Capítulo 8: Chapter 8: Incoming Storm

Before dinner, the power was restored by the in-house electrician. So the meal went smoothly.

Thankfully, the dinner was shared with Juana's family which was composed of seven including her. This was by request of Zeronis which was a good decision since it made the meal lively. Also, Maria had the chance to observe Zeronis when he would respond to Juana's inquiry every now and then.

If there was one thing she was good at, it was definitely feeling something was amiss.

Why did she feel such a thing towards Zeronis? They just met for only a few days and yet she learned of his kindness to his people and unwavering humor every chance he gets just to tease her. To compare him to that vile Black Prince was an injustice. That soulless man won't a candle to Zeronis at all.

"Mija, you stopped eating. Isn't the food in your liking?" Juana asked.

"It might be too spicy for her, mama." Remarked Julia, one of Juana's daughters.

"N-no. Sorry I spaced out. It must the wine still on my system. The food is great." Maria defended.

"Ayayay. Look what you did, muchacho. We only have a guest once in a blue moon and a beautiful one if I might add. Yet, you shove alcohol down her throat in your first day around here?"

Zeronis laughed at that while Maria smiled widely.

"I didn't shove anything on her throat, Juana. Come on, give your boy some benefit of the doubt." Zeronis defended himself.

"Then how can you explain her drunk state when you get home? The girl was completely knockout!" Juana exclaimed.

"Mama's right, though. I saw you carried señorita up the mansion from the car earlier." Teo said.

"See?" Juana gestured towards Zeronis then turned to Maria. "I'm sorry about my boy, mija. He's usually a charming kid."

"Hey. I really didn't!" Zeronis laughed.

"He's right though, Juana. Though I tasted wines and I think they were strong ones for me. I fell asleep in the car after." Maria stepped in before Juana ended up smothering Zeronis.

"Oh, is that so?" Juana was appeased.

"Yes."

"Then eat, mija. Look at you skin and bones." Juana put more chilaquiles, two empanadas and fajitas on her plate. Juana scooped for another food and put them on her plate again.

Maria blinked at her plate and gulped down a lump forming on her own throat. Her eyes landed secretly on Zeronis who turned his head to the side. She knew he was suppressing to laugh by the situation.

"Ay, mama! Not too much! We don't want to burst that small stomach of hers." Kira chuckled in blocking more of Juana's attempt to heap more of Rajas Poblanas, roasted hot peppers with creamy cheese.

"Okay. That should fill her enough." Juana conceded and Maria had to disagree in silence as she looked down her plate. There was sweat trickling down at the back of her nape, thinking on how on earth could she empty her plate in one sitting.

The family continued on their meals jumping from one topic to another.

Maria still felt intimidated at the sight of her own plate as she began to start eating again.

"More like it could fill you up for the whole three days," Zeronis whispered leaning over her closely.

Maria made a quick glance at the family dining with them before she leaned towards Zeronis too.

"I kinda need a hand here. I don't want to leave anything. It might hurt her." Maria whispered back. "Don't chuckle at me like that. Do something, please."

"Alright. We'll share since I'm done with mine." He conceded and moved closer beside her.

It just happened naturally as Zeronis shared with her food on one plate and carried a conversation to Dante, Juana's husband. She wasn't sure if them sharing together a plate made Julia and Kira talk in low voices and giggling after throwing a glance in her direction subtly. But Maria couldn't care enough as she just want to finish the food placed over her plate.

Zeronis offered to feed her while she looked at him with an incredulous expression. But he wasn't backing down. As if telling her that if she won't comply, he won't be helping her with her dilemma. She grudgingly open her mouth for him to feed her and he smiled smugly at his success.

Then he would get for himself too...on the same spoon, he used to feed her. She wouldn't want to dwell much on it, thinking that he was maybe used to doing that to his girlfriends. What a charming player.

Fortunately, the dinner was concluded and the family went to their respective bedrooms.

"You should have seen your face."

"Aren't you still over it?" Maria complained as they climbed up the grand staircase towards her room.

"I think I won't for the next couple of days." Zeronis chuckled and shielded his shoulder when Maria swatted him.

"Don't follow me anymore," she said.

"Hey, I'll usher you into your room." Zeronis laughed and quickly gapped their distance when Maria jogged away from him. He grabbed her arm, stopping her from reaching her room fast.

"No thanks. Goodnight, Villan."

"Alright. I won't tease you. I think I'm forgetting what happened over the meal already." Zeronis appeased and yet there was impeding humor on the corner of his lips.

"Don't talk about it anymore." Maria conditioned, not desiring to recall how she reddened upon eating that spicy creamed pepper that she downed a glass of cold water on one go.

"Alright then," Zeronis said and casually placed one arm over her shoulder as they walked slowly in the silent hallway. The night was filled with the chirping of insects outside, their steps which matched and the gentle knocking of Maria's heart.

Zeroniss eyes went down to their feet and seemed to be amazed at their coordinated feet. She too felt engrossed at that before they both lifted their head to each other. His smile spread across his face and Maria thought that her heart might disturb the silent night for its sudden loud beating. She was keenly aware now of his hand cupping the top of her arm bone and gently caressing that area. As if they were lovers. As if he was allowed to do that. But Maria ignored the defiance at the back of her mind when she considered those as friendly gestures.

"Can you tell me about yourself?"

"Why do you want to know?"

"Well, you fascinate me, sweetheart. That's why."

"I'm glad I caught your attention then." Maria let a sarcastic laugh.

"Come on now. You're such a very mysterious woman."

"Does my peculiarity incite your interest, Villan?" Maria teased which made him chuckle.

"I'm still considering if you're a bad or good kind of mystery."

"You're implying as if I'm wearing dual masks."

"I wonder too if it's really that."

Maria glanced at him in amusement. "Sounds like you had a lot of experience of women wearing multiple masks."

"I did. There are one too many," he admitted.

"Don't worry, Villan. I'm not one of those women in phantom disguise in order to get a hold of your wealth." Maria assured, thinking that he might have already been through many social-climbing women in the past.

"Ah. It would have been better if that's the case, sweetheart. I got too many to spare if it is you." Zeronis replied.

Again. He made her rendered at such casual declaration. As if he wanted her forever in his life. But that was impossible since they just met and to conclude that it was love was too absurd to account for his words.

It might be a passing attraction and honestly, she felt the same towards him. He was handsome as hell. There was sophistication on his movement, an air of unpracticed elegance when dealing with his people, definitely courteous but also with a subtle hint of devil-may-care attitude. A wicked debonair man. Admittedly, Zeronis might be the man she dreamed of deep within her heart. But, she can't be certain if he was only testing her or teasing her.

Maria was about to ask him to elaborate on what he meant, not wanting to be left midair for some unanswered questions. But then she was interrupted when Teo came running towards them, panting. He looked blanch that all of her other thoughts were left forgotten.

"Sir Villan, you're needed at the vineyard garden!"

"What happens?" Zeronis asked alertly.

"Uncle Ramon called. There's a fire in the cellar and they are saving as much wine as they could get." Teo explained.

Zeronis turned to Maria. "I apologize. I need to leave you here."

"Yes. Go. They need you there." Maria abruptly agreed, seeing how he seemed worried. After all, he said it was his hobby and to have it burned down the ground might be too much for him now.

"Goodnight, sweetheart," he said and gently kissed her forehead before turning to Teo. "Let's leave. Bring the other boys with you. We need more men."

Maria ushered both men with her eyes as they left in haste from where she stood.

"Already did. They're waiting." Teo said.

"Good."

Maria didn't hear much of Villan's words when they rounded up on the right corner where it led to the grand staircase. The hallway where she stood became quiet again. She then glanced at the huge glass window to her left, ignoring how his feathery kiss could summon such storm deep inside her heart...

comentario 0 comentario

Votar

ENVIAR REGALO

Load failed, please RETRY