Tiger arrived home and slumped onto the sofa, completely exhausted, when the soft clink of a tray against the glass table broke the silence.
"I forgot you were still here," Tiger said, glancing up at Lily. "Is there anything to eat? I am starving."
"I will cook something now. I had no idea when you would return," Lily replied. "You should take a shower. Supper will be ready by the time you are done."
She turned toward the kitchen, but Tiger's voice cut through the room, stopping her in her tracks. "You are not betraying me, are you? If I ever find out you are, I will rip your heart out myself. And if I do not, someone else will."
Lily's heart hammered against her ribs at his threat. She looked up at him, her voice trembling slightly. "Then why do you eat the food I make? If I intended to harm you, do you not think I could have easily done it through your meals?" Lowering her gaze, she whispered, "Forgive me if I spoke too harshly."
