Nathalia’s POV
I woke up to the sunlight streaming onto my face. I quickly covered my eyes with my right hand before slowly sitting up.
As far as I remember, I lowered the curtains last night. Perhaps it was Stephen.
I almost screamed in surprise as an arm suddenly wrapped around my waist. I looked to my side, and there was Stephen, peacefully sleeping.
I couldn’t help but smile. Yesterday, our bodies became one, and I officially became a woman.
But my cheeks heated up as I remembered how his hand explored my body and how he moved rapidly inside me. It felt like his touch left an imprint all over me, and even now, I feel ticklish.
I immediately lowered my head and tried to bury the recent memories deep in my mind before looking at my husband again. Fatigue was evident on his face, so I couldn’t resist reaching out and gently stroking his cheek.
I quickly withdrew my hand as he stirred. He must have come home late again, so I didn’t want to disturb him.
I carefully slid out of bed and quickly straightened myself, but a thought suddenly crossed my mind. I gently opened the door and stepped out. Just as Cole was about to greet me, I swiftly placed my finger over my lips, signaling for him to stay silent. He obediently closed his mouth in response.
I smiled and made my way downstairs to the kitchen. There, I found Belen, who seemed to be preparing breakfast. However, she stopped in her tracks when she looked at me.
“Good morning, Mrs. Anderson,” she greeted me warmly.
I swear my ears perked up at her words. It was probably the first time I genuinely liked hearing the title Mrs. Anderson, ever since I became Stephen’s wife.
“Good morning as well.” I glanced at what she was doing.
Truth be told, I’m not very skilled when it comes to cooking and baking. But it looks like I’m going to start learning now.
“Belen,” I called her attention as she was peeling potatoes.
She looked at me. “What is it?”
“Can I cook and prepare breakfast today? I want to cook something for Stephen. The problem is, I don’t really know how. So...” I bit my lower lip, seeking her help as I looked at her.
Her eyes seemed to sparkle, and she nodded eagerly. “Of course! No problem at all!”
A mixture of excitement and nervousness coursed through me as we began. I simultaneously cooked and baked under her guidance. I was worried Stephen might wake up suddenly.
When we finished, I proudly set the table. Just as I was about to step into the dining area, Stephen walked in.
“Belen, have you seen—” He stopped in his tracks when he saw me.
“Good morning! Breakfast is ready.” I gestured towards the table. “We have waffles with chocolate drizzle, croissants, grated potato with cheese omelette, and pancakes! You choose!” I smiled at him.
He blinked and lowered his gaze to the spread of food. “Did you prepare all of this?” He asked in disbelief.
I nodded shyly. “Yeah. But Belen taught and helped me. Still, don’t expect too much since it’s my first time. I might have even overcooked the omelette. The waffles and pancakes are a bit misshapen.”
I was about to continue speaking when I noticed he remained standing, staring at the food. His eyes glistened, as if he could burst into tears at any moment.
Confusion creased my brow. Was this really Stephen in front of me? He’s been acting differently since yesterday.
Suddenly, he stepped closer and pulled me into an embrace. “Thank you,” he said, his voice filled with genuine joy.
I laughed and gently tapped his back. “Come on, now. The cooking and presentation aren’t that great yet, so don’t thank me too soon.”
He shook his head and slowly released me from his embrace. I caught my breath as he delicately held both my cheeks in his hands.
“I don’t care if it’s your first time cooking. Just knowing that you cooked and prepared all of this, it’s already perfect for me. This can never be compared to any expensive dish from even the most famous restaurant,” he proudly added.
His words made my heart flutter with joy. I never knew this side of Stephen existed. I was happy that he was gradually showing different emotions when he was with me.
He pulled a chair for me and sat next to me. We started eating, and this time, I didn’t let Belen or even Cole off the hook. We called him over to
I guess being a mafia boss’s wife isn’t as bad as I thought.
***
“Where are we really going?”
Stephen held my hand tightly. “You’ll know when we get there.”
I rolled my eyes and looked outside the window. We were currently on a journey, and I had no idea where we were headed.
After having breakfast earlier, he quickly attended to me because he said we had somewhere to go. I almost rolled my eyes at him because he knew that there was still some soreness between my thighs, yet he decided to take a stroll.
I peeked in the side mirror at the car following us, with Cole and three of Stephen’s men inside. As usual, they’re just tailing us behind.
“You know, you don’t have to hold me because I don’t have any plans to escape anymore,” I commented. His right hand was holding my hand, while his left was on the steering wheel.
He chuckled. “I know that. I just want to feel your hand against mine.”
I secretly smiled and kept my gaze fixed on the outside.
A few more minutes passed, and our car came to a stop. Stephen quickly got out to come around to my side and open the door for me.
I looked around as soon as I stepped out. In the distance, I heard a series of gunshots.
What the hell is this place?
“Where are we?” I asked in wonder, my gaze sweeping around.
The area was surrounded by tall trees, grass, and various types of flowers. The air was fresh and invigorating. It felt like I was in a vast garden.
“Roberts Metal Hand Shooting Range.” He took my hand and intertwined our fingers.
I was taken aback. “Roberts? As in, Shantel Roberts?”
“Yup! Welcome to my sanctuary, Nath!”
I almost jumped in surprise as Shantel suddenly appeared in front of us. Confused, I kept shifting my gaze between the two of them.
“What are we doing here?” I nervously asked Stephen.
He gently squeezed my hand.
“I won’t let you leave without a bodyguard. In addition to that, I’ve stationed personnel in every corner inside and outside the mansion just to ensure your safety. But despite that, you should still learn to handle and use a firearm. You know, just in case, so you can protect yourself as well.”
I blinked at him, and suddenly my chest was filled with nervousness. I wasn’t sure how much Stephen knew about my past, considering he was acquainted with my real parents.
But if he knew about the assassination attempt on us back then, perhaps he would understand the fear I feel about holding a gun.
Several nights had haunted me with the echoes of gunshots from that night. So, every time I heard the sound, my fear intensified, and I opted to learn how to use a knife to defend myself.
“Is that really necessary?” I tried to inject some vigor into my voice.
Shantel tapped my shoulder. “No worries, Nath. We won’t leave you alone. And if you’re thinking we’ll end your life here, don’t even consider it. We could already be dead before we could even harm you,” she joked.
I winced. Honestly, I hadn’t even considered that until she mentioned it.
“Don’t let your fear overwhelm your capabilities. You must overcome the fear,” Stephen whispered as we started to walk.
Those words felt like a sharp blade striking me. Easy to say, hard to do.
But he’s right. It’s been seven years already. Moreover, I have to prepare myself fully for the day when I’ll face Aries again.