Forbidden Heat novel Chapter 198

“Master Zak…he…” the old maid hesitated to answer as she finally realized that Zak’s condition was a secret.

This secret that was so well kept under wraps by Zak’s mother had been successfully hidden over the years from even her brothers, Lucien, and Edward. However, I wasn’t sure how long we could keep this hidden now that Edward had sensed that something could be amiss.

“Well, I don’t care what is wrong with him. If he’s sick, then you call the doctor or take him to the hospital. Natalia isn’t feeling well so I’m taking her to bed,” Edward said with annoyance as he waved the maid off like she was a dirty fly.

“Miss Natalia…” the maid called my name softly, clearly shock at this unprecedented development.

“Edward, I think I should go see Zak. I feel quite ok now so there’s no need for you to…” I said as calmly as possible.

“Then I’ll go too. That’s fine, right?” Edward suggested as he flashed me an innocent smile. I hated that smile. He definitely knows that something is going on.

“…Yes. It is fine. Please follow me,” the old maid said in a tight voice that surprised me.

How bad must the situation be for the old maid to sacrifice exposing this secret to Edward just to get me to arrive at the scene faster.

“Ok…” was all that I could say in a hushed whisper.

The sight of around ten maids huddled together silently in fear in front of the mansion was enough to give me a general sense of how bad things were this time around. All the maids were clearly upset, scared and all of them were sobbing as they tried their best to hug and comfort each other.

I glanced at them silently as I walked past them through the entrance of the mansion. The mansion was dead silent as I followed the old maid to where I knew would be Zak’s bedroom. Edward followed closely behind me as he squeezed my hand firmly in his. Clearly this was no ordinary visit to see a sick person.

“This way please…” the old maid whispered as she continued to guide us through the dimly lit hallway.

“Can you tell me how he is…this time around?” I asked the maid hesitantly as I glanced at Edwards to judge his reaction.

“You should see for yourself, Miss,” the maid replied flatly. Her voice now professionally void of any emotions.

If all the maids are crying outside like that, they must have witnessed some violence or something that they couldn’t physically and mentally handle. The fact that the butlers and bodyguards were not yet outside also meant that their physical strength was required to deal with it…

I didn’t have a good feeling about this at all.

“I think I should go in alone,” I said firmly as I turned my back to face Edward and the old maid when we reached Zak’s bedroom door.

“What are you talking about? I’m going in,” Edward argued.

“Please wait outside. It won’t take long,” I said desperately.

“Why can’t I see Zak?” Edward questioned.

I don’t have time to argue with Edward right now. Not that I was confident that I would win this argument against him.

I’ve seen this loop before so luckily, I knew exactly what I had to do to revert him back. Zak’s eyes were focused on my face before sweeping my body up and down as if scanning for any physical injuries. It was clear that he was oblivious to the other people in the room.

“Everyone, get out,” I ordered.

All staff members complied immediately, relieved to be able to leave. Edward, however, remained standing where he was with his eyes carefully watching my every move.

Well, I guess he can…watch…

“I’m not hurt. There’s not a single scratch on my body…want to see?” I said to Zak softly and reassuringly.

Zak just nodded with his eyes still glued on me.

I turned to flash Edward a small smile to signal that I was ok. The last thing I needed was for Edward to cause a scene and distract Zak. As far as Zak was concerned, Edward doesn’t exist in this room and that was for the best.

Turning back to Zak, I smiled lovingly at him and then began to undress. I heard Edward’s sharp intake of breath and knew that he didn’t like what was happening. However, just as he had agreed, Edward did not make a move.

When I was completely naked, I slowly approached Zak. His eyes widened as I got closer and before long he was smiling back at me. This is risky but I don’t have any other choice. Slowly, I began to loosen the bounds on his arms until both his arms were free.

--To be continued…