Chapter 64: Goodnight Kiss
This is so ironic. True to her words this afternoon, I did let her into my room in no time at all...
...
The moment I heard the door of Reiner’s room close behind us, I felt a little safer as if whoever that was chasing me wouldn’t reach me here. I knew deep down that there was absolutely no one and nothing chasing me in this mansion, but my fear wouldn’t subside. My head was still throbbing, and I focused all of my energy to control my irregular breathing. I leaned my body on Reiner as my legs gave out and he supported me as we slowly slid together to the floor. I hate how I’m feeling right now, and I hate that he has to see me like this. I’m always showing him my worst and never my best.
I was still unable to stop the sobs that were wrecking my body as I hugged Reiner tighter to me, my nails digging into his back. I closed my eyes and focus on steadying my breathing as I inhaled Reiner’s calming scent. It reminded me that I was not alone, Reiner was with me. Reiner hugged me tighter as he continued to stroke my hair and then my back. He’s so warm and comforting. I want to be in his arms like this forever.
“Natalia...can you get up?” Reiner whispered softly in a calm voice into my ear after a while has passed.
I shook my head in reply, not trusting the sound of my own voice and my ability to speak.
“Can you put your arms around my neck?” Reiner asked softly. I slowly moved my arm upwards a little so that my arms were around his neck.
I felt his arm under my knees and around my back before my body was lifted princess-style into his strong arms. How he carried me seemed so effortless and yet he handled me with such care as he slowly walked towards his bed. I felt the softness of the pillow behind my head and the touch of the bed on my body as he slowly laid me down. I’m sleeping in Reiner’s bed, I thought to myself, as he pulled his blanket over me. I closed my eyes and inhaled his scent; this bed smells like him. It feels so safe and so warm.
His footsteps were silent as always, so I felt rather than heard him walking away.