---- him And that''s when everyone stops to look at my face with that same glint in their eyes.


    I thow my hands in the air tough it out.


    Me? Interested in him? Yah sure.


    Of course do you see pigs flying? I chuckle at my own joke but I soon realised I was the only oneughing.


    They all resume their work and T bite my lip to curse myself.


    Ijust acted stupid Come.


    Lets eat.


    Dad sighs to settle down on the head seat and I drop down on the seat beside him.


    Leaning over, I bnce my chair on its front legs and peak at the different dishes the helpers had prepared today.


    Umm pancakes.


    Yes! My favourite.


    ---- eee And what is this porridge.


    Agh! I hate it.


    Dad was busy talking to the counsellor.


    And I was pre upied with deciding what to eat.


    What is that? I missed it.


    The dish was the farthest.1 Jean more forward to take a look when I feel the bnce of my chair faltering.


    Abh shit! Iwas going to m my face on the hot porridge, when I feel something grip my shirt from behind and my chair is mmed back on the floor.


    Lub.


    Dub.


    Lub.


    Easy princess.


    Your face is too beautiful to be ruined by your clumsiness.


    A baritone voice whispers in my ear and next I know a long arm extends from behind me and I am engulfed by that pine and cinnamon cologne ---- He picks up the very bowl I was struggling to see, and ces it beside my hand Strawberry oats.


    Wishing Dad a very good morning, he settles on the seat beside me and I feel my face burning up.


    There are fourteen empty seats on the table.


    Why does he have to sit beside me of all? And what was that.


    I thought no one was noticing my stupidity.


    Are you fine Zari? Dad asks, concern etched on his features I merely nod dropping my head in my te.


    This is too awkward! Everyone saw it.


    And he came in like some hero.


    When he is the damn viin! I take the first bite and I see his thigh just inches away from mine.


    If Leven move slightly, we will touch.


    ---- eee = His left hand was propped on his thigh and J couldn''t help state at the corded veins running down to his knuckles.


    This very hand....


    these very fingers were wrapped around my neck that night.


    Holding me possessively yet so softly.


    Who would have thought they were capable of that.


    But I was no fool The very hands that can build can also destroy.


    It all about the right amount of power one uses.


    Dad taught me pottery and this was the basic rule of it.


    The right pressure and curve can build a masterpiece, while a little more pressure than needed and the y crumbles to nothingness.


    Mumchkin Jenny said you made a special sweet dish for our guest.


    And here it is.


    Tnever realised you knew how to cook.