(Jenna's POV)

Just as Nik had promised, we've had a glorious evening, so far.

We went riding further than ever before, exploring more of his breathtaking property and came upon a small clearing by an old watermill...after crossing a bridge, dismounting our horses, and passing through a creepy wrought iron spider gate flanked by stone...

Other than that, it looked so charming, like something straight out of a fairytale or movie, especially with the quaint stream running beside it.

Nik explained that it used to be the primary source of power for the castle and gatehouse for a few centuries until modern electricity came along, but now only serves as a form of backup energy.

He also explained why we tend to lose power frequently. Not only are we out in the middle of nowhere, up in the mountains, but the castle and gatehouse is also in dire need of a modern rewiring, which he's hesitant to do because of the intrusion of all the people that would be needed, as well as the many months that it would take to do it.

He also said he worries about the castle's architectural integrity, not wanting to change or ruin any original features, explaining that he's a purist at heart, which I can understand.

Then he added that the dark doesn't bother him anyway.

Yeah...I wish that were true for me...

He  then casually commented that it would take at least $2 million to complete the task, according to estimates, but acted as if this were the least of his worries.

Must be nice...

After that, we decided to have a light dinner in the clearing while listening to the sound of the water and taking in the beautiful scenery...that ended with us making out right there on the blanket in which we'd ate upon and then snuggling for a bit until I got too cold.

Glorious indeed...

Once we returned to the castle, we decided to get cleaned up a bit and watch a movie, which Nik seemed rather excited about.

I don't remember seeing a TV anywhere here, and I know that he doesn't have much modern technology such as a cellphone, tablet, or laptop, so I'm curious about how he plans to do this.

Although he could have one tucked away somewhere in this massive place...who knows.

We agreed to dress casually, thank God, so it didn't take long to change and freshen up.

He arrives at my bedroom door with freshly cut flowers from the conservatory, as usual, never arriving empty handed.

My room looks like a flower shop, despite its large size...

I love it though...him and his old-fashioned, chivalrous, gentlemanly ways.

If this relationship doesn't work out with Nik, for some odd reason...which I hope it never ends, I don't know how I'll ever be able to date any of these typical, selfish, ill-mannered, modern men.

None of them could ever hope to hold a candle to Nik.

I'll probably just wind up a single, old spinster, for the rest of my days...

We arrive down in the candlelit library where there's an old movie projector and screen set up, along with a cozy little area filled with pillows, a large bowl of popcorn, and drinks.

"Wow, Nik..." I say as I examine the ancient looking projector. "Are you sure this thing still works?" I tease, even though it appears to be in pristine condition, looking as it would've the day it was purchased new.

"Hey...I'll have you know that it works perfectly," he replies affronted, though his smile tells me that he's not offended at all. "It sure beats the old crank style one that I used to have," he chuckles.

"Crank style?" I ask bewildered. "You mean that you or someone else had to stand and crank it for the duration of the movie?"

Yikes! Talk about a workout for your arms.

"Yes, unfortunately," he shakes his head with a chuckle. "So, you can imagine how thrilled I was when this little gem came on the market," he smiles as he turns a few knobs on it.

"I bet..." I murmur, thinking that it at least had to be the 40's or 50's when this thing came out.

I shake my head and just decide to let it go. I'd rather enjoy my evening with Nik than worry about inconsistent dates and odd statements from Nik.

He's odd anyway...but I love him.

We take our seats and get comfy as the movie begins.

"What movie are we watching?" I ask as some grainy black and white numbers begin counting down on the screen.

"Tarantula," he answers. "It's one of my favorites," he smiles.

Of course it is...I internally groan.

"It's in black and white?" I ask with a grimace as it starts.

"Yes...it is from 1955 after all," he replies as if it should be obvious.

Great...Not.

[There should be a GIF or video here. Update the app now to see it.]

PLEASE WATCH! (It's only 1 minute and 52 seconds long)⬆️

I sigh and decide to just suck it up and enjoy time with Nik. The movie hopefully won't traumatize me too much...

I'm sure this is all a part of his 'Get Jenna to like spiders' plan, though once I see the 100-foot-tall spider in this movie, it certainly doesn't endear me in any way.

At all.

Fuck...I'd have a stroke, if I ever saw a spider that big.

Literally.

Like die right there on the spot.

I snuggle in close to Nik and grip onto his arm in fear. Despite being a cheesy old horror film from the 50's, the concept and visuals, despite their low quality, are positively frightening.

"It's okay, love," Nik whispers as he caresses my back. "Nothing to fear...I'm right here with you," he assures soothingly, or at least tries.

"Uh...no offense, but...I don't think there's anything or anyone that could save me from that thing," I say as I shudder before clenching my eyes shut at the sight of the thing crawling over a mountain, making the mountain look small in comparison.

"You'd be surprised," Nik chuckles as he continues to try to soothe me.

We watch a bit longer in silence before Nik asks, "What if...it liked you...were your friend...wouldn't ever hurt you?"

"Seriously?" I ask perplexed at the strange question.

"Yes," he answers.

"Well...that is thankfully a hypothetical scenario, but if it weren't, I still wouldn't want anything to do with something like that," I grimace once more at the very thought. "I mean, don't get me wrong, I'd much rather be on its good side than bad, but...who would want such a thing, even as a friend?" I ask disgusted. "I seriously doubt that something like that would even have feelings anyway, let alone like anyone," I continue, shaking my head. "I mean, it would probably be thinking about all the ways that it could kill and eat you, if it were around you for any length of time," I finish in all seriousness.

"I see..." Nik says solemnly with a sad frown as he pulls his arm from behind me. "I'm feeling...a bit tired now," he says in a dull tone as he stands and offers me his hand, albeit with his dark expression laced with doubt, as if I wouldn't want to take his hand now.

Gosh...I know he likes spiders and they're his livelihood and all, but still...

That's no reason to pout over a stupid hypothetical question, after watching an equally stupid movie.

Whatever.

He surely can't expect everyone to feel the same way about spiders that he does.

Hell...most of the world's population hates them, so why be angry at me for feeling the same way?

It's only normal to fear such nasty, dangerous things.

As I change into my nightclothes and lay down in bed, I can only hope that Nik is in a better mood tomorrow.

A/N : Poor Nik! 💔 Who here wants to give him a hug? Lol Do you agree with Jenna? What do you think will happen? Let me hear from you!

PLEASE VOTE AND COMMENT!!!