TAMED

thirteen

The beautiful and large vineyard embrace my sight as the car stopped on a big steeled gate that marked the words "Chateau Del Pueblo".

The air is humid and still. And I mentally praise myself for wearing something light and comfortable.

Beautifully lined trees surrounded the entire estate that you could only think what lies beyond the thick and dark forest afar.

And just I stepped out of the car, lovely different kinds of flowers growing the wide and spacious garden facing the said forest. Giving you a very serene and peaceful atmosphere.

" Shall we..?" A voice awakens my engrossed state.

I gave him a knowing smile and nod, while following him toward the grand entrance of the house.

It's not as large as the chateau that my father owned, but I like the atmosphere here. It's not as old nor as creepy. It's more of a modern type of a castle almost like a villa.

"This place is great.." I said to him while we are walking.

He turned to look at me and a wide grin painted on his face.

"Wait till you see the entire estate. You'll surely love it.." He boasts.

I chuckled."Can't wait.."

We then reached the grand hallway. Antique ornaments decorated the decoratives that lined the halls that I sometimes stopped to take a good look at them.

"It's in the family for hundreds of years now. It was said that the first owner of that antique jar was the late duke of Hampshire in England. It was supposed to be his gift to a lady from a distant land. But as he gave it to her the lady turned into an old woman. Because of his great love for that lady he still gave his gift but went away grieving. And never turned back.." Patrick told me while he lift the not so heavy jar up closer to me.

I glance at him and then stare at the jar. I am mesmerized by how it looks. It's gray color attracts me the most. "It's amazing! So how did you get it?"

He put the jar down before answering me."Well, because of the deep pain and sorrow of the lady. Because the man she loved rejected him, she send the jar back to the place of the duke. And then that's it. That Duke was my great great grand father.."he finished the sentence.

My curiosity rise up." Oh great! So your ancestors were from England? Hmmm..I never thought you to be British.."I mused with a wide grin.

He walks closer and kiss my lips lightly. A gesture that brought goosebumps rising on my skin.

He pinch my nose and hug me gently. "I am not British, my lady. That I can assure you.."

I just gave him a small smile and then we both decided to go on our track.

When then reached the large dining area. It's not as formal as we had on my dad's chateau. There are no servants watching us. Only an old lady wearing a French cut long dress and a braided hair piled on top. She almost look like Patrick that I wonder maybe she is his mother.

I can feel my heartbeat accelerates. Yes, I gave him myself that whole heartedly. And yes I feel something for him but not to the extent of meeting his mom. That's too early.

I glance at him hoping to find explanations but he was looking at the lady in front of us. His eyes were full of adoration and respect and then I conclude that she's really his mother.

I felt uneasy. And I can feel my body heated up. I even felt a little anger towards him for not telling me that we're going to meet his mom today.

"Bienvenue!" The lady steps closer and extends her arms in a welcoming manner.

I stood there with an arms crossed over my chest. Staring at the two of them with astonishing looks. They looked so cheesy.

"Je suis si heureux de vous voir.." The lady spoke with a language I can't understand. Obviously it's French.

When Patrick step forward and give the lady a hug, I groaned. It's the only I can think of to be recognized. And I am right. They both turned their heads to me.

Patrick moved back from where I am standing and hold my arm. While the lady stare at me.

"This is Lady Sahara of Versailles. She just came in from America." Patrick said with a grin. And then he turned to the old lady. "And this is my aunt Lady Catherine of Le Siestre. She's the one who took care of me when my mother died. "

I saw the lady's face lights up and then she move to where I stand and gently touch my hand. "I'm so glad I met you, my lady. It's a pleasure to receive you in our home." She said with a sincere smile.

I felt grateful for her sincere welcome. And gave her a quick hug. She smells of roses and perfume.

"I shouldn't be talking French while we're having an American guest. My apoligies, my lady. My nephew didn't warn me.." She taunted with a laugh. Her accent is very French. And it sounds so alluring.

"She's my...friend, auntie. And don't worry she won't cause you any harm.." Patrick answered obviously teasing.

The lady turned to him with a furrowed brows and a gentle smile. "Don't judge any american girl, my lord. You would be surprised.." She said with a chuckle.