The Runaway Groom

Once Irene opened the door, she found Zachary tiptoeing back to her room.

She called out to him, "Where have you been?"

Zachary turned around and smiled. "Nowhere."

“Did anyone tell you that I called you?" Irene asked him.

An unnatural reaction appeared on Zachary's face, and he somehow looked awkward. "You called me?"

"Yes I did," Irene told him with no uncertainty, "and it was a woman who answered, saying you were taking a shower. I told her to tell you to call me back when you're done. She didn't tell you, did she?"

Zachary chuckled. "Nope, she didn't.”

"Are you serious about her?" Irene asked her.

Zachary walked over and sat on the couch. "What do you mean?" "The woman who answered my call," Irene said.

Zachary appeared nonchalant. "She's just a woman. What's with the seriousness? Just need to satisfy my physical needs."

Irene frowned, speechless. "Giving up on yourself, are you?"

“No, but I'm no saint who's above worldly needs," Zachary said seriously. "Is it really so terrible, sleeping with one?"

Irene certainly

all men like you?" she

"Isaac doesn't because he's not like most men. He

covering up for him or covering up for yourself with

since you've been with

Isaac. "Just do what you will!" She got up,

and she needed to

her. "Why did you call

Turning back toward Zachary, she said, "We're

it safe there?"

me, saying that the

I'll make

much to carry back, aside from personal items and clothing. Since there was no furniture at all, they just had

around happily in the courtyard, since he really preferred it here—it was so huge, and he had plenty

Eagle hit a leaf with a pebble before and was really impressed—maybe

had certainly been cordial between them after

Tommy nodded.

need to get some training

just a pebble?" Tommy asked, rearing his little head. "No—you're