Ch. 51..55: Forbidden Heat R18 Chapter 51-55

Chapter 51: Care for Me

Lucien exited the dining room and came face to face with Reiner. Was he waiting out here this whole time?

“Clean up the mess,” Lucien ordered as he walked passed Reiner without glancing back.

“Yes, Sir,” Reiner replied while bowing.

Lucien marched directly to his bedroom. He needed to sort out his emotion and figure out his next move. He instructed all his maids to leave him alone before he entered his bedroom. Alone and in peace, at last, he could think.

Reflecting back on what just happened, it is clear that I caused a lot of harm to my relationship with Natalia. What the hell did I do! I lost control completely. Damn Edward! Although her body reacted to the pleasure that I gave her, she was crying most of the time. Her spirit must have been badly hurt by my actions and words. What I did was foolish. I acted out of jealousy between her and my brother. I still didn’t have proof if they were lovers or not but seeing the look on Edward’s face as he challenged me made me anxious.

I need to find a way to mend our relationship as soon as possible. Natalia must choose to marry me when the time comes...

...

**Earlier that day**

Lucien came to see Edward at his office in the lab with the intention to terminate Natalia’s internship early.

“Hi Lucien. It’s rare for you to make an appearance here. How can I help you?” Edward greeted his brother warmly.

“I’ll get straight to it. Natalia wants to end her internship early. She will no longer work here with you,” Lucien stated as he glared into another pair of green eyes that were very similar to his own.

“I see. Well, that’s a shame. She could have called to let me know that herself. There was no need for you to come all the way here in person, although, I do appreciate the effort,” Edward replied with a smile.

“Natalia hasn’t been feeling well. She’s always been frail so I don’t want her to overwork. I hope you understand,” Lucien started his vague explanation.

“Natalia will be graduating soon. I wonder what kind of jobs would interest her. She doesn’t need to work for our company, right? I’m sure life would be more fun for her if she worked outside of the family’s circle,” Edward suggested.

“She doesn’t have to work at all,” Lucien retorted.

“I know Natalia is still young and that you want what is best for her. However, you should also consider what she wants for her own life,” Edward said as he flipped through some research papers casually.

“And you’re saying that you know what she wants?” Lucien countered.

Someone’s getting pretty mad, Edward thought to himself. No matter how this conversation ends, Natalia will bear the brunt of it.

Edward refused to answer or comment.

“Look at me. Did you sleep with her?” Lucien asked as he leaned closer to look straight into Edward’s eyes.

“What sort of question is that?” Edward replied without showing any emotions.

“I told you this before. Don’t answer my questions with another question. Did you have sex with Natalia?” Lucien repeated his question.

“I’m a gentleman here. I don’t make claims and I don’t refute claims on a woman’s body without her consent. If you want to know if I ever laid hands on your daughter, you just need to ask her. Speaking hypothetically, let’s say that I did, what would you have me do? Should I take responsibility by marrying her?” Edward challenged Lucien back with a gentle smile.

“A gentleman? You’re nothing more than a playboy fooling around outside the family’s business! As if you could ever be successful without the family’s backing,” Lucien yelled at his brother and grabbed him by the collar.

“Just because I’m less discreet about my affairs than you are, doesn’t make me more of a playboy. Whether I’m successful due to the family’s backing or not is up for debate. What is not up for debate, is the fact that Natalia has a life of her own that neither you nor the elders should be trying to control. Oh, and enough with the violence,” Edward said calmly as he shrugged Lucien’s grip off.

“Stay away from Natalia,” Lucien ordered threateningly as he turned to leave.

“That’s up to Natalia,” Edward replied.

Lucien did not look back as he strode impatiently out of Edward’s office.

...

“Stay out of this room. You all can come back to clean it later tonight,” Reiner instructed the maids to stay away from the dining room.

Judging from the sounds earlier, Natalia is probably not in a state that the maids could see without starting some twisted gossip. She should not be physically hurt to the extent that I needed to intervene but the same couldn’t be said about her emotions. I have to take her back to her room and keep her away from Lucien for a while until she recovers.

I was prepared for the mess that I would see inside the room but I have to say it looks worst than I had pictured. There were food, water, broken glass, and broken dishes everywhere on the floor. I found Natalia lying on her stomach unconscious on the carpeted floor. Her dress was messy and torn in some places. Her face and eyes were puffy and red from crying. Her legs and ass were bared. Not allowing the maids in here right now was definitely the right call. Lucien definitely lost it this time.

I bent down and adjusted her dress to cover her legs before slowly scooping her into my arms.

...

I don’t know how long I was unconscious. Probably not for too long. The first sensation I felt was the carpet against my face. I must be lying on the carpeted floor after I lost my strength. I can no longer sense Lucien in the room; he must have left already. Thank god. This is probably the first time I felt relieved that Lucien was gone.

I felt so tired and my whole body feels heavy. I can’t move or get up. The floor is a mess and I feel sticky all over. I closed my eyes again trying to stay still in order to regain my strength. I need to get out of this room before the maids see me like this.

I felt my dress being adjusted and then my body was tenderly lifted up in the air. Then I felt warm arms circling me and warmth against my cheek making me realized that someone was carrying me in his arms. This smell, warmth and gentleness as he handles me; this must be Reiner.

...

“Hmmm...” I stirred a bit before opening my eyes slightly. My body felt a little heavy with sleep and I felt like stretching. Sitting up a bit in the dark room, I could tell that it was pretty late into the night now. I must have been asleep for a while after Reiner carried me here. I should check my mobile. I reached over to find the switch to the lamp on my bedside table. Fumbling around a little before I found the switched and turned the lamp on.

The moment that the orange-tinted warm light illuminated the room, I realized that I was not alone. Reiner was asleep in a chair by my bedside with his head resting next to my leg on the bed and one arm draped over my legs as if to make sure that I wouldn’t leave the bed. He looks like such an innocent boy when he’s fast asleep which is a big contrast to his usual personality and his big body size.

I guess he was here with me all the time after he carried me here. I noticed too that I was no longer dirty and in my old dress. I was clean and comfortably dressed in my nightgown which was probably his doing as well. I blushed a little while I thought of him undressing and then redressing me. As always, he’s probably just doing his job as my bodyguard and butler.

Chapter 52: Eye of the Storm

Reiner is still fast asleep and I was working hard to resist my urge to reach out my hand to touch his wonderfully unique red hair. Seeing his face still and up close made me realize all the more how good looking he is. His eyelashes were auburn, slightly lighter and not as red compared to his hair, and long. His nose and lips were also beautifully shaped. They usually made him look so manly but right now they made him look quite adorably cute. He seems to be in a deep sleep so I guess he won’t wake up if...

I reached out my right hand slowly towards his head until finally I could feel his hair lightly rubbing against my fingertips. Wow! His hair is much softer than I imagined. This feel a little like stroking an orange little baby fox. Enjoying the sensation, I moved my hand closer to stroke his hair lightly. Looking at his face, I was relieved that he was still fast asleep. Playing and teasing him a bit like this was making me feel quite cheerful and I could feel a smile on my lips. I stared at his face for a while as I enjoyed the peace and quiet of the night.

He wouldn’t wake up if I touched his lips, right? I thought optimistically as I reached out my fingertips towards his beautiful lips. Please just let me touch them softly a little. I brushed my thumb ever so softly on his lower lip feeling its warm and soft touch on my fingertip along with the warmth from his breathing. He looks so precious in that moment, and I wanted to thank him for taking care of me so well.

“Ah!” I yelped in surprise when I felt something warm and wet on my thumb as Reiner took my thumb into his mouth and began sucking it lightly. Instinctively, I started to pull back my hand but he caught my wrist with his hand making it impossible for me to move. He continued sucking and licking my thumb as his now-opened blue eyes gazed back at me. His warm tongue on my skin is making my body shiver a little.

“Are you done playing with me?” he asked seductively after he released my thumb from his warm and wet lips.

“Sorry, I woke you...I mean, when did you wake up?” I asked in a shy voice. He hasn’t been awake all this time, right?

“Actually, I woke up when you woke up. When you first stirred in your sleep, it woke me. I’m a very light sleeper. I’m an ex-mercenary, so yeah...” Reiner explained as his eyes lit up teasingly.

“So, you were awake when I touched your hair?” I asked for confirmation.

“Yup. When you touched my hair, stared at my face, and stroke my lips, I was awake throughout all those things,” Reiner confirmed my worst ever suspicion. I felt blood rush to my face and knew that I must be blushing hard.

“Would you like to confess to me why you were playing with me in my sleep?” Reiner asked in a seemingly innocent voice. He must be playing with me again.

“I...thought you looked cute,” I replied, deciding to be honest.

“Me...cute? That’s the first time someone’s called me cute,” Reiner replied seeming quite confused at my words.

“I mean...you looked cute while you were sleeping. When you’re awake you’re very manly and not...cute, I guess?” I tried to explain. I wasn’t sure if this was helping.

“Are you feeling better?” Reiner asked as moved closer to me to place his hand softly on my forehead to check if I had a fever.

“I’m feeling better. I don’t think I have a fever either. Umm...thank you for taking such good care of me. Did you...umm...clean me and change my clothes?” I asked with shaky voice. I sort of already knew the answer though.

“...Yeah, I did,” Reiner replied with a tight smile.

“...So, you saw...” I mumbled softly.

“Sorry! I didn’t mean to see you naked,” Reiner apologized as he stood up from his seat and bowed to me.

“It’s ok. I didn’t mean that...Thank you. I wouldn’t have wanted the maids to see me that way...” I replied and my voice trailed off as my mind recalled how Lucien treated me so roughly.

I didn’t mind that Reiner saw my naked body at all. I just didn’t want him to see and touch my filthy and messed up body. If he cleaned me that he probably saw it all, the hickeys on my body that Lucien intentionally left and the traces of his seed on my inner thighs and legs. He’s probably disgusted with me deep inside and I couldn’t blame him. Afterall, right now, I feel pretty disgusted with myself too.

I felt tears sting my eyes and I wanted to be left alone now.

“I’m ok now. I’m going back to sleep. I think you should go back to your room,” I told Reiner as I turned by body away from him. I hope he would leave soon. I didn’t want him to see me cry.

“Alright. Goodnight, Natalia,” Reiner replied softly and left.

After I heard the door to my bedroom click close after Reiner left, I started crying my eyes out. I curled myself into a small ball and cried silently. I love Lucien so much so when he touches me roughly like that I feel so hurt. This is worst than any nightmare. Even if I told Lucien that I loved him, I doubt that he would believe me now. It also doesn’t change the fact that I’ve slept with Edward so many times that we might as well be regular lovers. On top of all that, it probably doesn’t matter how I feel, Lucien will be marrying Angela very soon.

I just want to get away from here. I hope his threats about keeping me locked up in this house is not true. I guess I can still go out if I take Reiner with me and that is probably my only source of comfort right now.

I’m still crying quite heavily. My body knows exactly what to do to fall asleep again. My body’s just going to cry until it shut down and went to sleep. I probably want to do just that as well. Welcome back, my habit of crying myself to sleep. Mum, I just want to leave this place. Maybe Lucien isn’t who you thought he was. Maybe...we’re not really family after all...

...

It’s so warm. My body was suddenly enveloped in something warm. I opened my eyes lazily to realize that Reiner was by my side and hugging me tightly. I slowly sat up and I could make out his face a bit better in the dark as his face came closer to mine.

“Why are you here?” I asked in a whisper. My voice sounds hoarse and it was clear that I had been crying quite a lot.

“Am I supposed to leave you to cry yourself to sleep?” Reiner replied as he hugged me against his chest. I could feel his warmth and the sound of his strong heart beating as I laid my face against this muscular chest. His hug was so comforting that I felt tears in my eyes once more. With everything going on in my harsh reality, the comfort of his arms feels like sanctuary.

“It’s ok to cry. I’ll be here for you,” Reiner comforted me as his hand stroked my hair tenderly.

“You don’t hate me? I don’t disgust you?” I blurted out my worries.

“Is that what’s been bothering you? You’re beautiful. I don’t hate you and you don’t disgust me...” Reiner said sweetly as he lifted my head from his chest.

Our eyes met and his face was so close to mine. I could feel his warm breath on my forehead and his face slowly came even closer. His arms were now around my waist and pulling me closer to him. I hooked my arm around his neck, slowly pulling him down lower as I offered my lips to him. His attractive blue eyes were the last thing that I saw before our lips slowly touched. His kiss is so warm and gentle. It was slow and comforting. He didn’t demand anything from me and we just enjoyed each other’s company. It was such a chaste kiss but it made me feel so wanted.

“Goodnight, Natalia,” Reiner spoke softly as got up to leave.

“Can’t you...stay?” I blurted out my genuine desire. I wanted to spend more time with him but I guess my words could be taken the wrong way and I looked down nervously.

“I’m afraid you won’t be getting much sleep if I stayed. Sleep well, Natalia,” Reiner teased me a little before heading out the door.

...

We are never going to do anything in that room. Natalia being so unsuspecting and innocent has not realized it, but to my trained eye, that peeping hole disguised in her wall is such an obvious trick. We will never know when someone is peeping in on us through that hole. Whoever installed the hole and is using it, must have a very twisted taste. If I cover the hole then the owner will know that he’s been discovered. I don’t have any other choice, I guess I’ll just have to find the right opportunity to warn Natalia about it...

Chapter 53: The Other Lover

“Master Zak,” Laura greeted Zak with a slight surprise in her voice. Although it was common for Natalia to go over to Zak’s mansion, the opposite was not true. Zak rarely showed up at Lucien’s mansion even with a prior appointment. However, today Zak was here in person and unannounced.

“I’m here to see Natalia,” Zak stated the purpose of his visit before striding past Laura into the mansion.

“Master Zak! Please wait. Umm...Miss Natalia is not feeling well and is resting...” Laura tried to explain in a panic. She wasn’t sure if everyone would get in trouble if she let Zak in or not. Afterall, Lucien did not instruct her to allow visitors for Natalia...well, on the other hand he didn’t explicitly disallow it...

“I know. That’s why I’m here. You can get back to work,” Zak brushed Laura and her concern off as he headed straight for Natalia’s bedroom.

Natalia hasn’t replied to any of my messages or calls for a few days now. Something is wrong. She also hasn’t left her house at all for a few days which means that she’s no longer going to her internship at the lab. The maids have been gossiping non-stop that Natalia apparently got into a huge fight with Lucien at dinner. The fight was apparently so intense that Lucien practically smashed all the dishes on the table. Well, that much seemed to be credible. There were also a lot of other details which seemed over the top and could not be counted as a valid source of information. Regardless, I need to make sure that Natalia is ok.

I’ve also heard that Natalia got a new bodyguard. It’s high time that I meet the lucky man...

...

**Knock Knock**

“It’s me,” Zak called out to Natalia as he stood in front of her bedroom door.

“Zak? Come in!” I replied with joy. I would know that voice anywhere. Zak is here!

The door opened and Zak came in. He looked confident and a little cocky as usual but I could sense that he was quite upset and worried. This is my fault for not replying to his text or calls. I just didn’t know what to say to him if he asked about my fight with Lucien. News and gossip travel fast, especially when you’re living practically next door to each other. Zak knows me very well so lying to him would be useless, he would catch on immediately. If he did not call me out on it, then that means that he has decided to play along with my lie.

“Zak, this is Reiner, my bodyguard and butler. I think this is the first time you guys have met. Reiner, this is Zak. Zak is...” I started to introduce them to each other.

“...Madame Francesca’s only son. My name is Reiner and I currently serve as Miss Natalia’s bodyguard and butler. It is an honor to meet you,” Reiner finished off my sentence before bowing to Zak.

Zak’s eyes narrowed slightly at the mention of his mother’s name.

“I think this is the first time we’ve met. I’ve never seen you before. You must be from the main house and from the highest rank of butlers as well,” Zak replied as he nodded to Reiner.

“Let me bring over a chair for you,” Reiner offered politely.

“No need. I’ll sit here,” Zak replied casually before seating himself on the side of my bed. “How are you? You look a little pale. So, you’re really sick?”

“I’m feeling much better now. Thank you for worrying, Zak,” I replied, flashing Zak a weak smile. I noticed that Reiner has retreated to the corner of the room to give us some room.

“You fought with Lucien, right? Tell me, did he hurt you?” Zak asked me in a low and hushed voice. His golden sand eyes held my gaze intently. I’m not going to be able to lie here...am I?

“Yes. A few days ago, we had an argument. I think things will get better soon...” I replied while plastering a smile on my face.

“hmm...did he hurt you? Let me see...” Zak replied as he took hold of my arm and started to lift it up to inspect it.

“I’m ok. Really!” I insisted as I tried to pull my arm back.

“You know, you’re not super good at lying, right?” Zak whispered softly into my ear so that Reiner wouldn’t hear. He smiled a tight smile at me and I knew that Zak was pissed.

“I...” I started to speak although I didn’t know what to say to him.

“You don’t need to tell me anything that you don’t want to. You’re not allowed to leave the house, right?” Zak asked knowingly.

I nodded.

“Let’s go out on a date soon. One of my movies is premiering and as always I want you to be there,” Zak said with a cheerful smile as he stroked my hair. Zak can be so adorable sometimes. It is obvious that he was trying his best to cheer me up but...

“But I don’t think Lucien will allow it...” I voiced my doubt.

“Don’t worry. I’ll handle him. I’ll text you the plan, ok?” Zak answered in a worry-free voice. I had no idea how he would convince Lucien.

“Ok...thank you, Zak” I said as I smiled at him sweetly. I missed him so much.

“I miss you...so badly,” he whispered softly into my ears as he leaned closer to me, his wavy blond hair brushing against my cheek. He slid his hand under the blanket to hold my hand gently.

“Umm...about Annie...” I began to ask him about my topic of concern.

“I don’t want to talk about it right now. I’ll tell you later,” Zak replied cutting me off with a smile. Clearly, Zak doesn’t want to think about his issue with Annie. I wonder if they will be engaged soon...

“Ok. I’ll wait. Please...don’t stress over it all by yourself,” I whispered back as I looked deep into his stubborn eyes.

“Will he really be with you 24/7?” Zak asked in a soft whisper as he rolled his eyes towards where Reiner was standing.

I just nodded in reply.

“Hmmm...how troublesome. I’ll back off for now...but I’ll be back. Get well soon!” Zak said before getting up from the side of my bed.

“Goodbye, Zak. Call me, ok?”

“Promise to pick up. Bye, Natalia,” Zak replied as he walked away while waving at me over his head.

Reiner bowed as Zak walked passed him and then out the door.

“Take care of Natalia,” Zak whispered softly as he walked passed Reiner.

Zak’s surprise visit really cheered me up. Things will get better for all of us, I am just so sure of it now. Thank you, Zak...thank you for not forgetting me. Now I can look forward to meeting my favorite celebrities at Zak’s movie premiere. I can’t stop smiling now.

...

Natalia’s been acting like a bubbly little girl ever since Zak walked in. This is my first-time seeing Zak up close and meeting him in person. Madame Francesca’s only son looks nothing like her and definitely does not have her character. She is a dark and mysterious person while her son shone outstandingly like the sun. I’ve seen photos of Zak in the press many times before but those photos don’t do him justice. I’m sure Natalia notices his good looks as well.

The way they looked at each other felt like they were in a world of their own and talking in a language that only they could understand. The way Natalia smiled at Zak was overly friendly or perhaps they are just very close cousins...

“Natalia has at least one lover. I want you to keep an eye on her and figure out who he is...”

Edward’s words came back to me.

It couldn’t be...

Chapter 54: Sudden Visit

Laura is here to help me get dressed again. To my surprise, I am allowed to go out today. I haven’t met Lucien at all since our argument the other day but he must be in a better mood now. Although, I was only allowed to go out to see a psychiatrist about my nightmare as arranged by Lucien, it was better than not being able to step one foot out of the family compound at all. Of course, Reiner will be accompanying me.

Laura picked up a sweet-looking white cotton dress for me along with a wide brown leather belt. The look felt quite nice and laid back. Perfect for how I feel today. I pray today would be a laid-back day just like the feel of the outfit with no unfortunate surprises. I’m a little nervous to see the psychiatrist but getting to the bottom of my dream might help stop it from appearing in my dreams again. Might as well do my best and get it over and done with.

“Are you ready to go?” Reiner asked as he walked into my bedroom.

To my surprise, Reiner is not dressed in his standard butler suit today. Instead he is wearing a white T shirt, with an army green colored jacket and jeans. This is my first time seeing him in casual clothing and this chill-out vibe really does suit him as well. I guess because he’s so tall he looks great wearing jeans.

“So, you decided to wear casual clothes today?” I asked him curiously.

“Well, a certain lady told me that my ‘full butler uniform is a little bit much’. She told me she prefers that I adapt my outfit to match what she’ll be doing on that day. Ring a bell?” he replied before winking at me.

“It suits you...the casual clothes,” I complimented him while smiling up at him.

“You look real pretty today too. Shall we head out?” he said bowing slightly and gestured to the open door of my bedroom.

Reiner really knows how to make me feel like a princess. Admittingly, I’m more than a little pleased that he remembered the request I made to him on the day we first met. I honestly did not think that he would follow my bidding. Reiner can also be full of warm and fuzzy surprises. I couldn’t stop smiling as I walked with him to the car.

...

Pleasantly, it was just Reiner and I today. Reiner drove and I sat in the passenger seat next to him. It sort of feels like I’m on a proper date with Reiner. Yeah, I know, to him this is his job and he’s just going to drive me to the hospital and then back. However, the casual outfit that he has on is making me feel like this is a private getaway for us. Just like before, Reiner had a few things to say about me sitting next to him in the front passenger seat instead of in the backseat. I managed to convince him with my stubbornness for him to allow me to sit in front with him.

“Umm, R...sorry you have to accompany me to the hospital today. It will probably be pretty boring for you,” I said in a small voice. We were finally out of the house but all we’re going to do is go to the hospital to find out how insane I had become.

“Don’t worry about it, Natalia. Boring or not depends on how we make it out to be,” Reiner replied optimistically.

We soon arrived at the hospital and Reiner waited with me outside the psychiatrist’s room. I’ve never seen a psychiatrist before and apart from what I’ve seen in the movies, I didn’t know what quite to expect. I felt quite nervous, what if it turns out that I’m going crazy?

“It’ll be ok,” Reiner whispered to me comfortingly as he took my hand in his for a little squeeze. His hands are super warm and my hand feels tiny in his.

“Miss Natalia, the doctor will see you now.”

Just like in the movies, the room was white and quite bare. The psychiatrist is an old and very thin women sitting at her desk with her hair tied back in a low ponytail.

“Welcome, Miss Natalia. My name is Doctor Greta. It is a pleasure to meet you. I’ve heard about your case a little from your father,” Doctor Greta said with a kind smile. At least she seems genuinely nice and caring.

“Hi, nice to meet you. I’m Natalia,” I introduced myself.

“What we will discuss here in this room will remain confidential, I can assure you,” Doctor said with a polite smile.

“Please excuse me. Natalia, I’ll be waiting outside,” Reiner said to excuse himself.

“No! I mean, I’d prefer if you could stay,” I blurted out as I shifted uncomfortably in my seat. I want Reiner to stay with me.

“As you wish,” Reiner replied with a small sigh after meeting my gaze. However, he did not sit down beside me but stood at the corner of the small room instead.

“You have a wonderful and caring boyfriend,” Doctor Greta commented as she eyed Reiner.

“I’m not her boyfriend. I’m just her bodyguard, please don’t misunderstand,” Reiner quickly corrected Doctor Greta.

I know we’re not dating but he didn’t have to correct her that quickly, right? This is a little frustrating...

“Oh...I do apologize. Then let us officially kick off the session. I’ve heard that you’ve been having a similar nightmare repeatedly, is that correct?” She asked.

“Yes. I keep having the same nightmare. I was running, lost in a deep dark forest and it was raining. It’s really scary for me because I do have a phobia of the forest. Each time I dream of it, the dream becomes more detailed and more real, I guess?” I tried my best to explain my experience.

I told her everything about my dream. When I started having them. How often I had them. What I saw in the dream. How the dream evolved and which details were added. I told her everything.

“I see. You are also not sure whether this event actually took place in real life or not, am I correct?” Doctor Greta asked further after I had finished my story.

“Yes. I am unsure. I don’t have memories of the event taking place and my father, Lucien, doesn’t remember an event like that either,” I answered. If she’s confused, I don’t blame her. I’m actually very confused about this whole ordeal myself.

“You can take this as my pure speculation but...it could be that the event did take place. However, since it was such a traumatizing event for you, your mind has suppressed memories related to the event. As a result, you don’t have memories of the event taking place but you developed a phobia or a fear of forests instead. Perhaps something that happened to you recently triggered the memory. Something someone said, a place you’ve been to...Again this is pure speculation on my part and perhaps the event really didn’t take place after all,” Doctor Greta explained in a serious tone.

...something someone said...a place I’ve been to recently...

Chapter 55: Playful Ride

The counselling session with Doctor Greta has ended and I am walking back to the car with Reiner. I was troubled, to say the least, after hearing the Doctor’s opinion of my case. I’m a little disappointed that she couldn’t diagnose my dream right away and just tell me the truth of what happened or didn’t happen. I guess this is not a movie after all and the Doctor doesn’t just know it all according to the script. How will I find out? How will I know for sure if the event in the dream is just a dream conjured up by my fear or that it actually happened to me?

...something someone said...a place I’ve been to recently...

I couldn’t stop thinking about what she said.

“Natalia...Natalia...” Reiner’s calm voiced brought me back from my troubled thoughts.

“Oh...sorry, you were saying something?” I asked apologetically.

“You’ve been standing in front of the car’s door for a while now. Want to get in?” Reiner asked teasingly as he opened the car’s door for me to get in.

“Thank you...I’m sorry for spacing out like that,” I replied softly.

“It’s ok. I’m sure you have a lot to think about. Don’t over stress yourself. If it’s hard on you, maybe you don’t need to remember...” Reiner said as he patted my head softly. His smile warmed me up inside.

“...Are we heading home already?” I asked Reiner in a shy voice. He probably knows that I don’t want to go back to the mansion. I haven’t set foot out of the family estate for days.

“hmm...not quite,” He replied as he drove faster.

“Where are we going?” I asked without hiding the excitement in my voice. I know what we were about to do doesn’t play well by the book but I couldn’t help feeling thrilled at bending the rules...and spending more time alone with Reiner.

“...you’ll see,” Reiner replied casually as he kept his eyes on the road. Guess this man is full of secrets and surprises as well.

...

“So, do you know how to row a boat?” Reiner asked winking at me.

“Umm...No?” I said in a light panic.

Isn’t it a bit too late for him to ask me that now? We were already standing on a small wooden dock at the side of a green-blue lake. I didn’t know there was a small lake quite close to the city. This lake was surrounded by a small park. This place must be quite popular during the early mornings, evenings and weekends since there’s a running track where people could jog and exercise. However, in the late afternoon on a weekday like right now, the park was pretty much deserted.

Are we really going to fit in that tiny wooden boat? I thought while I stared dubiously at the white wooden boat docked next to where we were standing. The boat was probably as long as Reiner was tall. This is going to be an...interesting experience.

“Give me you hand,” Reiner instructed and when I looked up, I realized that he was already in the boat with his hands held out to me in order to help me in. I’m not sure which is scarier, getting out of the car in high heels in front of the press of getting into a clearly shaky small wooden boat.

“Umm...are you sure about this?” I asked in a shaky voice. My discomfort must have been clear since Reiner responded by laughing slightly.

“Can you swim?” he asked still laughing a little.

“Yes...” I replied sensing that my safety had just been compromised.

“Then there shouldn’t be a problem,” Reiner said as he grabbed and tugged at my hand, pulling me into the boat. I let out a little scream as my feet landed on the small boat before I quickly sat down. The boat rocked side to side...

“R! What did you just do?!” I exclaimed in slight shock. The boat continued to rock side to side.

“Helping you get in the boat...what else?” Reiner replied without a care. This is so not good for my heart.

Reiner started to row the boat away from the dock. The boat stopped rocking and I was relaxed enough to look around at the scenery. This place is actually very peaceful and beautiful. We didn’t speak. We just spent time silently enjoying each other’s company. Reiner’s probably doing all this to cheer me up from being locked up in the mansion for days and from the stressful session I just had with Doctor Greta. I truly appreciate his effort and the fact that he was here with me. I could not imagine how lonely and depressed I would feel if I was left alone after the counseling session. I wonder what Reiner thinks about my dream...

“R...what do you think about my dreams? Do you think the event I dreamt of actually took place or not?” I asked. Nothing to gain and nothing to lose from seeking his opinion.

“I don’t know. Honestly, I think what matters is if you really want to find out,” Reiner answered after thinking about it for a short while in silence.

“What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

“Something that someone said...a place you’ve been to recently. She said those things could have triggered your memory if the event was in fact real. You already know what to do, right? So, in the end, it’s just a matter of do you want to find out or not,” Reiner replied with a knowing smile.

He’s got me. I think I already know what started this dream. The only uncommon place that I went to that also coincided with when these dreams started was the house by the lake that was surrounded by thick forests. Edward...why did you take me there? Reiner was right. If I really wanted to find out, I knew exactly who to ask.

“I need to ask you something,” I texted Edward. Lucien will go a rampage if he finds out that I plan to meet Edward but what other choices do I have.

“I’ll see you soon, My Princess,” I got his replied almost immediately as if he’d been expecting my text. This is a little scary. How will he see me soon though? I’m still supposed to be locked up at home...

“Did you decide already?” Reiner asked as he continued to row the boat slowly through the calm waters.

“Yeah...thanks,” I thanked Reiner for helping me make up my mind. Some time all we need is that little supporting push.

The wind in my hair feels nice and relaxing. No matter what my little investigation leads me, I’ll come to terms with what I discover. That is what I was finally able to decide on. Glancing at Reiner, I found him looking directly at me. Reiner always watches out for me, I guess.

“Are you going to get into trouble for bringing me out here when we’re supposed to head straight home?” I asked. Admittingly, I was slightly curious. For someone who takes his work so seriously, why is he going out of his way to bring me here.

“Lucien can’t terminate my employment. Only a unanimous decision from the three elders can terminate the employment of a highest-ranking butler. You have nothing to worry about,” he replied with a slight grin.

The wind was blowing, the sun was slowly approaching the horizon, the birds were chirping and suddenly Reiner seemed much closer. The setting sun behind him illuminated his silhouette.

“Thank you for bringing me out here. I really needed this break. Even if you’re just doing this as part of your responsibility of being my butler...I still really appreciate it,” I said as I gazed deeply into his breath-takingly beautiful blue eyes.

Reiner stared back at me silently. He looked as if he wanted to say something but then decided against it before he turned away.

“Are you blushing?” I asked teasingly. I didn’t know if he was blushing or it was just the ray of the setting sun dying his face...but...that is why I have to get closer to confirm my suspicions.

“Let me see!” I cried out with excitement as I got up to approach him. I just need to see his face closer. I stumbled a little but I did reach him. I stumbled right into his awaiting arms as he supported me. My hands clutched at his chest for balance.

“Natalia!” Reiner cried out in panic.

“Just let me...Ahhh!!”

Oh no, I forgot we were on a boat and a small and shaky one at that. We were both on our feet with Reiner’s arms around me but the boat was shaking so much now. Oh no...I know exactly what comes next!

**Splash**

I don’t know how it happened exactly but the next thing I knew I was already soaking wet in the water and outside of the boat. I’m a decently strong swimmer...as if that made me feel any better in this situation.

My dress felt so heavy now that it was wet. I need to get my head above the water and fast.

“Natalia!” I heard Reiner calling my name the moment I broke the water’s surface.

This is a complete disaster. I’m sure I look like a drowning kitten to him and I feel like a total mess.

“I’m...fine,” I managed to reply as I whipped my hair back from my face.

Reiner was also completely soaked. Although to my surprise he didn’t seem upset about the fact that he was all wet.