I knew it wasn’t easy for him to have that type of conversation with me when we discussed my relationship with Zak, but he still did it for my own good. Perhaps, I also knew that he was right and that just pissed me off even more.

Due to many new product launches and conferences, work was so hectic that I had been feeling so tired lately. I also haven’t been sleeping very well. I plop down on the sofa as I felt a wave of dizziness take over me. I should go to bed early for tonight. Tomorrow is going to be another long day.

Chapter 210: A New Life

I woke up the next morning with a headache and I felt weak and sick all throughout the day at work. After around three days of this, I knew that something was wrong. I tried my best to hide my condition from Reiner and tried to handle it on my own.

I sighed loudly as I stared at my computer screen, although my mind was elsewhere. I knew what the symptoms of what I had looked like, but I shouldn’t jump to conclusions. I waited for lunch break to start before heading alone to a nearby pharmacy.

The old lady at the counter looked at me dubiously before scanning the barcode and asking for payment. I handed her some cash and told her to keep the change before heading out in a hurry. I felt her eyes on my back and wished that she would just mind her own business.

All afternoon, I couldn’t focus on work at all. It was pure luck that things have died down a little bit at work and there was nothing major due the following day. Reiner picked me up on the dot and I was back in the penthouse in no time.

“You can just let me out here. No need to send me up,” I told Reiner briskly.

“Are you sure? I’m not in a hurry so I can walk you to the door,” Reiner replied with a smile.

“That’s ok. Take care, R. I’ll see you tomorrow!” I said as I turned around and headed into the building, waving my hand in the air to him.

...

I have to say that it’s my first time using this. After reading the instructions carefully, I sat down on the toilet seat and followed the instructions.

Now, I just have to wait for around ten to fifteen minutes as per the instructions. Looking back, I guess I already knew what the result would be and just needed confirmation. I was surprised at how calm and collected I was about all this as I sat on the bed and waited for the fifteen minutes to pass.

I don’t exactly remember what went through my mind as I waited out those fifteen minutes. I just remember that I was calm and mentally ready to embrace whatever the result would turn out to be. You may not believe it because even I find it hard to believe myself, but I remember clearly that I felt no sense of regret or guilt about what I had done.

When the fifteen minutes of waiting time was over, I closed my eyes and took in deep breaths. At that moment, before I looked at the test result, I guess I got a glimpse of my true hopes and fears. I wished with all my heart that the test result would be positive.

I opened my eyes and stared at the test result that showed two colored lines.

“Congratulations, Natalia. You are now pregnant! Well, at least according to this at-home pregnancy test” I said to myself as I unconsciously patted my still-flat belly softly.

...

I wonder if I should go to the hospital to get a more accurate confirmation of my pregnancy. But then, aren’t pregnancy test sticks supposed to be very accurate already? It wasn’t easy for me to go the hospital for a pregnancy test in secret. Even if I was somehow able to sneak out and go to the hospital alone, there was no guarantee that someone from the family or the media wouldn’t find out.

‘Walls have eyes and doors have ears’

Edward said something to that effect if I remembered correctly. I didn’t dare take the risk of my secret being exposed. Dealing with rumors surrounding my pregnancy wasn’t something that I needed. However, if I announced that I was pregnant when I actually wasn’t, wouldn’t that be worst?

I debated this internally for ages as I sat at my working desk at work. This is distracting me so much that I could hardly focus on the work at hand which had led to overtime for the past few days. What should I do?!

‘Want to go out tonight?’

The text that appeared on my mobile screen pulled me back from my thoughts.

‘Sure. I’ll wait for you to pick me up’

I texted my reply. A date night with Reiner would be perfect!

Time past by painfully slowly before the end of the workday arrived and Reiner was here to pick me up. I shot through the office doors right when it was clock-out time. I took the elevator down to the lobby of the building where I knew that Reiner would be parked out in front waiting for me.

I’ve been debating with myself whether or not I should tell Reiner about my pregnancy. It would be too optimistic of me to think that it wouldn’t come as a shock to Reiner or that he would perceive this whole thing as a pleasant surprise. The reality was that I had decided to conceive this child on my own knowing that this would be a burden to Reiner.

At the same time, I didn’t wish to burden Reiner with the existence of this baby. I honestly did not want to tie him down with me with the responsibilities that came with raising a child. However, a part of me believes that Reiner has the right to know and that I must own up to my own selfish decision.

Debating with myself about this isn’t going to get me anywhere. This spontaneous date felt like fate. It was the perfect opportunity to tell Reiner about our baby.

As expected, Reiner was in the car parked in front of the building waiting for my arrival. He got out to open the car door for me and I thanked him cheerfully. I’ll make sure to make this evening an unforgetting evening for both of us.

“Did you wait long?” I asked as I put on my seatbelt.

“Nope. I just got here,” He replied as he reached out to pat my head adoringly.

“Where are we going? It’s rare for you to suggest that we go on a date so suddenly,” I asked curiously.

“It’s good to have a surprise once in a while, right?” Reiner teased.

“Good point. So...where are we going?” I asked excitedly.

“You’ll see...” Reiner said as he sped up the car.