CHAP 21

I'm not sure how long it was before I realized I had slept off; I didn't even notice it until a gentle touch on my hair roused me from my nap. I purred and opened my eyes gradually. I was a little taken aback when Zachary's face emerged in front of me.

"Good morning," he said softly, although his demeanor was still strong due to his rugged features.

My forehead furrowed when I caught a whiff of smoke. I ignored him and roamed my eyes, searching for that smell, but I found none. My attention went to him again when he got up from the bed.

"I have already prepared your grilled chicken intestines," he said.

Hindi ako umimik. Natuon lang sa kaniyang pisngi ang paningin ko nang makakita ng kung anong kulay itim doon. Mayamaya pa ay napaawang ang bibig ko nang itinaas niya ang laylayan ng kaniyang damit at ipinunas sa kaniyang mukha—marahil ay napansin niya ang paninitig ko. Tumambad tuloy sa akin ang impis at medyo maskulado niyang tiyan na mayroon pang panaka-nakang pawis. Napaiwas ako ng