13

ZED'S POV

My three-year run away to other countries got wasted after a wild moment with Yen. If I already had enough trouble getting her off my mind before, that multiplied after I gave in to my intense yearning for her. Yet, I know I must stop before everything gets out of hand.

A knock on the door jolts me out of my thoughts. I look up, thinking it's just the staff banging his vacuum cleaner on the door. But another louder round follows. I draw out a deep breath and then exhale before I force myself out of the chair.

Walking to the door, I open it wide. And to my surprise, Ella's face greets my eyes. Then, perhaps noticing my expression, she smiles and says, "I told you I'd be back for dinner."

"You have money. Is there a problem?" I frown. She shouldn't have come back for unimportant matters.

"Yes, but-" Ella stops, her face turning pale.

"But?"

"I just want to have dinner with you, if you don't mind."

I sigh, running my fingers through my hair. I'm sure she's not too stupi