UNDER HIS RULES

“The closeness I want is not just like this,” Beatrice smiled faintly. “But… truly close, not only through touch but also in the heart.” She brought her hand closer to his chest, where his rhythmic heartbeat indicated that its owner was alive and that every nerve was stimulated by their proximity. “Closeness in the heart as well.”

Sam stared intensely at Beatrice. He remained silent for a while before blinking slowly. All the words that had crossed his mind remained unspoken. He exerted all his strength to protect Beatrice. The safety of the girl beneath his wing was his priority. But the closeness in the heart that Beatrice desired was something Sam still couldn’t grasp.

He was afraid. Many of his enemies knew his weakness.

Ah… Sam shouldn’t have worried, right? After all, there was Quassano who would help him protect Beatrice. So, what was he afraid of? Didn’t his own feelings… resemble Beatrice’s? It was him who spoke about his desires, his commands, and his requests, not allowing the woman to move away from him.

Then why was he hesitating now?

“You know, Beatrice.” Their hands tightly intertwined, gripping each other firmly as Sam said, “You don’t need to worry about the closeness of the heart you desire. I’ll grant it because you’ve become an addiction to my life.”

Beatrice’s smile blossomed.

“I’m not good with words, but there’s one thing you need to know: you’re the woman I choose to have by my side. The woman of Sam, strong and brave.”

Truly, Beatrice’s heart bloomed with joy. She embraced Sam tightly.

“What do you want for breakfast? I’ll ask Hans to prepare it.” Sam chose to create some distance. He released

Beatrice from his embrace, leaving her reluctantly. However, the sound of her stomach growling reminded them that they had other obligations in life.

Eating.

“Let me do it.” Beatrice prepared to get off the bed.

“You wait here. Understand?” Sam looked at Beatrice with his sharp gaze, making her abandon her intention to leave the room immediately. The sound of the door closing made Beatrice even more elated. She screamed in excitement because Sam’s words truly enveloped her in happiness.

“Oh, my phone!” She hurriedly got up, praying that her phone was still intact. Unfortunately, it was only wishful thinking. Sam didn’t hold back when he threw the flat, black object. The evidence was the phone she picked up, now distorted and with a cracked screen. Although it still functioned, Beatrice doubted it could be repaired to its original state. Her narrowed eyes tried to read the message from her grandfather.

Alfred:

Don’t take too long. I don’t like delays.

This message furrowed Beatrice’s brow. What was Sam’s reply? When she read the previous message, Beatrice’s smile widened. Her heart warmed. Tears welled up in her eyes, but this time they were not accompanied by a feeling of suffocation. Without hesitation, she got off the bed and followed in Sam’s footsteps.

“Samuel!”

In a situation like this… it was okay for Beatrice to hold Sam’s heart tightly, right?

***[]***

“This is delicious,” praised Beatrice sincerely. Her eyes looked at Hans, who stood not far from the dining table where Sam and Beatrice were enjoying the various dishes served. Hans’s face was pale without. His eyes repeatedly glanced anxiously, concerned about Sam’s judgment. Meanwhile, Sam sat relaxed, as if Hans didn’t exist.

“Thank goodness,” Hans sighed with relief. “I was afraid the food wouldn’t suit Miss.”

Beatrice smiled. “I love the mushroom soup. It’s really delicious. Right, honey?”

Sam only glanced briefly and let out a short cough. He continued to take bites of his portion, which annoyed Beatrice.

“Okay, we won’t disturb you, sir and Miss… uh, maybe for lunch?”

“I’ve already told you, Hans, get out!” Sam raised his gaze, staring sharply at the servant in the house. Hans immediately received the message and many others followed his steps, leaving the kitchen area. “So noisy!”

“This is delicious.” Instead of responding to Sam’s grumbling, Beatrice quickly changed the topic. She had to be aware of her position when she was near Sam. His mood could easily change and suddenly become terrifying. She didn’t want this enjoyable atmosphere to push them apart.

“What have you been eating all this time?” Sam asked curiously. “Don’t keep giving it to my plate, okay? You eat.”

Sam stopped Beatrice’s behavior of moving the most delicious parts of the dishes.

“I’m eating,” Beatrice smiled broadly. “Since earlier, you’ve only been eating rice and mushroom soup. This grilled fish is delicious, honey.”

Sam snorted but then shook his head slightly. “Eat, you. Don’t let yourself look thin when you meet Alfred. I don’t want to receive the old man’s complaints because his granddaughter suddenly became skinny.”

Beatrice laughed. “No, I won’t.”

“Eat,” Sam said firmly, making Beatrice flinch. She nodded obediently and immediately took a bite of the portion she had given to Sam’s plate. Chewing under Sam’s gaze was uncomfortable, but Beatrice couldn’t argue or refuse anything except to follow everything Sam commanded.

“I’ve told Jack to handle the matters requested by Alfred.”

“Grandfather,” Beatrice interjected with a faint smile.Content protected by Nôv/el(D)rama.Org.

Sam rolled his eyes in annoyance. “Are you already used to calling Alfred ‘grandfather’?”

The question hit Beatrice hard. She lowered her gaze again, gently placing her spoon down. “Not yet, actually. I still can’t believe what has been happening lately.”

“Logically, I can’t believe it either, but the evidence given by Grandfather Alfred is substantial,” Sam emphasized, especially the part about ‘Grandfather Alfred’, which made Beatrice giggle. “Why are you laughing?”

“Nothing.”

Sam shook his head in wonder. Since their meal session was over, he prepared to get up from his seat. “Hans has prepared a change of clothes for you. We’re going.”

“Where to?” Beatrice asked, confused.

“Can you stop asking so many questions?”

That statement made Beatrice pout in annoyance. “Can’t you speak nicely? I was asking. She also puffed her cheeks while tidying up her dirty plate. Being used to tidying up something messy made her reflexively do the same thing at this house.

“What do you want?” Sam asked, puzzled.

“Washing the dishes.” Beatrice looked at Sam with utter confusion. “What’s wrong?”

“That’s Hans’s job.” Sam approached, and through his gaze, he asked Beatrice to stop all these strange activities. Although he knew Beatrice was used to tidying up the dining table every time they finished eating together, this time, Sam didn’t want Beatrice to do it for him.

“But why? Didn’t you know that I-”

“When we’re alone,” Sam narrowed the gap until Beatrice was cornered against the backrest of the chair. “I can’t resist not making you lie on the other side of the table.”

Beatrice’s eyes widened at his words.

“You don’t want your body to be enjoyed by someone else, right?” Sam planted a kiss on Beatrice’s blushing cheek. “Get ready soon, dear. I’ll wait outside.”