Chapter 193: Tears, lies, And a Heart of Fire Novel
193 A Family Outing Through the rising steam , Natalie caught the smoldering fire still burning in Baron's eyes , so hot it made her fingertips tremble . A low chuckle rumbled from his throat , damp breath brushing the back of her car . " Keep staring , and that cold shower will have been for nothing . " " Baron ! " Natalie shoved him away and bolted out of the room . But that flushed face and playful scowl of hers were more than enough to amuse him . He swallowed hard , resigned , dried himself off , and changed clothes before stepping out of the guest room .
Natalie was already in the living room , playing with the two children . Susie and Sean adored her . With their mommy finally free from Baron's constant presence , the two of them hurried to share their opinions on which kindergarten they wanted . Natalie listened to their chatter patiently , never once showing annoyance . This was the warmth of family she'd been missing all along . Seeing her gentle expression , Susie quickly pulled out her chocolate . " Mommy , have some . Daddy had this specially made so it won't hurt my teeth . Try it . " . " Mommy , what do you like ?
I'll buy it for you ." Sean refused to be outdone . Natalie's heart warmed at the sight of them . " No need . After dinner , Mommy and Daddy will take you to the mall , okay ? Mommy hasn't given you any gifts yet . Today you can pick whatever you want , and Mommy will pay . " Susie and Sean froze in surprise . They'd never gone to a mall before . On the island , there was no chance . And once they came here , everything they needed was always arranged for them . Nothing was lacking , so shopping had never crossed their minds . 1/3 Hearing Natalie's words now , the two of them lit up .
" Really , Mommy ? We can actually pick for ourselves ? " " Of course ! " " Then after shopping , can we go to the amusement park ? I saw one on TV , it looked so fun ! " Susie chimed in as well . Even though Baron had built a private amusement park for her on the island , it had always just been her and her brother . It wasn't much fun alone . Sean perked up at her suggestion . " Mommy , don't clear it out just for us , okay ? We want to play with other kids too ." The eagerness in their eyes struck Natalie .
She realized that no matter how wealthy their lives had been , without their parents ' company , they hadn't truly been happy . And in this , both she and Baron had fallen short . Not that she meant to criticize him . After all , it wasn't easy for one man to raise two children this well . She simply saw what they lacked and wanted to make up for it . " Alright ! Whatever you two want today , Mommy will say yes . " " Yay ! Mommy's the best ! " " Mommy , I love you so much ! " One on each side , the children kissed her cheeks .
From the doorway , Baron watched the three of them , his eyes filled with rmth and laughter . These were the people he would protect with his life . As long as they were happy , everything was worth it . " Shall we eat first ? " He stepped into the room at just the right moment . Natalie glanced at him , neatly dressed now , but her mind betrayed her with the memory of the sight she'd just witnessed - steamy , vivid , and impossible to shake . 2/3 Her cheeks heated , and she quickly turned away , afraid he might notice . Baron pretended not to .
The children skipped happily toward the dining room . As Natalie rose , she twisted her ankle slightly . She cried out , instinctively reaching for support - only to realize what she'd grabbed didn't feel quite right . Looking up , she saw Baron staring at her with barely restrained frustration , like a wronged golden retriever . Then she glanced down at where her hand was , and her face flamed red . Baron let out a low groan , his whole body tensing . Really ? He had just taken a cold shower ! If she wasn't going to give him relief , why keep provoking him ?
" Natalie , are you doing this on purpose ? " His voice was hoarse , his eyes stormy with desire . Natalie didn't doubt for a second that he'd throw her over his shoulder and carry her straight into the bedroom . She laughed sheepishly , quickly snatching her hand back . That scorching heat made her cheeks burn even more . The children blinked at them in confusion . " Daddy , Mommy , what are you doing ? "