Forbidden Heat novel Chapter 28

The cruise weekend is now finally over and I have settled back at home. Peace and quiet without Angela in my life. It’s been a few days since the cruise and my life with Lucien has been surprisingly normal. He did not talk about our intimate encounter in the bath and has not touched me in that way again since then. A part of me was relieved but I was also worried and confused about our relationship right now.

“Master Lucien wants to see you in his study, Miss Natalia,” a senior maid who serves Lucien was at my door to deliver Lucien’s message.

“I’ll be right there. Thank you,” I replied with a smile. I wonder what he wants to talk about. With a sense of apprehension, I headed to see Lucien in his study.

“Lucien, I’m here. I heard you wanted to see me?” I greeted him with a smile. Me motioned for me to sit in the sofa opposite him and I did.

“Yes. I have something quite important to discuss with you today,” Lucien started to explain in a gentle voice. He soothes me every time he uses that voice.

“Actually, I heard from Edward that there might be a stalker stalking you and that you were feeling anxious about it. Well, regardless of whether there is actually a stalker or not, you have grown up to be a very beautiful lady. This is probably the right time that you started having a bodyguard of your own,” Lucien continue to explain to me. His gentle face now had a look of seriousness and concern. I knew that he was being very serious and considerate about all this.

“A bodyguard? Do I really need a bodyguard? I’ve never been attacked or anything,” I voiced out my confusion at the situation. Having a bodyguard of my own seemed a bit extreme. I do know that Lucien, Edward and many other family members have bodyguards of their own. Some were really 24/7 while some only accompanied the family members on special occasions such as public events. Lucien has an army of bodyguards when he goes out to public events but only very few discreetly around him in his daily life. That’s right, when my mother was alive, she had a small team of bodyguards that Lucien arranged for her too.

“Let’s be clear. I’m not placing a bodyguard on you because I believe you are in danger or that you may be attacked. It’s just better to be safe than sorry. Do it for me, Natalia. I don’t see any harm, so allow me to hire a bodyguard for you for my own peace of mind. Ok?” Lucien tried his hardest to win my consent. I guess I have to give in if he insists. He was right though, what harm could there be in having a body guard? Except, would my secrets be safe from Lucien if I had a bodyguard?

“Ok. If you put it that way then…” I reluctantly agreed. I don’t think I have much choice in the matter. Lucien might hire someone to tail me in secret if I refuse to have a bodyguard outright.

“Good then. Now that’s settled. Time to meet your new bodyguard,” Lucien said with a beaming smile of self-satisfaction. His smile is so beautiful and his green eyes gorgeous as always.

“Come in,” Lucien ordered and the door of his study opened suddenly. My eyes were immediately on the now opened door.

A very tall man dressed in the family’s highest-ranking butler attire walked in. He was very tall, even taller than Lucien and Zak, his build also much bigger. The most striking thing about him must be his bright red hair contrasting with his strikingly clear blue eyes. His stern and serious expression did nothing to hide how handsome his face is. Wow, this man is going to be my bodyguard? He seems young for his position as one of the highest-ranking butlers; he looked around 30. I’ve never seen him before; he must be from the main house.

“Natalia, this is Reiner. From this moment on, until he is relieved of his duties, he will be your personal bodyguard and butler. Apart from safeguarding you, he will also serve you to ensure that your life is comfortable. Reiner, this is Natalia,” Lucien introduced us to each other.

I turned to face Reiner and was immediately overwhelmed by his height and the difference in our body size. I stood barely at his chest height and had to look up to meet his eyes. What do I do now? Do I curtsy or offer him my hand for a kiss?

Reiner walked up to me before getting down on one knee and taking my hand in his, placing the back of my hand against his lips. He kissed the back of my hand gently and although I knew this was just well-manned pleasantries, I felt a hot spark of electricity race up my arm from the contact point of his kiss.

“My name is Reiner. You can call me Reiner or any name that you wish. I am here to serve as your bodyguard and butler. I am happy and honored to finally meet you,” Reiner stated in his deep and formal voice.

“Umm…same for me. I mean, I’m also happy to meet you,” I stuttered a bit as I answered him.

Letting go of my hand, Reiner stood back up.

“I have work to do. Natalia, why don’t you show Reiner around and spend some time with him to get better acquainted. Have a good day both of you,” Lucien signaled that we both should leave his study.

“Ok. Thank you, Lucien. I’ll see you later. Have a nice day and don’t overstress at work,” I replied cheerfully before leaving the room with Reiner.

Lucien watched as the two of them left his study. Reiner seems to be very professional and trustworthy, Lucien thought to himself. Reiner has military training and used to be a professional bodyguard before joining to serve as a butler slash bodyguard for the main house a few years ago. He has gone on many high-profile missions to guard top members of the family including some of the elders but this is his first time being dedicated to serve one person. It’s close to a miracle that Edward was able to arrange for a high-ranking butler in high demand like Reiner to be Natalia’s exclusive bodyguard…

…

Reiner and I are standing outside of Lucien’s study now and I am getting extremely nervous now that we’re alone. Will I ever get used to having him around me 24/7? Where do I take him now and what should I say?

“Umm…where would you like me to show you around?” I asked timidly without looking at him.

“There’s no need to go out of your way to show me around. Please proceed with your day normally as if I’m not here,” Reiner replied without any emotions.

“…Right. Umm…maybe for now we should head to the lab? I have some work to do with Edward. Do you know Edward?” I asked in a quiet voice, still unable to meet his eyes. His presence is truly intimidating and his tall and large build is not helping.

“I’ll drive you,” He replied.

Just like that we were on the way to the lab with Reiner at the wheel. He has not spoken a word to me since we got in the car. I chose to sit next to him in the front passenger seat instead of sitting on the back seat like I should. I just didn’t want to treat him like a driver; although he fully expected me to and voiced his concern. In the end, I was somehow able to get my way and could remain next to him in the passenger seat. I always prefer to have a friendlier relationship with employees working close with me including some close maids and now Reiner as well. I’ve been told many times that this is inappropriate for my standing as a family member but I guess as long as Lucien was ok with it, I can still sort of get my way.

However, judging my Reiner’s cold and stiff attitude, it’s going to take a long while for us to get on friendlier terms. This silence is so awkward; I need to find some topic to get the conversation going.

My phone vibrated on my lap. Oh, I text message?

--To be continued...