Raffy's POV

"Natalia Petropoulis," the name rolled out of his tongue dreamily. I froze for a moment.

I sat upright, grabbing the glass and downed it in one gulp. Gripping the glass tightly, my knuckles turning white, my jaw slammed tight, it felt like a nerve would snap any second from clenching it too tight. I eyed him ferociously, he was oblivious from the livid stare directed to him. I slammed the glass down too hard, causing the empty glass to shatter in my hand. Kaelan snapped his head to me, startled. He frowned when he saw the broken glass underneath my palm. I could feel the deep cut from under my thumb, blood starting to gush out, then tiny stinging sensations rushes through me. I didn't care one bit.

My heart was beating so loud in my ears, my throat felt dry, and a lump stuck at the back of my throat. My temper spiked up, all I could see is red. I wanted to punch his head until it knocked him sense. Until he remembers who Natalia Petropoulis is.

I am seethingly mad.

He knew she's my girlfriend, that I'm dating her. How dare he!

"Are you all right?" Kaelan shot me a worried look and at the same time, confused.

"FVCK! I'M NOT!" I shot back loudly, causing all the guest that was close to us to stop from what they are doing and watch us curiously.

I didn't give a damn shit. I'm furious. No, I'm livid!

Kaelan froze. He looks utterly confused, face scrunched up, his eyes looks lost, and he really doesn't know what's going on and that only drives me so mad. How could he forget that?

"Your grace," I heard Grisha, and I felt the two bouncers behind me.

"Is something wrong, your grace?" one of them asked. I shook my head.

"Nothing," I said without bothering to look at them.

"It was just a misunderstanding," I waved them off.

"But your grace, your hand is bleeding," Grisha steps forward and stood beside me.

"This is nothing. It won't kill me," I said coldly in a dismissal tone.

"I'll come back to clean the shards then," and reluctantly left us with the bouncers.

I chuckled humourlessly, clenching and unclenching my bleeding hand mindlessly, my eyes trained onto the broken pieces of the glass. "Natalia Petropoulis," I chuckled again, less amused.

"Do you know who she is, Kaelan? I thought you're a friend?" I clenched my jaws tightly, my tone dripping with menace and at the same time, bitterness.

I looked at him. He looks lost, shaking his head momentarily. "I'm sorry, Raffy. I need more information, I'm really lost here," he said softly in a resigned voice.

I clenched my hands, averting my eyes to him, I clenched my jaw tightly as I eyed him in disdain.

Control your temper, Raffy. You're a duke, people respects you, don't ruin it! Half of my brain demanded.

Hell, it's Natalia we are talking about here. The woman I wanted to win back, the woman who wants nothing from me anymore, the woman who once loves me, but I took it for granted, and now, my friend is in the way.

Why did she go out with him?

Does she know he's my friend?

That's a low blow on my part. Hell, she's mine, and nobody can ever have her. I swear to God, I'd kill if I have I to.

I stood up, still eyeing him ferociously. I didn't care people are watching us! I want him to know that he was stepping into my territory. And Natalia is mine. All mine!

"Natalia.Petropoulis.is.my.girlfriend.Kaelan!" I ferociously grit out through clenched, my eyes blazing red. "She's mine!" I hissed, stressing the two words with menace. "Back off!" I scowled darkly.

Kaelan stood up, unfazed. He looks challenged.

"If she was yours, why would she go out with me?" He cocked his eyebrow in a calm irritating tone. My ominous eyes twitch in rage, I felt like a hot boiling volcano, needing to be erupted. "Why was she not with you?" he sneered, challenging me, and with that, I lost it.

My bleeding palm curled into a tight ball and involuntarily slammed into his jaw, causing his head to jerk to the side, he staggered and stumbled over his feet. The bouncer quickly intervened, catching him before he falls on his back. As soon as he got his balance, he forcefully shrugged away the bouncer's hands and stood upright, his daggering eyes trained at me with contempt.

He rubs his jaw, and spit the blood, the people beside him steps away. He tipped his head to one side, a grating grin emerging across his face. My jaw was tight, eyes set and unblinking as I watch him seethingly.

"You know I was right, your grace?" he mocked, and my face distorted in rage. My eyes spitting fire as I stared at him ferociously. He chuckled annoyingly. "You think because you are a duke you can treat us just like this? You can own any woman, just because you're the royal highness?" he sneered, causing my temper to combust

I step forward menacingly, I thought I caught fear crossed his face for a split second. "She loves me, and not because I am a duke," I said in a very low dangerous tone. Just then I noticed it was eerily quiet in the room. I ignored the audience and the consequences of this scene that I made. I was too livid to think of anything. My anger, jealousy already overtakes my sanity. "I'll make sure, you will regret this day you step into my territory!" I sneered, sinister tone ensnared with contempt.

Taking my wallet, I pulled several crisps hundred bills and threw it on the table, then strode briskly towards the door. "Play fair, Rafael," Kaelan's voice is challenging me. I stop, clenched my jaw, and slowly turned my head to look at him gravely.

"I like her, and I believe she won't accept my invitation if she's with someone." He stated firmly, his tone were sarcastic, mocking me.

I smirked.

Clenching my hands, I nodded acquiescently. With all the eyes watching us, I'm sure, this will reach the media. I had to control my temper, the powerful urge to beat his ass up.

"May the best man win!" he took the glass that I didn't notice was refilled, and raise it silently, proposing a toast, with his grating smile on his lips, then he took a sip.

Without a word, I took off without looking back, nor looking around me. I called Osvaldo as I strode along the dark hallway.

"I'm out of here," I said icily, and with that, I ended the call. Briskly nodding at Alhona, the host, and then left the Tavern. I saw Osvaldo standing beside the black Mercedes across the road. I quickly cross the road when no cars coming, my curled hands deep inside my pocket. I could still feel a slight stinging pain in my cut palm, but bearable, my knuckles felt a little painful, too from the hard blow I gave him.

Osvaldo opened the door for me, and I quickly slid in.

What Am I gonna do with you, pumpkin when I see you?

What monster have you awakened in me? I groaned deeply as I leaned against the seat, closing my eyes.

As soon as the black Mercedes emerged into the traffic, I looked at the rear mirror. Osvaldo was fixed driving. "Tell me the truth, Osvaldo!" I grit out, barely containing the irritation burning in my chest. Osvaldo looks into the rearview mirror, meeting my dark, sinister eyes briefly.

I could feel the fear radiating off his body. "What would you like to know, your grace," he asked apprehensively. With his tone, I could hear the secret beyond it.

"Did my grandfather hired a new nurse?" I asked.

That's the only reason I know why Natalia is here. Maybe grandpa hired her to look after him, after all, he's sick, and I don't know what is his plan. Grandpa can be controlling when he wants to.

"Your grace, I'm not the right person to ask to about that. Maybe your grandfather can answer your question, but I do agree that he hired a new employee, a nurse to look after him. Please, don't let me betray him, your grace," Osvaldo felt cornered, torn, and I nodded.

I respect his loyalty.

But with his confirmation, that made me happy. Natalia is here, she's under my nose, yet I have no knowledge about it. The thought of her lying to me really ticks me off, but the happiness, relief flooded in my heart wipes off that irritation.

I can't wait to see her and maybe punish her for lying to me.

But first, I need to know where is her room. The palace has over a hundred room, and I don't have time to check the rooms one by one.

My eyes lingered to my phone on my palm. I smiled.

I quickly press on the speed dial and tap on her number.

........

Natalia's POV

"Thank you, Osvaldo. I'm sorry for sending you here. I don't really want to be a bother. I wanted to call a cab, but then I'm not sure if they can speak English, obviously I can't understand Russian, and another thing, I have no numbers of any cab company," I rambled as I leaned against the soft leather seat in the backseat.

"Everything is fine, Ms. Petropoulis. Anytime you need a ride, don't hesitate to call. We want to make sure you are safe, it's his grace's order." Osvaldo said, his lip curled a bit into a half tight smile, and I nodded gratefully, giving her a very sweet grateful smile.

"Thank you," I said softly, and the car then filled with silence.

I quickly dialed my mother's phone. "Natalia?" came her sweet voice.

Hearing her sweet voice, I warm feeling filled me. I missed her so much, I missed home, I missed everyone. "Mom," I smiled.

"Iya, baby. Is everything alright?" her tone suddenly turns serious and panicking. Typical mother.

"Nothing, mom! I just missed you," I chuckled softly. "How's everybody?" I asked.

"Well, Nixon is growing too fast, he's like Nicolai, and your father is enjoying being a grandpa." Mom rambled, and I suddenly felt nostalgic.

"How is Elle coping with Nicolai's possessiveness?" I asked out of nowhere. I chuckled as I recalled Elle's frustrations towards my brother's overprotectiveness.

Well, I can't blame him, after she was almost killed, my brother wouldn't want to take the risk.

"Well, she's got your brother wrapped around her finger," mom chuckled. I laughed.

"Just like dad!" I giggled, and mom laughed louder. "Love can change a man, Iya. Even the coldest, stone heart. You have no idea, baby," mom giggled happily.

I smiled and then sighed. "How's the old duke?" mom randomly asked.

I froze.

How did she know?

As far as I remember, I didn't mention it to her that I was moved here when I called her that day I got the news.

"Mom, are you asking about Mr. Markovich? Or the grandson?" I asked casually.

"The old man, of course. That's the reason why you are moved to Pushkin, right?" mom chuckled softly.

"How did you know?" I frowned, looking through straight ahead without blinking.

"Of course, anything that's happening to my kids, I know, should we?"

I sighed in defeat.

There's nothing we can hide from our parents. Not with Nicolas Petropoulis, with his tenacious, strong-willed wife, which was my mother, Adriana De Luca, overbearing parents, but I love them to bits.

"I'm sorry, mom. I just don't want you to overthink this situation. I'm here to work, so please don't think that I came here because of Raffy," I rambled defensively. Mom burst into laughter, and I frowned even more.

"Honey, you're the one overthinking," she giggled. At some point, I'm relieved that she's cool now that I'm working far away from home, from them. Not really that far, it is just two hours by plane, but still, it feels far. It is a thousand mile away.

"Where's dad?" I asked. "He's in his study with Nicolai. As usual, talking about business," mom sighed.

"I thought he's retiring?"

"I don't think he will, Iya. He loves what he's doing. Well, he loves the power his position gives him," mom chuckled softly. "He can't rule here in the house, at least in his office he can," mom said amusedly. With that, I burst into laughter.

Yes, mom is right.

Dad can be tough with his employees, but he turns into a soft bear when mom's provoked.

I saw the huge iron gate opened up as the car pulled into the long wide driveway into the palace.

"Mom, I gotta go. Please send my love to dad, to everyone," I said as I look at the entrance door as we got closer.

"I love you, baby. Take care always. Send my regards to the Duke!" mom said and I quickly said my I love you's, then bid goodbye.

I collected my handbag and quickly stuff my phone inside, Osvaldo was holding the rear door for me, and I climbed out. "Thank you, Osvaldo," I said softly and he nodded. As soon as he closes the door, his phone rang.

"Your grace," he responded quickly, and my heart skip a beat when I heard him spoke his name. I turned on my heel and step forward, heading towards the door.

"Have a good night, Ms. Petropoulis," Osvaldo said and I stop and turn my head promptly to look at him.

"Goodnight to you, too, Osvaldo," I responded with a smile and he nodded then slid into the car swiftly and drove off.

I quickly headed inside, thanking the footman, and briskly headed back to my room.

As soon as I got in my room, turning the lights off, I shut the door behind me. I quickly took my shoes off, kicking it anywhere as I walk towards the bed exhaustedly, then chuck my handbag on the settee at the foot of my bed, then I dropped my body on my bed.

Why do I have this feeling that Rafael might have found out that I'm here?

I hope Kaelan didn't mention my name.

Darn, I have to call him. He must have been waiting for me. I wasn't thinking.

I quickly sat up and grab my handbag. Fishing my phone out, I quickly dialed his number.

After several rings, it connected.

"Kaelan," I started.

"Hey, Natalia!" his cheery tone had my conscience digging into me. I caught my bottom lip between my teeth, unable to come up with a good lie.

"Are you there?" he asked, a little worried. "Should I come and pick you up?" he asked, and I felt all the more remorseful. He thought I'm still in the washroom.

"Kaelan, listen," I said, my heart beating too fast. "I'm sorry. I had to go home, I—"

"You saw him, right?" he cuts me off, sighing momentarily, and my brain got jumbled.

"Yes, I'm sorry," I sighed, there's no point to lie. I'll just make it worst. "I didn't mean to lead you on, Kaelan. I'm sorry. I thought I need a distraction, a diversion, so I agreed with your invitation. I hope you didn't—"

"It's all right, Natalia. I understand. I honestly like you, but I can't force you to like me," he chuckled, I could taste the bitterness laced in his tone. "I'm nothing compared to him," he laughed half-heartedly.

"It's not like that, Kaelan. You are a nice man, handsome in your own way, I'm sure there are lots of women out there who wanted to be with you," I comforted, I don't want to say these things, but I thought he needed it right now. He sounded bitter, it's not really helping him. "I know it will be an absurd idea, but if it makes you feel better, we can be friends," I offered politely and he sighed.

"I think I could use that." He sounded a little relax now, and I sighed in relief.

"Why are you hiding from him anyway? I suspect you are, or else, you wouldn't escape," he commented curiously, and I sighed.

Should I tell him?

Well, he probably knows that he's a cheater. They were friends, right?

"He cheated on me," I responded after a short pause, contemplating. "Not just once, many times," I added.

"I see. I know he can easily attract a woman, even without doing anything, but I never understand why would he cheated on you. He's such as dick, stupid to even look for another when in fact you are perfect!" Kaelan said incredulously, and I giggled softly.

"You are a sweet talker, too, Kaelan. Now, I see why you are a friend of him," I blurted out giggling. I lie on my back, still clutching the phone close to my ear, staring through the high ceiling.

I heard him chuckled in amusement. "Hell no! I'm different from him. I'm the opposite of him, Natalia." Kaelan reacted defensively causing me to giggle all the more.

"Am I forgiven now?" I asked when my giggles sobered up.

"Yes. I can't stay mad at you. Besides, you're going to help me avenge my wounded ego," Kaelan responded shortly that made me curious at his words.

"Avenge your wooden ego?" I repeated with deep curiosity as I sat up.

"Yes. He's claiming that you are his," Kaelan said. I frowned deeply in disbelief.

"He said that?"

"Yes. Actually, he said that you are still in love with him, that made him conclude you are still his," Kaelan elaborated further, and I felt my temper flaring up.

"That ass!" I hissed unknowingly.

"Yes, he's an ass, and I provoked him, earning me a hard blow from him!" He spewed out, my eyes bulging in disbelief.

"He did not!" dragging the word in disbelief.

"I don't want to be a telltale, but I really want to get even with him, you know? I know he loves you, that's what prompted him to punch me. He's always the calm person even when he's aggravated, he's the Duke after all. I was surprised when he did that, to be honest,"

I froze when it dawns on me. Raffy already found out I was here.

"I want to make him jealous, Natalia. I'll continue seeing you, I really want to see what he is capable of doing. Don't worry, I accepted that your heart is taken," Kaelan's words barely registering in my head. My heart already hammering against my ribcage, everything he's sayin' just passed my ears like an air. All I said was yes, in every word without thinking.

An incoming call took half of my attention. Pulling the phone away with Kaelan still rambling, I check on the screen. I saw Raffy's name calling. My heartbeat seems to triple, my insides are in chaos. Why do I feel agitated?

Ignoring his call, I put the phone back close to my ear.

"I'm sorry, Kaelan, but I need to go. I feel so exhausted, and I need to wake up early tomorrow," I said, my tone was not even convincing, I just hope he didn't hear the apprehension in my voice.

"Sure. Thanks, Natalia. I'll see you tomorrow," he said and then I hang up the phone without responding.

I quickly got out of the bed and shuffled towards my closet and pulled a beige silk night dress, and quickly change.

I'll just go to bed and forget what happened tonight.

Placing my phone on the side table close to me, I turned the lights off, and climbed up the huge, soft foster bed, and crawled under the thick, comfortable blanket.

I could feel the exhaustion starting to kick in. I tried to blank my head as I close my eyes, trying to find sleep. Just then I felt my system starting to relax, to let sleep overtake it, I heard a loud knock. I snapped my eyes open and craned my neck towards the door. The door swung open, and the lights flooded my room once more in my room, revealing furious Raffy. His eyes were livid, glued at me as he strode inside and stops. Then he ran his hair with his hands furiously, frustrations radiating off him. I find it sexy when he does that.

"Why Natalia?" was his first words, and I just stared at him. I can hear my heart beating loudly in my ears as I watch him stood rooted on the floor.

I casually sat up, force to conceal the excitement, the fear, and all these mixed emotions flooding me. "Why are you here?" I asked, forcing to block his effect on me, but I can't meet his eyes.

"Kaelan is my friend!" he said, his tone were controlled, but I could hear the dangerous threat in his resonance. I've never heard him use that tone.

"What are you trying to imply?" I asked innocently as I involuntarily look up to meet his furious gaze. His eyes lingered on my face hotly, intense, and it felt like he was reading into me. His bright, piercing eyes, were doing his magic again, feeling like it's sucking me.

"You know what does it mean when you accepted an invitation from the opposite sex," he grits out.

I cocked my eyebrow. His eyes traveled down and lingered on my breast, that's when I realized I have no bra. My nipples instantly hardened at his hot stares.

I casually strode towards the washroom, where my bathrobe was hanging at the back of the washroom door. I felt his hot stare following my back. "Do you have any idea what I want to do with you, pumpkin?" his voice were low, hoarse, and labored. I felt my lower region tingled at the silent innuendo.

I tamped it down quickly. Dismissing the delicious effect of his words on me.

I quickly took the white bathrobe and put it on, then tie the strap around my waist. I heard him groaned loudly, but I just ignored him.

"Is this the only reason that you can't wait for tomorrow?" I asked he scowled at me darkly.

"Oh yes! And I'm furious! You didn't tell me you were here. All I thought you were in New York, close to that Morrison, all the while, you are just under my nose, and I have no fvcking idea!" he grits out darkly. "And then, of all the men, you have to go out with my friend. Are you trying to turn me into a murderer?" he stalked towards me, and then stood a few inches away from me, hovering over me like a predator, his eyes the darkest blue, staring down at me menacingly. I met his eyes without blinking. "You are not my boyfriend," I said, rather stated in a calm, casual tone.

He stood upright, squeeze his eyes shut, I could feel his anger radiating off him as he tried to stifle it, then snapped his eyes open. Runs his fingers through his hair, letting out a deeply frustrated breath, once, twice, then he stared down at me. His eyes were now soft, as he shook his head. "I want to punish you, do you know that?" he whispered huskily. I felt like a ball of electricity erupted deep down my belly, and I involuntarily shifted, squeezing my legs tighter as I felt something moist seeping from me, warm and titillating.

I felt his strong arms curled around my waist. "Damn, I miss you so much, pumpkin!" he held me tightly, he nuzzled his nose against the crook of my neck, burying his nose in my hair, his hot breath tickling me, sending billions of electrifying sensations through me.

The feeling is just tempting. My legs starting to give in. I felt all the emotions running through me, overtaking my sanity.

I can't. I can't just give in.

"Raffy, stop!" I said, trying to push him, but my hands have no energy.

I could feel myself starting to give in, but I don't know if I trust him fully, just yet. I want to make sure, when I said yes, this time, he will be truthful to me, loyal, and perfect enough for my heart.

"Raffy," my voice sounded different. Rasp and needy.

Heck. Collect your senses, Iya! I chastised myself.

"Please, pumpkin. Don't ever do that again. I'm going to be a murderer. Don't ever go on a date again. I'll kill whoever gets close to you, do you understand?" his grip on my waist tightens, I could feel his muscles tensing, and I swallowed thickly. 

..............

A/N: here we go. 4,000 words, yay! I did it! Hope that made you smile!!

Enjoy reading.