Heiress' Househusband is a Secret Billionaire - Chapter 92

Chapter 92: A Little Strange, Her Heart Is
Ruediger didn’t know whether to be relieved or worried as he hugged Lariette. In response, she wrapped her arms around his frame, pressing her face onto his chest.

Lariette didn’t cry despite her eyes still glazing over. Ruediger carefully stroked her back, still feeling the trembling of her body.

“Your grandpa will be here soon, Lettie,” whispered Ruediger above Lariette’s head. The warmth of his breath fanned over her, “It’s scary, en? Still, you’re safe now.”

Grasping the backside of Ruediger’s shirt, Lariette pursed her lips together. She liked how reassuring his voice was, despite noticing the traces of worry.

“Thank you… for finding me, Eddy.”

Lariette’s voice muffled against Ruediger’s chest. A sad smile hung on his lips. He gently patted the small of her back.

“I’m glad that… nothing worse happened to you.”

Various terrifying scenarios took over Ruediger’s mind as he searched for Lariette in the rain. Even though the little island was generally safe, anything could still happen.

Lariette might get trapped somewhere if she accidentally slipped and fell. She might also suffer from broken bones.

Such thoughts were frightening enough to Ruediger, let alone when he was forced to imagine what would happen if the two men managed to catch her.

“Hehe…” Lariette chuckled, sounding a little drier than her usual mirthful ones, “I’m lucky I could still climb a tree even in this weather. I felt like a monkey.”

Ruediger let out helpless laughter, understanding that Lariette attempted to lighten the heavy ambiance with some humor.

“I was surprised to see you on the tree,” said Ruediger, playing along with Lariette, “You’re quick-witted, Lettie. Well, maybe someday we can climb a tree together and enjoy the view from above.”

More chuckles slipped out Lariette’s lips. Nodding, she replied, “Hehe, maybe we should.”

Lariette willed herself to stop recalling the terrifying memories from before.

Even though the two men didn’t get to lay their hands on her, Lariette still remembered how panicky she was as she sprinted through the forest.

Her feet hurt from running barefoot on the rough forest floor, and her lungs also ached. She was desperate for air, feeling as if she was drowning despite being on the land.

The fear seemed to strangle her with invisible hands, draining her energy. Fortunately, she successfully hid herself before the two men could reach her.

Silence enveloped Lariette and Ruediger for a moment. She sought more of his warmth while he repeatedly gave her reassuring strokes and pats on the back.

“…I’m hungry,” was what Lariette said when she broke the silence, earning chuckles from Ruediger.

“I made you some hot tea. I reheated the leftovers from our picnic too. You should have some before I dry your hair.”

Ruediger loosened his arms around Lariette. His eyes assessed the look on her face again. Thankfully, she looked better albeit slightly.

Lariette simply nodded. She smiled at Ruediger before shifting her eyes to the bedside table. Her nose had picked up the earthy scent of tea and the aromatic fragrance of the reheated food.

Ruediger handed the mug of tea to Lariette, telling her to be careful. She wrapped both hands around the ceramic, sighing in pleasure upon its warmth.

Ruediger went looking for a hair dryer while Lariette slowly drank the tea and ate the food. He found one inside the closet. Returning to the bed, he sat behind her.

“Thanks again for the tea,” Lariette shot a smile at Ruediger, putting the near-empty mug on the table. She barely touched the food, not having the appetite despite her hunger.

Ruediger smiled in response. After connecting the wire with a plug point, he held the hair dryer carefully, the warm hum began filling the quiet room.

Ruediger combed through Lariette’s damp strands, gently drying them through parts. His action was gentle but steady, being mindful of her vulnerable state.

Lariette sat hugging her legs. Closing her eyes, she found comfort in the tenderness of Ruediger’s actions.

The soft whir of the dryer seemed to lull her into sleep, her eyelids growing heavier with each passing minute.

“I’m sleepy…”

Lariette’s remark was audible under the low hum of the hair dryer. A light smile hung on Ruediger’s lips. He ran his fingers through another section of her hair, feeling the dampness receded.

“Get a shut eye. I’ll wake you up once Grandpa is here,” said Ruediger as he turned off the hair dryer, “Oh, let me treat your wounds first.”

“I’m fine,” Lariette shook her head, smiling faintly, “They’re just cuts. They’ll be gone soon.”

“No can do,” Ruediger reached out for the first-aid kit. Staring at Lariette pointedly, he gestured to the middle of the bed, “You can lay down. Or lean on the headboard. Be comfortable.”

“…okay.”

Lariette quickly did as she was told. She propped up the pillows against the headboard before leaning on them. As Ruediger took out a few items from the kit, she rolled her sleeves up.

The scratches were mostly on Lariette’s palms, most likely received when she climbed the tree. The cuts on her feet were much worse but, thankfully there was no major bleeding.

Sitting cross-legged near Lariette, Ruediger’s broad shoulders hunched as he carefully tended to the cuts on her arms and palms. His brows furrowed above his emerald eyes, intently focused on the task.

Ruediger began by dabbing antiseptic on Lariette’s cuts, his movements firm but gentle. The liquid stung her but, she acted as if nothing happened.

“Sorry, it surely stings,” Ruediger looked up from Lariette’s right palm to her face, “Please bear with it.”

“I’m okay,” Lariette smiled, “Go on, Eddy.”

Ruediger resumed his task. After disinfecting Lariette’s cuts, including the ones on her feet, he reached for a tube of ointment next. Once again he moved with care, carefully treating her.

‘A little strange. My heart is.’

Lariette couldn’t deny that Ruediger’s tenderness moved her heart. In the short time they met, time and again he proved how reliable and protective he could be.

Ruediger’s crimson locks were reflected in Lariette’s sapphire eyes. The strands were still slightly damp. She refrained from reaching out one hand to touch them.

The warmth of his touch seemed to travel through her veins, blooming something in her heart.