Chapter 50
Natasha woke the next morning, her head pounding like a drum. The room was brightly lit, and she blinked a few times, trying to make sense of her surroundings. Then it hit her—the crash, Drogen, the chaos. Her heart raced as fragmented memories from the previous night flooded back.
She sat up quickly, her hands frantically running over her body, searching for any sign of injury. Relief washed over her when she found nothing—no cuts, no bruises. She was fine. Physically, at least. But something felt off.
"Drogen," she whispered, her voice trembling. "Where's Drogen?"
Sliding out of bed, she froze, noticing her attire. She was clean and dressed in soft pajamas. Her eyes widened, and her cheeks flushed at the realization. Did he… clean me up? Change my clothes?
Her stomach growled loudly, breaking her train of thought. Hunger clawed at her insides, she hadn't had dinner last night due to the sudden accident.
She entered the bathroom to quickly brush and wash up before coming out to find Drogen.
As she entered the sitting room, she stopped dead in her tracks. There, sitting on the couch, was Bruce. His sharp, piercing eyes locked onto her as if he had been waiting all night.
Natasha flinched, startled by his presence. "Bruce? What are you doing here?" she asked, her voice laced with unease.
Bruce leaned back casually, his expression unreadable but his gaze cold. "Well, look who finally decided to wake up," he said, his tone mocking.
Natasha folded her arms, narrowing her eyes at him. "Where's Drogen?" she demanded, ignoring his sarcastic tone.
Bruce tilted his head slightly, studying her like she was an intriguing puzzle. "So you remember him huh"
"of course I do, he saved us last night ," she shot back, her frustration growing. "Now tell me where he is."
Bruce smirked, clearly amused. " He's not far. Probably out doing something reckless as usual."
Natasha's fists clenched at his flippant attitude. "Reckless? What do you mean? Is he in danger?"
Bruce sighed, standing up and towering over her. "Calm down. Drogen doesn't do 'danger.' He is danger. Trust me, if anyone's in trouble, it's not him."
Natasha's stomach growled again, louder this time. She winced, feeling her cheeks warm.
Bruce raised an eyebrow, clearly trying not to laugh. "Hungry, are we?"
"Not that it's any of your business," she muttered, avoiding his gaze
"Unfortunately, Drogen wasn't around to prepare breakfast for you, so you'll have to help yourself " Bruce said, his voice laced with slight sarcasm.
She hesitated for a moment but eventually turned toward the kitchen. As she rummaged through the cabinets, she couldn't shake the unease settling in her chest. Where was Drogen? And why did Bruce seem so… on edge?
As she poured herself a glass of water, Bruce's voice broke the silence. "You know," he said, leaning against the doorframe, "you've got a way of getting under his skin."
Natasha paused mid-sip, looking over at him. "What's that supposed to mean?"
Bruce shrugged, his expression unreadable again. "Just saying. I've known Drogen for centuries, and I've never seen him act the way he does around you. You're a distraction, and distractions are dangerous for someone like him."
She set the glass down, her chest tightening. "What are you trying to say?"
"I'm saying," Bruce said, stepping closer, "that you need to be careful. Whatever this thing is between you two, it's not going to end well. For either of you."
Natasha met his gaze, her voice steady despite the whirlwind of emotions inside her. "That's not for you to decide."
Bruce smirked, though there was no humor in it. "Fair enough. But don't even think of making him fall in love with you ."
Before Natasha could respond, the door creaked open. She turned quickly, her heart leaping as Drogen stepped inside, his expression dark and brooding. His presence filled the room like a storm cloud, and Bruce's smirk faded instantly.
Drogen's eyes immediately found Natasha. "You're awake," he said, his voice low and filled with an edge she couldn't quite place.
"Where were you? Are you okay?" she asked, her voice soft and filled with worry.
Drogen didn't answer right away. His gaze shifted briefly to Bruce, who raised his hands in mock surrender. "Don't look at me. I didn't tell her anything," Bruce said.
Drogen turned back to Natasha, his expression softening slightly. "I had… something to take care of. Are you alright?"
Natasha nodded, though her eyes searched his face for more answers. "I'm fine. Just… hungry."
"I'll get you something," Drogen said, brushing past Bruce and heading toward the kitchen.
Bruce frowned softly as he watched them. "this is going to be a disaster." he muttered to himself before disappearing like smoke.
Drogen walked into the kitchen, his movements calm yet purposeful, as Natasha followed closely behind.
"You don't have to come with me," he said without turning around, his tone firm but gentle as he began folding up his sleeves. "Just wait over there."
But Natasha wasn't having it. She quickly reached out, grabbing his hand to stop him. Bruce's words from the night before echoed in her mind, nagging at her. It's not going to end well for either of you.
"Drogen, it's okay," she said hesitantly, her voice soft but resolute. "I can handle breakfast myself."
He turned to face her, his intense gaze softening as he gently pulled his hand free. "You went through a lot yesterday. You need to rest and regain your strength," he said, his voice soft but deep and calm "I told you, Nat, as long as you're my girlfriend, I'll protect you, care for you, and spoil you." His lips tilted into a faint smile. "And I meant every word. Now, go sit and wait for me."
Natasha's heart skipped a beat, her stomach fluttering with emotions she could no longer ignore. His words, his sincerity, the way he looked at her—it was all too much.
If only he could be her real lover, not just someone bound to her by a blood pact.
"Drogen," she whispered, his name like a fragile plea.
He paused, his hands hovering over a pan as he turned his head slightly. "Hmm?"
Her breath hitched, her emotions spilling over. "Why…" she started, her voice hesitant, "why do you have to be so sweet?"
Her question caught him off guard, and for a moment, the calm, collected Drogen was rendered speechless.
He slowly turned to face her fully, his eyes searching hers, but before he could respond, Natasha looked away, her cheeks flushing with a warmth she couldn't control.