Chapter 47 - Alone Together

Natasha's POV

It was already night when we finally arrived at the hotel we were going to stay at in Greece.

Me and Valerian are staying in a 5 star hotel and knowing Valerian, it is typical and normal for him to do that. I couldn't be a hypocrite though. I love the place and I'm so glad we stay here.

The hotel is huge and so luxurious. Everything that I laid my eyes on is beautiful and elegant.

The ambiance of the place is so nice.

When we arrived in Athens, Greece, it was just like arriving at my fantasy world— entering a portal where I can be whoever I want without getting recognized by anyone; without having to worry about a single thing in the world right now.

I'm here, finally.

It feels kind of strange actually— the overwhelming emotions and feelings that I feel right now, but one thing is for sure and I know: I feel freedom.

So this is what freedom tastes like. It tasted good.

I can't help but smile to myself as I looked out the huge window in our hotel room.

I want to thank Valerian because he chose the perfect hotel room to ever exist.

You can see the beautiful city of Athens right outside the window of our hotel room.

"You hungry?" Valerian asked.

I turned to look at him.

"Not really." I shook my head. "But I'm feeling kind of tired."

I laid down on the bed immediately feeling the soft and comfortable bed sheets.

I took a deep breath as I relaxed myself.

Now, werewolves don't really easily get tired but Valerian drained my energy because of all the things that we did in the car earlier.

He seemed like he didn't even have any intention to stop if I didn't stop him myself and told him that I wanted to be in Greece already.

Feeling the comfortable bed, my eyelids started to get heavy.

I took a deep breath as I let myself drift to sleep.

~*~

I woke feeling something strange.

I rubbed my eyes before I opened them only to see Valerian lying down beside me, staring at me intently.

I creased my forehead as I swiftly moved away from him because he was too close to me.

"What?" I asked, feeling uneasy by the way he stared at me.

He was staring at me so intently and I have no idea how long he has been doing that which kind of freaks me out.

So, he was the strange feeling I was unconsciously feeling.

Valerian shook his head as he lay down straight on the bed and stared at the ceiling.

"You're weird," I blurted out. "For how long were you staring at me already?"

Valerian turned sideways to look at me.

"I was just staring at you, Natasha." He shook his shoulders. "Can't I stare at my property?"

I bit my lower lip.

I don't know if it's just because I just woke up or hearing him say that felt good to me.

I used to get pissed off every single time Valerian says he owns me but hearing that now made me feel. . . something.

I cleared my throat. "I'm not your property."

"Oh, you're not?" he remarked. "As I am aware of, I own you."

"No, you don't," I retorted.

Valerian swiftly changed position and lay sideways on the bed.

He reached for my face and cupped my cheeks.

As I felt his warm touch, peace, and comfort enveloped me.

I closed my eyes as I felt him softly caress my cheeks.

"You are so pretty, Natasha." I heard Valerian whisper. "Seeing you sleep so peacefully made me feel at peace."

My heart feels like it's going to explode because of how overwhelmed I am hearing someone say something so nice to me.

"You are my peace, Natasha."

All my life, I was taught to be tough. I grew up not even knowing how to comprehend what I felt. All I know is I need to be strong-- to be tough because for my parents, showing a little bit of emotions equates to weakness.

Having to experience and hearing something like what Valerian said made me realize how deprived I am of nice words--especially from my parents. I guess if it weren't for my friends, especially Sayna, I think I would be so heartless. Like a robot that does not feel any emotion and does not have a soul.

I bit the insides of my cheeks as I stared back at Valerian.

"I wonder if you can hear my heartbeat." I thought out loud which put a smile on Valerian's face.

"What do you want to do tonight, darling?" he asked.

My face brightened the moment I heard him say what he said.

"Isn't it too late?" I hesitantly asked.

"Not in the city of Athens," he answered.

I pursed my lips. "I don't have something to do in mind."

"Then let's go to Areopagus Hill viewpoint. I heard it's nice at night," Valerian said.

"What's that?" I asked as I creased my forehead.

"You'll see." He smiled a little.

"I'll just take a quick shower," I told him as I excitedly stood up from the bed.

Oooh, I think this is one of the nights that Elyse meant to say that I should be prepared.

I need to dress up.

We're going out and I want to look good because I want to enjoy myself.

"Oh, I was just about to take a shower too," Valerian said which made me stop in my tracks.

"You can take a shower after I finish. I'll be quick," I told him.

"The view is at its peak at this hour. We need to leave immediately, darling."

I looked at Valerian sternly. "I know what you're trying to do, Valerian."

He let out a low chuckle. "Is it working?"

I rolled my eyes. "Come on."

I jerked up on my spot when I felt a swoosh of wind pass through me.

"Valerian?" I called when Valerian was nowhere to be found on the bed anymore. One second ago he was just in front of me, lying on the bed.

"I'm here, darling." I heard Valerian's voice coming from the bathroom.

I could just roll my eyes.

Oh, you mischievous devil.

I entered the bathroom and I wasn't surprised anymore when I saw Valerian inside, taking his shirt off.

"Come on, darling. The water is at the perfect temperature," he said.

I couldn't help but laugh.

"What?" he questioned.

"You're so silly." I rolled my eyes.

He chuckled.

Gosh, oh how I love it every time he does that.

"Let's be quick," I told him.

"Alright, get in the bathtub."

I creased my forehead at Valerian. "I thought we were only taking showers-- quick shower."

"Well, I thought since we're already here, might as well enjoy a warm bath."

"But you said-- how about the view?"

Valerian smiled slyly.

"Oh, Valerian." I rolled my eyes at him upon realizing.

Valerian broke into a fit of laughter. "I'm sorry, baby."

I rolled my eyes once again.

He fooled me.

I wanted to be pissed at Valerian but I couldn't seem to do so, seeing him laugh like that.

I crossed my arms playfully. "Fine."

"Well, you're not planning to get in the bath tub fully clothed, are you?"

I nodded. "Actually. . ."

"You will be uncomfortable, Natasha."

I shook my head. "Nah, I can manage."

Valerian gave me a look that he usually gives me when he's being bossy.

I looked at him the same way and even put both of my hands on my waist.

"Oh, no no no, lady. You're not doing that to me." He chuckled.

I raised an eyebrow as I stared at him with a more serious expression on.

"I've already seen everything, Natasha."

I raised my eyebrow even further. "And so?"

He sighed. "You can undress and get in the bath, I'll be outside."

I smiled triumphantly.

"But make sure to call me once you're done."

I nodded at him.

"I'm serious, Natasha," Valerian said in an authoritative voice.

"Yes, Valerian, I will call you the moment I'm in the bathtub."

"Good girl." Valerian smiled at me slyly before he went out of the bathroom door.

Although Valerian was right when he said that he already saw everything in me, I still don't think I can undress in front of him.

I could not do it. I just can't.

I quickly undressed and got in the tub.

"You can come in now!" I yelled at Valerian.

And as if on cue, the water splashed.

I flinched.

"Oh, I'm sorry," Valerian apologized when he saw me already soaking wet because of what he just did.

"I still couldn't get used to your super speed," I commented.

"Sorry, baby."

I rolled my eyes at him.

"What is it with you rolling your eyes, Natasha?" Valerian smirked. "Do you want me to make your eyes roll for you?"

I smacked the water causing it to splash. "Pervert!"

Valerian laughed.

Not only did I like the whole ambiance in this place and the feeling I got when we arrived here, but I noticed that since we arrived in Greece, Valerian seemed to be more carefree; all smiling and laughing.

I love it.