The bathroom didn’t have a lock inside, so it made it easy for him to come in. When Shirley heard the door
opening, she turned around and quickly hid herself in the steam. “Why did you…”
“We’re showering together.” Zacharias smiled and came in.
Shirley blushed. “Is it too late to say no?”
Yes. Zacharias held her waist and the back of her head, and then he kissed her. Shirley moaned and was pulled into
Zacharias’ embrace. He led the action in the steamy bathroom. They then took the battle to the bed.
Shirley had no idea how much time had passed, but she was eventually exhausted, and she was usually a vivacious
person. She lay in Zacharias’ arms languidly, with nary the strength to even open her eyes.
Zacharias was combing her hair. He was radiating warmth, like a tiger who had its fill. Shirley had a look of
enjoyment on her face, a smile curling her lips.
Follow on NovᴇlEnglish.nᴇtZacharias kissed her. “Sleep.”
Shirley didn’t even want to think. She was so tired, she just wanted to sleep, and she fell asleep in Zacharias’ arms
a while later. He kissed her hair and fell asleep with Shirley in his arms.
Dawn came. Shirley opened her eyes and found that Zacharias was already gone, though he left a note for her. He
told her to get breakfast after she woke up, and then someone would take her home. Shirley wanted to stay, but
Zacharias was going to work immediately, and with Christmas coming, he would have a lot more to deal with.
Shirley went home. Right after that, she got news that her father would bring his whole family back to the base for
Christmas. That included her. Shirley was shocked. “Why are we going back to the base? Can’t we celebrate
Christmas here?” Shirley quickly asked.
“Tons of things to settle at the base. Pack up your stuff, Shirley. We’re setting off at six.”
Shirley wanted to stay, but her parents would be at the base, and as their daughter, she had to celebrate Christmas
with them.
Back in the bedroom, Angela said, “Richard, you could’ve told Shirley about this. She’s confused right now.”
Richard shook her head. “I can’t, or she won’t leave. Zacharias is dealing with some dangerous individuals right
now, and he’s worried she might get dragged into the mess.”
Earlier in the morning, Zacharias called Richard and asked them to take Shirley back to the base. He was dealing
with some dangerous people who had intel on a lot of stuff, including Shirley’s details. Shirley went back to her
room. Resigned, she called Zacharias. I have to go back to the base.
“Hello?” Zacharias asked.
“Zach, my dad just said we’ll be celebrating Christmas at the base. I might have to go with him,” said Shirley, a little
resigned.
“It’s alright, Shir. We’ll meet after Christmas. I can’t leave work right now either, so you spend some time with your
Follow on Novᴇl-Onlinᴇ.cᴏmfolks,” said Zacharias, consoling Shirley.
Shirley had no choice but to listen to him. “I will. You take care of yourself. Don’t work through the night, alright?”
“Yeah, I know. I won’t,” said Zacharias in a husky voice.
“I’d love to see you again before I leave.” Shirley bit her lip. Richard was in a hurry, though. They had to leave by
six, so she wouldn’t be able to do that.
“Go to the base with your folks, alright? I’ll see you there after Christmas.”
“Really?” Shirley asked, surprised.
“Yes.”
“We have a deal. You’re coming to the base for me after Christmas.” Shirley was delighted. She grew up in the
base, and she was more than happy to take Zacharias on a tour.
After getting her spirits lifted, Shirley packed her things.
Back at Zacharias’ office, Zacharias put his phone down and heaved a sigh. Now that Shirley and her parents are
safe, it’s time to settle a score. This will be a hard battle.