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.

I didn't say a word. My eyes only focused on his cheek when I saw something black there. Later, my mouth fell open when he lifted the hem of his shirt and wiped it on his face—perhaps he noticed my stare. His deflated and rather muscular stomach, which still sweats from time to time, exposed itself to me. I looked away and involuntarily took a gulp.

"I'm not hungry anymore," I said, an