"Mr. Langton, can I take him to rest now?" Natalie was worried about Marcus. Even though the medicinal wine Federrick brewed was beneficial and harmless, too much of it still wasn''t ideal.
"Go on, then. Look at how worried you are." Federrick waved her off. "Marcus hasn''t had proper rest these past few days. Letting him drink is to help him sleep better. How could you side with an outsider?"
"Mr. Langton, when did I do that? Of course, I understand your good intentions," Natalie said yfully. What else could Federrick do but dote on her?
"Go on, then!"
"Thank you, Mr. Langton."
Natalie stood up and helped Marcus to his feet. "Marcus, say goodbye to Mr. Langton and my fellow mentees."
Marcus had drunk quite a bit. In this intoxicated state, he looked dazed. But still, he remained obedient. Since Natalie told him to say goodbye, he did as told.
"Mr. Langton, everyone, goodbye."
"Mm, goodbye."
"Mr. Langton, everyone, I''ll take him back now."
After bidding farewell, Natalie helped Marcus out of the courtyard.
Once outside, the chilly night breeze hit him, making him pause. "Nat, I feel like throwing up," he said pitifully.
Marcus looked around. When he spotted a trash can nearby, he took several big steps toward it, bent over, and started vomiting.
Natalie sighed. She stepped forward to gently pat his back. "Marcus, if you can''t handle that much alcohol, you shouldn''t drink. Why didn''t you refuse?"
"Because they are your family." After he was done vomiting, he stood up and looked at her with his eyes shining. "Nat''s family... I can''t refuse."
His dark eyes were fixed on her. He reached out and cupped her face with both hands.
Then, he said slowly and seriously, "It''s because they are your family. Without Mr. Langton, you wouldn''t be here today. Then, I wouldn''t have you."
Natalie stared at his serious expression for a moment before reaching out to pinch his ear. "Silly goose. Come on. Let''s get some rest."
"Alright."
Marcus let Natalie lead him, behaving so obediently that it was almost strange. His usual coldness and ruthlessness were nowhere to be found.
No one could tell this was the heir of the Holden family who was known to be indifferent and decisive.
When they arrived at the guesthouse, Hector was sitting in the living room with Charles. Seeing them return, he immediately stood up and walked over.
"What happened to Marcus? Why does he reek of alcohol?"
"Mr. Langton invited him over for dinner," Natalie replied softly. "Hector, could you make some hangover tea for him?"
"Sure, no problem." Hector had something to discuss with Natalie, but seeing Marcus'' state, he figured she needed to take care of him first.
Natalie helped Marcus upstairs, guiding him into his room.
"Nat, you look so pretty," Marcus blurted. "You''re so beautiful."
"Mm, you''re handsome too," Natalie replied casually. After all, exchangingpliments was a way to make both parties happy.
"Nat, I love you," he continued. "I love you very much. But I''ve also wronged you. I was blind before, ming you without knowing the full truth. I regret it. I feel guilty. Natalie, you can scold me, even hit me!"
Marcus grabbed her hand and pped himself on the face. "I''m an idiot. How could I have doubted you without rifying things? It was my fault. Hit me, yell at me, kick me, tie me up. You can do whatever you want."
Marcus'' face flushed red, his dark and delicate eyes were shimmering as he stared at her.
"Nat, you like my abs. I''ll let you touch them."
As he spoke, he reached for his shirt, lifting it.
Natalie quickly pulled it back down. "You''re drunk."
"I''m not drunk!" he insisted. "I''m not drunk, not even a little. Look at me. My body is still warm."
"Okay, okay. Your body is warm," she humored him helplessly. If his body were cold, he''d be a corpse.
"Then touch it." He grabbed her hand
and ced it on his abs. "I''ve been
workin
out. Nat, I''ll make sure you
eat well. You won''t have to suffer nd food."
Natalie pressed her hand over his mouth. She never knew Marcus would be so chatty when drunk.
"That''s enough. Stop talking." She pulled him toward the bed and pushed him down onto it.
Marcus yanked his shirt open and said, "Nat,e kiss me. Thest time, you said it didn''t feel good and it wasn''t satisfying."
Natalie smacked him in the mouth. "Shut up."
He immediately looked at her with pitiful eyes. His eyes had always been
beautiful, but he had always put on a cold and serious face.
Now that he was staring at her pitifully, the contrast was huge.
It felt as if a fierce wolfhound had suddenly turned into a pitiful little puppy. With
his head tilted and teary eyes, it was unbearable.
Natalie took a deep breath and
ced a hand over his eyes. "I should''ve stopped Mr. Langton and the others from making you drink so much Hector will bring the hangover tea soon. Behave yourself."
nove?
ΛΟ
"Nat, I will." Marcus held her wrist, his warm breath brushing against her hand. "If
I behave, will you let me kiss you?"
"No."
"Then kiss me."
"No." Natalie smacked his lips once again. "You reek of alcohol. No way I''m
kissing you."
"Then I''ll brush my teeth."
Marcus stood up immediately but stumbled. Fortunately, Natalie caught him.
"Marcus, you''re drunk. Just lie down quietly."
She pushed him onto the bed and removed his tie. Then, she tied his hands to the headboard.
"Stop moving around."
"Nat, it hurts," he said pitifully.
Natalie closed her eyes and loosened the tie slightly. "If you don''t behave, I won''t
talk to you anymore. Now settle down, and be quiet."
"Okay." Marcus agreed obediently. But he stayed still for less than a minute before
he started struggling again,ining about the heat.
With his other hand that wasn''t tied up, he yanked his shirt off.
There was a knock on the door. Natalie stood up. "Coming."
On the bed, Marcus looked at Natalie''s back, and the corners of his lips lifted slightly. His once hazy eyes became clear and sharp in an instant. There was no trace of the pitiful and obedient act he had just put on.
However, the moment Natalie opened the door, he instantly reverted to his
drunken state.