The last thing Zee expected as she lay cuddled in Michael's arms, was the beep of an SMS alert. Stretching her hand to the head of the pillow, she retrieved her phone and saw that the message was from Cassy.
"Who's that?" Michael asked drowsily before she could open the message.
"Random network Advert message." She responded, placing the phone against her chest to hide the screen because he was spooning her and could easily view the phone if she wasn't careful.
"Okay, please put it on silence. That volume was quite high. You know I don't like my sleep disturbed and I have a long day tomorrow."
"Okay, sorry." She said and silenced the phone. She was so curious about the content that she couldn't sleep at once even with Michael's calm breath behind her.
She pulled up the phone and pretended to play a mobile game, hoping to sneak read the content.
"What are you doing?" Michael asked.
"Playing a game."
"It's late, baby, you
Zee was so excited about getting Cassy, that she called Inara and gloated in the comfort of the rocking chair out on the bedroom balcony overlooking part of the Ray estate. It was evening and she could see birds flying home to wherever they came from. "I told you I would do it. She's in the dungeon right now." "Zee, I can't believe this. You know I thought you were joking. I still think you're joking." Inara sounded displeased. "You should be pleased. I'm doing this for us." "Stop it. How am I sure Cassy is really there?" "Hang on a sec," Zee said and hurried to the cell where Cassy was struggling with her bonds. Cassy's face had gone pale. Zee was starting to pity her, but she stre
"Michael called her phone, interrupting her thoughts. "Hello." She said, her heart racing. She feared that she was doing this kidnapping thing, but talking with Michael now, gave her heart-wrenching guilt "Are you being good, Sweetheart?" "Yes." "Great. Are you in the bedroom?" "Yes." "I'm hot." He whispered. "I want to play with you. Don't you miss me?" Zee's worry disappeared. Desire took over. "I miss you." "Mmm. Did you touch yourself?" "No." "Good. Don't. Not without my permission." He whispered possessively. "Your sleek folds belong to me. Get it?"
She quickly texted Inara's phone: I HAVE RELEASED HER. When she reached the door of the cell, she received Inara's response: WELL DONE. THAT'S THE RIGHT THING. I AM PROUD OF YOU. Guilt flooded Zee, but she had to do what she had to do. She pushed the cell door open. Cassy was crying, seated on the slab of stone bed. "Zee, please let me go. I am sorry for everything. If you release me now, I promise I won't say anything. I will just go and move on with my life, please." "You won't say anything because if you try it, I can easily fin
Zee paced around the bedroom, thinking of what to do. She hurried downstairs to the security room to consult Skull, but she was told that he was out on a mission. Zee returned upstairs and went to the cell door. She didn't trust Cassy to be cool and just say she and Zee had patched things up hence her visit. God! This was bad. Her only consolation was that Michael would never go to the dungeon as he had no idea that Cassy was there. Then when he was out, she would let Cassy go. Was that even possible? How was she going to pull this off? She was so confused. She had bitten more than she could chew. She rushed downstairs so she could meet up with welcoming Michael. She hugged him tightly outside the house. "Baby, I can feel you tensing against me. I hope you're okay."
Outside the cell door, Michael carried Cassy to the guest bedroom which Inara had earlier occupied. He saw her bag on the bed. As he tried to place her down on her feet, she would not move. Michael felt her resistance. She was probably still scared and he wouldn't blame her. Zee had been nasty in her revenge. "Come down, dear. It's okay. You're safe now." He told her gently. "I'm scared." She said. "I'm really scared." "It's alright. You'll be fine now. No one is here to hurt you." He felt her relax and he set her down on her feet. "I'm very sorry about what she did to you, okay?" Cassy nodded. "Thank you, Michael. I had no idea that she could be so hateful. But I forgive her."
He took her to the bathroom, bathed her as usual, but said nothing to her. He also ordered her to stay quiet when she tried to apologize for the umpteenth time. After the bath, he carried her back to the dressing room and walked away. She put on a pair of pajamas because it was night already. She didn't see him until in the room, but she found food on the table. She devoured the delicious-looking rich seafood tomato stew and rice. Then she walked to the bedroom door and found it locked. She heard the key in the lock and hurriedly returned to the bed. Michael entered, leaned against the door, and just stared at her, handsome as he was intimidating as usual She returned his gaze but could not withstand it, so she looked down at her feet.
THE NEXT DAY Zee and Michael were in San Jonas. Michael brought her home himself. She stayed silent and sad all through their trip. He didn't try to cheer her up either. Her parents were informed that it was a one-month family holiday time because he was going on training for his Company and that she missed them and didn't want to be alone. Zee and Michael maintained the outward appearance of the mutuality of true lovers, to back up their explanation during the family dinner. She carried Israel and played with him. He was growing. His feet were firm on the ground as he pranced about the house. He liked Michael carrying him. Michael spent the night at her home instead of the Eagle Hotel because her parents insisted. He stayed in Zee's bedroom. She remained sullen as he pored through her album, smiling at her pictures, especially the ones when she was a baby and the much younger versions of herself, from when she was plain
In the following days, Zee found herself staying at home. There was no restriction, but she didn't feel like she wanted to go out and get high or anything. She stayed home, took care of Israel in her parent's absence, and cooked. Her parents were surprised at her culinary skills. She told them that she learned from the cook back at Kawood. They praised her. She told them that Michael had encouraged her to learn. They didn't have to know that he had forced her. They didn't need to know. Besides, she was happy that she could now cook. She even helped her dad with his tie when they all had to attend International Museums Day. Her parents were impressed. She told them that Michael had taught her. It pleased them. She took a day to visit Inara and hang out with her. She didn't mention the truth about her one-month stay in San Jonas. Inara was happy about the holiday. She missed Zee. Inara also told her that the date for the high school reunion part