chapter six: unrelenting hearts.

Natasha checked her watch for the fifth time, tapping her foot  impatiently. "Where's  the driver?" she said still waiting for her driver. Michael chuckled, "Relax, he'll come".

Just as he said that thunder rumbled, and rain poured down like someone turned on a faucet. Natasha squealed as Michael grabbed her hand. "come on!" I have an umbrella with me we can share. They dashed through the downpour, Michael's umbrella twisting inside out. Natasha laughed, her hair getting Wilder. "This is crazy!" she added.

The wind whipped the umbrella away, and the ended up sprinting towards  an old house, half- hidden by trees. Michael Yanked Natasha inside, slamming the door shut.

They stood there, dripping wet, breathing hard. The house was silent, except for the rain pounding on the roof.

Natasha shivered, her eyes adjusting to the dim light. "Guess we're stuck". she said almost in a whisper tone.

Michael smiled, wiping water off his face. "For now". He replied looking around the house. As they waited, the air thickened. Natasha's gaze met Michaels, and they both knew something was about shift.

Michael's eyes locked onto Natasha's, the tension between them cracking like the storm outside. He took a step closer, his voice barely above a whisper. "We're stuck together, Natasha".

Natasha's heart skipped a beat, her lips parting slightly. "Guess so". she replied in a cracking tone. Michael's gaze dropped to her mouth, as they were about to kiss, the creaky door swung open, slamming against the wall. Natasha jumped back, heart racing harder.

A Street kid, peeked in. "Sorry, I didn't know anyone was here", he said and left immediately. The silence between Natasha and Michael was thick. Natasha fanned herself, suddenly conscious of her posh outfit amidst the dusty house. "Do you feel hot?" she asked to Michael, laughing awkwardly.

Michael rubbed the back of his neck, "A little. Do you wanna go outside the rain has stopped". He added and they left.

When Natasha got home, trying to compose herself. As she  entered the living room, Maya looked up from her phone, a mischievous grind spreding across her face. Natasha cheeks were  flushed, and she didn't notice Maya sitting on the couch. she dropped her bag onto a couch still caught in the after glow of that almost kiss.

Maya bust out laughing. "O.M.G., what's going on with you". she teased, eyes sparkling.

Natasha's hands flew to her face, realizing she was blushing like crazy. "shut up!" she laughed, plinking down beside maya.

Maya Leaned in, voice low. "Michael, huh? spill".

Natasha's smile was all the answer maya needed. Maya squealed, bouncing a little. "Tell me everything! how was it? did you guys finally.....? She wiggled her eyebrows.

Natasha rolled her eyes, grind still plastered on her face. "We almost did, okay? some kid interrupted us at the house".

Maya's eyes widened. "Wait, the hot artist Michael? tell me more about him".

Natasha laughed, feeling a little shy but excited. "He's.... different. Creative, intense, and doesn't care about...... all this". she waved at the Posh decor.

Maya leaned in closer. "Sounds like you're hooked". she said in a teasing tone.

Maya grind turned sly. "Hey, were  you not the one calling him 'the art frek' like a week ago? what changed?"

Natasha smile faltered for a sec, then she shrugged. "Guess he didn't stay a 'freak' for long". Maya chuckled. "sounds like he's got you intrigued. Bet he's thinking girls got layers". Natasha threw a pillow at her. "Shut up! what do you think I should do?"

As they were still discussing, Argun walked in, wearing a tailored suit, his face ice-cold. He turned to Natasha and said. Natasha, your father wants you to attend the gala next week, with me. Argun enterprises will be announcing a major partnership".

Natasha's smile froze. She knew what that meant: her dad pushing her to get closer to Argun. She signed, shoulders dropping like she was putting on a mask.

Maya squeezed her hand. "We'll talk later," she said and left.

Natasha's tone turned cool. "Tell  my father I'll think about it".

Argun's eyes narrowed slightly. "He expects you to be there with me". Argun's smile didn't flatter, but Natasha saw the edge in his eyes.

As Natasha turned to leave, Argun stepped forward. grabbing her wrist. Not hard, but firm. Natasha, we need to be clear".

Natasha's eyes flashed up to his, warning. "let's go of me, Argun". she said with a fiesty look on her face.

Argun smile was ice -cold . "You know what's gonna happen. You and me, are going to the gala next week whether you like it or not. marriage is a business deal, Natasha. Yours is already done he added.

Natasha yanked her wrist free, anger sparking in her eyes. "I'm not some assets to be traded".

Argun learned in, voice low. "You're a Lee. You do what the Lees require".

Natasha's jaw clicked shut. she spun around, leaving Argun standing there.