My cycle is usually normal, but since I started working, it’s seemed that my hormones have been thrown off balance due to stress. After all, I’m still under rigorous training, thanks to Derik’s fascism. I have to multitask, with two to three projects that are not even under Quinn Industries, and attend a few private online business classes arranged by William. Twenty-four hours seem to not be enough time in a day.
Plus, Derik… that brute seems to have endless energy!
“Earth to Natalie…”
The sound of Kelsi’s snapping fingers pulls me back to the present as I blink at her cluelessly. Could I possibly be…
I couldn’t be it, right?
“I-I don’t know…” I mumble helplessly.
“For real! When was the last time you had your period? Even teenagers know how to use contraceptives, how could you possibly be this careless!”
I sigh, trying to regain my composure as I watch her frustrated expression, her brows furrowed. I can even see the faint appearance of a protruding nerve on her forehead.
Damn this woman and her wild imagination!
“Would you relax? Why are you panicking? I am not pregnant.”
My words don’t come out as convincing as I’d intended, but I need to believe it myself. The situation is already too complicated.
She scoffs, eyeing me up and down before crossing her arms.
“Why are you shaking then?” she challenges.
“You just surprised me! I did not expect you to throw something so ridiculous at me!”
“It’s Derik, right?”
I shake my head, realizing she’s just leading me on.
“You’re getting good at this. I almost believed you were really concerned for me,” I mock.
“I am concerned…” she objects, wiggling her brows mischievously. “But I’m curious, too. Come on, spill it. When did it happen?”
It isn’t a secret between us that I used to have a crush on him. Plus, it wouldn’t require much intuition or experience for anyone to raise an eyebrow at the situation. Logically speaking, it would be improbable for two straight adults of the opposite sex, living under the same roof for so long, to never get entangled with each other.
She pauses, her inquisitive gaze making me feel awkward.
“Are you guys officially an item?” she probes when I don’t respond.
Shaking my head, I avert my gaze, feeling my cheeks heating up. Kelsi is the kind who lives freely. She is very open-minded. But she’s neither conservative nor liberal, having her own ideals and refusing to fit into any boxes.
“I-I…I don’t know.”
“Don’t tell me you’re in a situationship?”
I sigh with resignation.
My relationship with Derik has changed considerably for the better lately. He may not be too expressive with his words, but his actions make me feel at ease.
He’s a man who does things his way, and just the fact that he’d rush work and fly back to Tucson in between his busy schedule is enough to make my heart melt.
Unlike before, he’s also started sharing personal details about himself with me and asking me about things that I enjoy. We’re getting to know each other on a deeper level.
It feels like we’re dating.
But without the affirmation.
“I know he cares for me. His actions tell me so.”
That was a stupid statement.
But then again, it seems everyone goes stupid when they fall in love.
“Didn’t he always care? After all, he’s your guardian,” Kelsi points out, making me flinch.
“It’s different this time. He’s gentler. It’s like I’m getting to know another side of him, the real him. He’s opened up a lot.”
Kelsi clicks her tongue and fills her glass with wine before gulping it down.
She offers me an empathetic look before shaking her head.
“Whatever. It’s not like I can do anything about it. You’re responsible for your own actions. I’d get a pregnancy test if I were you. And make sure you use contraceptives from here on out. For people with status like the two of you, it would be controversial to get pregnant. You know what I mean, right?”
“But what if–”
“And you need to tell him. Do not decide on your own. It takes two hands to clap, Nat.”
