Forbidden Heat

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...
“lL 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, |
need to make sure that Natalia is ok.
I've also heard that Natalia got a new bodyguard. It’s high time that | meet the lucky man...
**Knock Knock**
“It's me,” Zak called out to Natalia as he stood in front of her bedroom door.
“Zak? Came in!” | replied with joy. | 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 | could sense that he was quite upset and worried. This is my
fault for not replying to his text or calls. | 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. | think this is the first time you guys have met. Reiner, this is Zak. Zak is...” | started to introduce them to
each other.
“.Madame Francesca’s only son. My name is Reiner and | 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