Loving You Too Long

Haisley winced in pain and continued to grip Nathan’s arm as the masseuse he had called arrived and began massaging his feet. Cold sweat appeared on his forehead. Nathan felt a bit guilty, but he was confident that Haisley would thank him later.

“Apply this ointment to his feet three times a day. First, clean them with a warm damp towel,” said the woman, whom Nathan estimated to be in her mid-fifties.

Nathan nodded and handed money to the masseuse as he escorted her out. He returned to the living room and saw Haisley still lying down, pale-faced and sleepy.

“Feeling better?” he asked while sitting next to Haisley and wiping the sweat from his forehead.

Haisley got up from the bed and groaned when he put his feet on the floor. Nathan looked at him in confusion. “Where are you going?” he asked anxiously.

“I need to go to the bathroom,” replied Haisley curtly. Nathan chuckled and quickly scooped Haisley up in his bridal style.

“I don’t want you to fall and hurt your other foot, Haisley,” Nathan said as he observed the sharp gaze Haisley directed at him. “I know you’re aware of my tendency to take advantage of you when you’re not paying attention. I won’t apologize for it because I enjoy it,” said the man innocently, receiving a raw punch in the back from Haisley.

“I also won’t promise not to do it again, whether you’re aware or not,” he continued, this time getting a series of blows to the front and back of his body.

Nathan took Haisley into the bathroom and helped him stand. “Do you need assistance?” he shamelessly asked. “After all, I already know what’s under your clothes, so why be embarrassed if I just remove your sleep pants?” he added, making Haisley want to throw something at him.

“Get out of here!” Haisley commanded loudly.

“I’ll leave if you promise not to lock yourself in the bathroom just to avoid me, Haisley,” said the man again.

Lock himself in the bathroom? Haisley hadn’t even thought about that. Nathan had just given him a good idea.

Seeing Haisley’s residence made Nathan regret bringing it up. “Don’t even think about it,” he warned. “You’ll only get pneumonia if you insist on hiding in a damp and cold place like this,” he continued, cautioning. Haisley glared at him with narrowed eyes.

“Get out!” He commanded rudely. “I’m not a fool who would torture myself for a monster like you,” Haisley retorted. She tried to push Nathan with all her strength, although the result did not match what she desired. In reality, Nathan only shifted slightly from his place. “Nathan, I really need to use the bathroom!” she snapped irritably.

Nathan raised the corner of his mouth and then willingly stepped out of the bathroom. “Call me when you’re done. You shouldn’t hurt your feet by walking too far,” he said firmly. Haisley chose to ignore him.

Haisley was still sitting on the toilet after finishing her business. She fell silent with all thoughts wandering in her head. What’s going on with Nathan? Why did he change so drastically? What actually happened? What’s with the prison that he mentioned earlier? All these questions were just unanswered thoughts swirling in her mind.

The sound of a knock on the door made Haisley jump. “Are you done? Don’t tell me you’re sleeping in there, Haisley,” Nathan’s voice sounded loud from outside the bathroom.

Haisley walked unsteadily to unlock the door from the inside. She didn’t want Nathan to act irrationally by breaking down the bathroom door just because she didn’t give him an answer.

As soon as the door opened, and she stepped out, Nathan effortlessly lifted her again. This time, he carried her into the room. “What are you doing?” Haisley asked bluntly.

“Sleeping,” Nathan replied in a flat tone.

“Sleeping?” Haisley repeated the word with a sarcastic tone. “I have to go back to my room, Nathan!” she snapped displeased. “I have to work tomorrow!”

“You won’t be working. I’ve told Juan that you can’t work for the next week,” he casually replied, then lowered Haisley onto the bed. “And yes, I’ve also contacted Gilbert to let him know that I’m taking you away, so he and your dear Dean won’t search for you like crazy or report you to the police as a missing person,” he continued, still in a casual manner.

“You’re insane!” Haisley exclaimed loudly. “What about Loretta? She’ll be confused and looking for you because you’re not there!”

Nathan just smiled and shrugged before saying, “I don’t care. And again, who do you think I’ve gone crazy for?” He asked flatly. “And, one more thing, Haisley. I don’t like the way you’ve been talking lately. Did you learn to boss people around after moving to Miami? Please cherish your voice and spare my ears. You’re not suited to play the role of an angry girl, Haisley Smith.” He scolded with a gentle tone.

Now it was Haisley’s turn to be wide-eyed, mouth agape, as she listened to Nathan speak all that.

Nathan left Haisley and went into the bathroom. Seizing the opportunity, Haisley got down from the bed and intended to escape. She walked unsteadily towards the door and tried to open it. But there was no key there.

Haisley then walked to the living room, opened the glass door slowly, and headed out towards the swimming pool. There must be an exit. She thought as she stepped out the door. However, all Haisley found was a three-meter-high wall surrounding the building.

Haisley sighed in resignation. She felt like crying.

Haisley turned around and saw Nathan standing, folding his arms in front of his chest with his hips leaning against the edge of the sofa.

“I told you, you won’t be able to run, Darling. You’re stuck with me for the next week. This time, I won’t let you escape like the last time,” he said with a grin on his face.

Nathan stood upright and walked closer.

“W-what do you want?” Haisley asked in a panic.

Nathan once again lifted her in a bridal style. “I told you we’re going to sleep. Don’t bother avoiding it because I’ll stick to you like glue.”

“You’re insane!” Haisley exclaimed loudly.

“You’re the one who made me like this. If only you hadn’t followed me to England, maybe I’d still be sane right now,” he said flatly, gently laying Haisley’s body on the bed.

He then spun around and climbed up the other side of the king-size bed, causing Haisley to scoot away.