Forbidden Heat novel Chapter 175

There’s a storm outside. The rain beat down harshly as the wind howled mercilessly. The night was dark and the sense of gloom that spread through the atmosphere was suffocating. Reiner looked outside through a window of one of the mansion’s large and long hallways. It was just a hunch, but he had a sense of foreboding. Lucien never called him for a private talk about anything pleasant. This time would be no different.

“Master Lucien,” Reiner said formally before bowing professionally.

Reiner stood tall in front of Lucien’s work desk to answer to the summon from his master. As always, the atmosphere in Lucien’s office was tense as both men eyed each other.

“Thanks for coming, Reiner,” Lucien said casually before putting down the file he had been reading.

“Yes, Master Lucien,” Reiner replied.

“No need to act so formal. I know you don’t respect me much…” Lucien stated emotionlessly.

“It’s part of the job, Sir,” Reiner replied, his tone as formal as before.

“So, I was right. You don’t respect me at all,” Lucien replied with a small chuckle.

“How can I be of service, Master Lucien,” Reiner inquired, getting straight to the point.

“I guess it’s hard…working for someone who you once tried to kill…” Lucien continued as he narrowed his eyes at Reiner. If Reiner was shocked at Lucien’s words, he did not let it show.

“It’s part of the job, Sir,” Reiner repeated flatly, unfazed by Lucien’s words.

“You’re right. Everyone just has to do their job,” Lucien said with a mocking smile.

“Yes, Sir,” Reiner replied.

“What do you think of my daughter?” Lucien asked, his tone serious.

“Miss Natalia is a very fine lady that upholds all standards of the Rosenhall family,” Reiner answered without hesitation.

“Hmm…very fine…” Lucien said as he nodded in agreement.

“Is there a problem regarding Miss Natalia?” Reiner asked, showing interest for the first time since he’d stepped into the room.

“You tell me…” Lucien replied with a tight smile.

“I don’t follow, Sir. I don’t see any problems regarding Miss Natalia,” Reiner answered firmly.

“Then…why would she make such an out of place request?” Lucien questioned, cocking his head to the side in feigned curiosity.

“What request, Sir?” Reiner asked.

“Natalia has requested that you be removed from the duty of her personal butler and bodyguard immediately,” Lucien stated clearly.

“…Excuse me?” Reiner said blankly. Lucien’s words have not completely sunk in.

“You will no longer serve Miss Natalia or this mansion. I will let the Elders know that you will be returning to the main family,” Lucien explained briskly.

“This is quite sudden. May I know the reason behind this decision?” Reiner inquired, his demeanor unchanged.

“As I said, it was Natalia’s request and I’m just going along with it. If you want to know the reason, you can ask Natalia. That will be all for today. Thank you for your service up until now,” Lucien said firmly, signally that this conversation has come to a close.

“Thank you, Master Lucien,” Reiner answered before bowing.

…

It’s starting to rain and there are dark clouds above. Perhaps a storm is coming? I looked up at the dark sky. It’s scary but a lot less than before when I was still experiencing those nightmares. After unravelling the truth behind my nightmares with Edward’s help, my fear of the dark forest had also faded somehow. Otherwise, sitting here on this tree branch that I used to frequently visit with my mother in this garden surrounded by trees would be impossible for me now that it was getting dark, and a storm seemed to be fast approaching.

I heard from Laura that Lucien had suddenly called Reiner to his study and that it was the talk of the town amongst the staff. They wondered what would cause the master of the house to summon Reiner so suddenly. It was uncommon for Lucien to give explicit instructions to the staff since he was always too busy with running the family business to care much about household management matters.

I, on the other hand, knew exactly why Lucien had called Reiner to his study. I wasn’t sure how Reiner would take his dismissal from the position of my butler and bodyguard. Would he be depressed, angry…or would he be relieved?

I wasn’t sure how he would feel or how he would take this. However, one thing was for sure, I didn’t want to be there to witness it firsthand which is why I have decided to escape into the garden so that I wouldn’t have to face him or his questions.

This heavy rain, however, was not part of my calculations at all. I hugged my knees to myself as I continued to look up at the sky, feeling the large drops of rain fall on my upturned face. I know I should at least say goodbye to him properly, but it hurts too much, and I couldn’t bring myself to do it.

I’m sorry, Reiner, but this is for the best. The closer I am to him, the more I want to be closer to him and to have more of him. Reiner is not related to my mess with the Rosenhalls and I must not drag him into this. This greed must stop.

…

“Laura, where is Miss Natalia?” Reiner asked hurriedly as he found Laura in the hallway.

“Umm…I think she headed towards the garden. That was a long while ago though, perhaps she’s already back in her room?” Laura replied hesitantly. She had been busy with so many chores that sticking to Natalia’s side wasn’t a feasible option.

“Natalia went to the garden?! In this rain?!” Reiner exclaimed, his panicked voice coming out much louder than he had intended. Laura winced in fear.

“I’m sorry. I’m…I’m not sure…” Laura stammered, clearly frightened by Reiner’s outburst.

“No, sorry. It’s my fault for shouting. I’ll go look for her,” Reiner replied calmly.

“Couldn’t she be in her room? It’s raining so hard already, she must have already returned…” Laura suggested.

However, without replying to Laura, Reiner had already turned to run in the opposite direction.

Natalia is not in her room or in this mansion…I think I looked everywhere she could be. Which can only mean…

Reiner’s thoughts grew darker as he ran outside into the pouring rain after grabbing an umbrella at the door.

--To be continued…