I walked back and forth next to my bed, pinching my lower lip with my fingers as I tried to make out what had just happened. That was real, right? He asked for my permission, I gave in to his fire. I grabbed my hair and pulled on my scalp in frustration before I dove into my mattress.

Fuck, Lucy. You're doomed. It was only what? Two or three days since I came here? Yet things had escalated this quickly! It was dangerous. The way Natsu's flame enticed me every time we met was too dangerous for me. I would get burnt…and hurt again. I can't believe this.

I buried my face on the sheets and screamed, my heart was wanting to jump out of my ribcage. When I managed to calm down even just for a bit, I rolled to my back and stared at the ceiling. I looked at the corner of my eyes when my hand felt a device just next to my head. Natsu's phone.

I sat up and grabbed it, watching the screen flashed open. The lock screen had a classic wallpaper, black and gold as its main theme. Too plain, but it defined him perfectly. My fingers tapped and I was dumbfounded when I was greeted by the home screen right after entering the password.

"It's really my birthday…"

Why? What's his reason? It couldn't be because he just felt like it, right? There had to be a reason. There was an idea arising in my head but I refused to believe it. Impossible. He hated me. He didn't even want to see me.

I closed my eyes when I remembered what happened earlier. The feel of his hot breath, lips, and wet tongue sliding across my skin replayed in my head, bringing goosebumps all over my body. I even had to take another bath right after I went back to my room, hoping that the cold water would kill the small fire ignited in me. I couldn't believe that just remembering it would give me the same effect.

Goddamn, Lucy.

My eyes snapped open when a certain thought crossed my mind. As far as I could remember, he was in a relationship with Lisanna. Did they...break up? He was an asshole if he did that to me when he had a girlfriend! I would really never forgive him!

Suddenly, what Papa did appeared in my head. And it was enough to calm my nerves as thousands of needles started pricking through my chest. I could still remember it so clearly.

It was Friday night when I secretly followed him. He stopped in an uptown located in the City of Hargeon, right in front of a two-storey house. I knew it wasn't one of our properties, especially when an unfamiliar woman went out to greet him. The moment his arms wrapped around her, anger quickly arose in me.

What I felt was valid, right? I just witnessed my trusted father hug another woman—someone I never met. It was even in secret. If she's not his mistress, who was she, then? A friend? A fucking friend whom he was meeting with behind our back? Without anyone knowing?

I thought the anger I was feeling couldn't get any worse, but when a young girl also went out of the house calling him Papa... I lost it. Gritting my teeth, I had stepped out of my car with a plan on confronting them. However, when I got a sight of the little girl's face, I just stood frozen in my feet. Standing in the dark, I watched the heartbreaking happiness on her face as she hugged and kissed my beloved father on the cheek.

"How are you, Michelle?" Papa carried her with that warm smile he was only showing on me and Mama. But at that moment...

"I've been waiting for you! What took you so long?"

"Sorry…" Papa chuckled, and started walking to go inside the house. The woman only watched them with a bright smile on her face, without knowing that because of them, our family might be ruined—No. It was already ruined. "I brought you toys, though!"

I only stood there, wiping the tears that kept falling on my cheeks. Instead of going to them and letting them know how betrayed I had felt, how enraged I was to him for doing that to our family, I just turned away and went back to my car.

Seeing that girl's smile, the innocence in her eyes... I realized she didn't deserve getting involved in this chaos. I didn't want her to feel the pain I was feeling. She was too young for it.

And so I just kept it all to myself.

After wiping the tear that escaped my eye, I sucked in a deep breath before I typed my mother's number on Natsu's phone instead of Virgo's. It only rang twice when she picked up, her soothing voice only made my chest clench badly.

"Hello, Natsu?"

"Mama…"

"Lucy?" I let myself fall back on the mattress and closed my eyes, hearing a few rustles from her background. "Why are you still awake? How are you? You should always take care of yourself! Sleep at the right time, eat healthy foods, do exercise—"

"I'm fine!" I chuckled as I faced my side. My eyes stared at nowhere, a smile forming on my lips because of how cute she was whenever she was acting like that.

"By the way, why are you using Natsu's phone?"

I frowned at her question, the sadness pestering me earlier had long forgotten. "Apparently, Papa ordered him to confiscate mine…" Please convince him to tell Natsu to give my phone back! I wanted to voice those words out, but Mama's response was quick to crush my hope.

"Much better." Seriously... "You really should stay off the internet, Lucy. I don't want you to have ugly wrinkles because of too much stress—"

"Mama!" Didn't she know Natsu was the only source of my stress?! I would grow premature white hair because of what he's doing to me!

"I want to know why Natsu is here…" I said, ignoring her hearty chuckles. "Why did he have to be here when he's not working for us anymore?"

"It's for your safety, okay? We know he's the only one who can make you safe while you stay there." What kind of reasoning was that?! I had my bodyguards! "I felt bad for him, though…"

"And why's that?!"

"Because he has to deal with a hard-headed daughter of mine!" I only glared at the ceiling at the sound of her laughter. It took her a while before she finally calmed down, clearing her throat. "I'm just kidding! Anyway, you must behave, hm? You're old enough to know what's right. Don't be the cause of Natsu's early wrinkles—"

"Oh my gosh. Please go back to sleep!" I couldn't believe I was hearing this from her! She made it sound like Natsu was my babysitter!

After exchanging good nights with my mother, I let out another sigh as I put the phone on the nightstand. What my mother said wasn't enough. I wanted to know why Natsu was here. Did Papa ask him? Why did he agree? What would he get from keeping an eye on me? He was a big businessman now. He was too proud to just be my bodyguard!

However, the thought of him being my bodyguard had me smirking like an idiot. Imagine the all mighty Natsu Dragneel was only a Heartfilia's bodyguard. How funny...

The next morning, I found Natsu enjoying his coffee in the dining area. His eyes were quick to find me, while I avoided his gaze as I kept my face straight while I put his phone down in front of him.

"Thanks," I mumbled before turning away to make my own breakfast. For some reason, Spetto couldn't be seen around, making the atmosphere more awkward than it already was. Or maybe I was the only one feeling that way, because Natsu was acting so casually as if nothing happened.

"I bought you some clothes to use whenever we go to the ranch instead of your dresses."

Furrowing my eyebrows, I turned to him. "Huh?"

"You heard me."

Did he seriously... H-He knew my sizes?

"W-Where is it?" He pointed to the living room. Without a second thought, I ran to see the paperbags of some big clothing brands. After I confirmed that it all fit me, I was sure my ears and cheeks turned the color of Erza's hair.

Having him buy the tops was fine because it was easy to tell if the shirts would fit for me. But what embarrassed me was the size of the pants! He knew the size of my waist? He had held me there several times yesterday to support me, but was that enough for him to know the...uh… What the hell?

I know this should not be a big deal, but…

"Don't give me that look," Natsu clicked his tongue as he looked away. I didn't even realize that I was already staring at him! "Spetto-san was the one who personally bought everything. I think she based the sizes on your clothes."

And that only brought me to an intense embarrassment. He should have just informed me sooner!

Natsu turned to go upstairs. "Get ready. You'll practice horseback riding today."

I LOOKED UP at the sky, seeing dark and heavy clouds blocking the sunlight. It will definitely rain... Shaking my head, I turned my attention back to what I was doing. I bit my lip as I put my left foot on the stirrup, and pulled myself up as I carefully swung my right leg over the horse's back before gently settling myself on the saddle.

"Alright, good," Natsu commented, standing on the right side of Aurora, my white horse, while looking up at me. "Now breathe, Lucy. Calm yourself. It would be harder for you to find your control if you're stiff."

I nodded, a hand on my head to adjust my helmet. Like what Natsu had instructed, I took in heavy breaths as I tried to relax my shoulders.

"You still remember everything I taught you, Lucy?" He asked, to which I only responded by another nod. Aside from feeling nervous, I was also avoiding talking to him. It felt awkward...on my part.

Natsu had been guiding me to ride Aurora. At first, of course, he needed to ride with me for him to teach the basics effectively. So he was on my back, blabbering about the do's and don'ts, while I was busy calming the heat on my cheeks at the feel of his warm chest pressed against me.

That was stupid, really. Fuck you, Lucy. Stay focused!

"Start moving, Lucy."

As much as possible, I had to keep the reins loose despite my hand tightly clenching on it, as it was connected to the horse's mouth. Natsu's voice echoed in my head, telling me that a gentle squeeze of my legs on the horse's sides could be its signal to start walking. Since Aurora was attentive, she immediately got what I wanted her to do.

She began to move, making me bite my lip for the nth time in slight panic. Relax! You should relax, Lucy!

"Keep going," Natsu said, sitting on Pablo's back as they matched our movement. "Straight your back, Lucy. Chin up. Keep your eyes in front and not on the ground as if you're riding a car."

"N-Noted."

I did what I was told. It took quite a long time before Natsu got satisfied.

"Alright, then. How do you make her stop, Lucy?"

Without saying anything, I carefully leaned back with my hand holding on to the front of the saddle for support, while my other hand holding the reins gently pulled on it.

"Don't keep on pulling it," Natsu strictly said, making me grit my teeth. "Release the pressure of your pull for a second. Their mouths are sensitive."

When Aurora finally stopped, I breathed out a sigh of relief as I patted her head. I thought I could finally rest, but hearing Natsu's stern voice was enough to drain my remaining strength.

"We're not yet done. We'll do trotting next."

Instead of whining about it, I just threw glares at his direction, while he only gave me a smirk.

I actually still had a whole week before Laxus' leave. And Natsu was taking advantage of it to teach me all of these. It was really not a problem since it's the only way to go to the plantation, so I should learn how to ride one. The only problem was that my instructor was too brutal and demanding. I really wanted to kick him to the moon and back.

It was nearly six in the evening when Natsu finally decided to end my training. I had an hour of break earlier after the trotting lesson, before we proceeded on running. It was difficult at first, but Aurora was so cooperative that I had quickly gotten used to it. Although, I'm still not confident enough to bring one to the plantation.

"Laxus asked me to get a certain document left in the cabin," Natsu announced as he shoved his phone back in his pocket. "Just wait me here—"

"No, no! Don't leave me!" I stood up from sitting on the couch, looking around at the ranch house's living room as I shuddered at the sight of antique displays.

Natsu narrowed his eyes, staring at me intently. Soon, I watched him roll his eyes as he walked away.

"Ugh, fine. Come with me!"

We rode Pablo. Unlike before, I was comfortably sitting behind Natsu, grateful that I was wearing jeans and boots, and a simple pink t-shirt. However, when the heavy clouds gave up, I realized that it didn't matter anymore what clothes I was wearing as the rain soaked us wet.

"Damn it! Faster, Natsu!" I yelled, burying my face on his back to protect my eyes from the sharp droplets pouring on us.

It was already dark when we finally reached the plantation. The guards opened the huge gates for us, while Natsu maneuvered Pablo towards the cabin. As soon as we got off of him, one of the workers that were staying here approached us to get Pablo.

"Quick!" Natsu grabbed my hand and pulled me inside the cabin, and closed the door behind us. He let go of me before he rushed to a room, which I guessed was the bathroom, and went out with two fresh white towels on hand. "Here. Dry yourself off."

While my hands were drying my hair, my eyes looked around the place. It wasn't so small, but not big either. As Natsu busied himself closing the windows, I started roaming around. There was only one bedroom, a common bathroom, and a kitchenette. It was cozy and it felt warm probably because of the bright yellowish light.

"You should change, Lucy."

I looked down at my body. I was drenched.

I then took a glance at Natsu over my shoulder, only to quickly divert my eyes away at the sight of him half-naked! However, instead of pointing it out, I just shut my mouth.

It's not my first time seeing a man's body as I was working in a modelling industry. I had seen countless gorgeous physiques and they were all nothing to me. Natsu was not different from them so this shouldn't affect me in any way.

"B-But I don't have spare c-clothes…" I inwardly cursed myself for stuttering.

"Wait. Let me check if I have an extra pair," Natsu said as he entered the bedroom. While he was searching for clothes, I went to the bathroom to fix myself. Maybe I would also take a proper bath.

After stripping off my clothes, I turned the shower on as I let the cold water travel down my body, soon turning warm. The necessities were complete; liquid soap, shampoo, conditioner, extra toothbrushes, mouthwash, and so many more. A cabinet enclosed by a glass at the corner was containing the neatly folded towels.

There was also a bathtub, but because of what happened years ago, I lost interest in using one. Shower was already enough, as long as I got to clean myself. After my warm bath, I opened the tall cabinet next to the sink. Hangered bathrobes greeted me, which were all in the same color; black.

I was facing the mirror as I wore the robe when the electricity suddenly cut off. The rain was still heavy, and few sounds of thunder could be heard. With this black out, it was enough to bring fear coursing through my chest.

"N-Natsu?" I called as I attempted to step forward, arms were stretched out to feel if something was in front of me. I couldn't see anything. Not even a single light... It's scary. "Natsu!"

Then I heard a knock on the door followed by his voice. "Just stay where you are, Lucy! I have a lamp with me."

I sighed in relief when the door opened as a small light finally illuminated the room. Natsu went in, already in a fresh set of clothes. Unconsciously, I held on to his arm, causing his eyebrows to furrow as he reached for my hand. He gave it a gentle squeeze.

"You're so cold."

"I-I'm fine."

He only stared at me for a while before he pulled me out of the bathroom, now leading the way to the kitchen. "What food do you want?"

"I don't want to eat…"

We stopped. I looked away when I saw disapproval in his eyes. For some reason, I didn't have an appetite. Maybe because of the darkness, or maybe because of the heavy rain and constant boom of the thunder? Not really sure.

"Then I won't eat, too." My eyes widened when Natsu turned and pulled me towards the bedroom.

"W-Why? If you're hungry—"

"I'm not."

He closed the door, the light of the lamp gave me a slight glimpse of the whole room. There was a king-sized bed above the circular thick carpet, a single couch at the corner, and a window covered by heavy curtains.

"You can change in the walk-in closet. Here's your clothes." Natsu handed me some folded clothes and gently pushed me inside the closet. Not letting me say anything, he closed the door after handing me the lamp.

Spotting a cabinet near me, I carefully put down the lamp and checked out the clothes he gave me. It was a simple red t-shirt and a black...b-boxers? The realization that there were no undergarments hit me like lightning.

My cheeks were burning hot as I stared at the pieces of clothing. S-should I really wear these…without panties?

Well, it was better than having myself in a bathrobe the whole night. I would freeze to death! Since this cabin was made of logs and woods, the coldness of the rain could be extremely felt. Shit, I have no other choice.

Ignoring the embarrassment I was feeling, I put on the clothes and felt so uncomfortable at the missing pieces that should be hiding certain parts of my body. I took in heavy breaths, trying to calm my abnormal heartbeat. Biting my lip, I slowly stepped out of the closet with the lamp on my hand. Natsu was standing by the window, talking to someone over the phone. The sound of the closing door of the closet made him turn to my direction, scanning my body wearing his clothes.

"Looks good on you. I tried searching for more decent shorts but none could fit you. It's my clothes from years ago," he said after hanging up, his hand pulling the curtain to cover the window. "Get to bed and take a rest, Lucy. I'll be sleeping on the living room—"

But before he could go out, I grabbed his shirt. "W-Wait! Don't leave me alone…"

I swallowed hard as the pace of my heart quickened. In fear that I might drop the lamp because of my trembling hand, I put it down on the nearby table. My hands then found the hem of my oversized shirt, tugging on it nervously as I avoided Natsu's sharp eyes.

"A-And, uh, I just wanna ask something…"

"Hmm?" He was watching me intently, patiently waiting for what I was about to say.

"What about…" I closed my eyes, swallowing my pride as my cheeks turned much warmer. "...the underwear? You didn't give me undergarments, Natsu."

Silence. I couldn't meet him straight in the eyes, so I kept my vision elsewhere. I didn't know what his reaction was, and I didn't want to know! Damn it! If I would be given a chance, I would take back my words!

My tightening hold on the hem of my shirt loosened when Natsu reached for my hand.

"Don't be ridiculous," he replied after a moment, making me look up at him. "Do you think I have something like those here?"

So he didn't...

"I…I just thought you have some reserved for your women…" It barely went out of my throat. I pursed my lips at his violent gasp.

"What?" A smirk with no sign of humor appeared on his lips. My lip trembled when I realized that he was annoyed. "I wasn't bringing anyone here, Lucy. And I had no woman."

I blinked at him, trying to pull my hand from his grasp but he didn't let me. "N-Not even Lisanna?" What am I saying?

I wasn't sure why but hearing him explain to me like this had my heart jumping in bliss. It went even wilder when his other hand found the small of my back, pulling me closer to him.

"Not even her."

"Is she still your girlfriend?"

"No…"

He stared at my face. No, he was focused on my eyes as if he was searching something from there. Despite the darkness of the room, the small lamp near us was enough to see each other clearly. I could see the spark in his eyes, and the question in them asking if it was all fine with me.

Letting a soft sigh escape my lips, I brought my arms over his shoulders, wrapping them around his neck. Natsu watched me as if I was a big puzzle he couldn't solve. The deep crease between his eyebrows made him look more snob and intimidating, yet handsome and hot at the same time. Some pink strands of hair dangled on his forehead, shadowing his pair of onyx eyes.

I gave him a smile.

Carefully, I felt his hands go back on my waist and pull me flushed to him.

"You don't have a girlfriend?" I probed, tilting my head to watch him more closely.

"Hmm."

I shut my eyes closed when he crouched down to kiss the tip of my nose, his arm now completely wrapped around me. His other hand found my nape, angling my head up as he started trailing kisses on my jaw.

"W-Why, Natsu?"

I let out a ragged breath at the feel of his tongue circling against my skin, teasing certain parts that made me hum at the sensation it brought. My fingers found interest in his slightly wet hair, tugging on them a bit.

He chuckled, giving me open-mouthed kisses as he travelled down to my neck. "Maybe I do...in the future?"

I grabbed a fistful of his hair for his full attention as I pulled myself away. The sound of his grunt of protest sent heat travelling down my body. He was breathing heavily, eyes were fixated on my parted lips.

"Who is it?"

Instead of a vocal answer, all I received from him was a kiss on my cheek, moving until he reached the side of my lips. I was expecting him to kiss me fully, but he stopped. I just felt myself being lifted up that made me encircle my legs around his hips.

Soon enough, I felt the soft mattress on my back. When he hovered over me, I rested my hands on his chest before pushing him in full force. I wasn't sure if Natsu saw that coming, or if he just let me do what I wanted, but I had easily pushed him off of me as he laid on the bed. Not taking the chance to slip away, I rolled and ended on top of him with my knees on both his sides.

Natsu watched me with his heavy eyes. It looked so weary, so vulnerable yet sexy.

"I'm asking you, Natsu."

He smirked, "You guess?"

I moved down, stuffing my face on his neck, and mimicked what he was doing to me earlier. His hands gripped on my waist, while I let my lips and tongue wander around to search for his sweet spot. But then, with all the shifting I was doing, I accidentally felt something hard that suddenly pressed against my clothed core. Unknowingly, I let out a moan as I pressed myself more against it.

"Fuck—Lucy, stop!"

Not listening, I threw my head back as I rolled my hips, seeking for the same delicious feeling I had felt just a moment ago. Natsu held my hips still, making me whine in protest as I tried to rub myself against him despite his strong hold. He muttered curses, and then turned us over with such ease. However, what caught me off guard was when he roughly pressed his steel-hard erection against my aching core.

"Ah!"

He did it not just once, but repeatedly in a very slow motion. He then put both of my wrists above my head, holding it down by just his one hand as his other one was busy feeling my thigh. It was so warm, rough, yet gentle at the same time.

His hand moved north, travelling to my inner thigh until he reached me there, replacing his caged hardness. I forced myself to open my eyes when I felt his fingers start creating its rhythm over the cloth.

"Natsu!" I moaned, begging for him to do more than that. The roughness of the material separating his fingers to my wet flesh had me going crazy. I wanted him to touch me bare, but it seemed he had no plan on granting my wish.

My eyelids felt so heavy, my breathing was erratic, too. The splatter of rain was still so loud, but the only noise that I could hear was the one coming from myself—the wild pounding of my heart, and my cries of pleasure as Natsu kept his fingers on spreading its flames.

"N-Natsu…" I tried moving my wrists, but he was holding it down so firmly. It was so unfair. Why was he the only one touching me? I wanted to feel him, too... "Please…"

He was gritting his teeth, breathing so heavily while watching every expression I made. I knew he was enjoying hearing my pleas, as a spark of an unadulterated desire appeared in his darkened eyes. But instead of giving me mercy, he had just tortured me more with his fingers moving at a faster pace.

"Come, Lucy."

Natsu targeted my most sensitive spot, making me cry out loud in pure bliss. He let go of my wrists, his hand found my breast and made an experimental squeeze on my hardened nipple through the fucking shirt. My nails dugged on his shoulders when my world crumbled apart, feeling myself reaching the highest peak as I shuddered underneath his burning touch.

His movements soon slowed down, until he completely stopped. My thighs were still trembling and sensitive, my chest desperately heaving for air. I closed my eyes when he pressed his lips against mine for a second, before I felt another kiss on my forehead.

"Sleep well, Lucy."

Maybe it was because of the whole day's exhausting horseback riding, or because of our little activity, or maybe both that took a toll on me that I felt so tired. His words were like a magic spell in my ears.

A blanket that covered me was all I could remember before darkness took over.