Tiger Temptation ~ An Urban Dark Fantasy Romance Genetic Engineering

2

Who would have thought that Saturday would come so quickly? By now, Angelina was in a taxi with Paul, heading to the zoo where Doctor Sandi was waiting. She was in much better condition, probably because her naughty patient had been so kind and obedient lately. Angelina's cheeks warmed as she recalled Ramaik deliberately purring away and rubbing his stubble against her hand while she shaved him. His attitude was just like a spoiled cat.

"Angel... Hello, Angel..." Paul lightly pinched his wife's nose with his left hand. "What are you daydreaming about? How did you get so lost?"

"E-eh, no," Angelina surprised. She turned her head to escape her husband's pinch.

Angelina unconsciously glanced at the white sling supporting Paul's right arm. Her heart skipped an uncomfortable beat. "Paul, you shouldn't have come. I'm going straight home after surgery."

"And let them exploit my Angel?" Paul snorted. "You might not come home because you have to check on the other animals."

"Well, I don't mind if that happened. I also want to see those animals," Angelina replied without objection.

Yesterday, Nixon had kindly accompanied her to Genma's employee-only clinic. She had been allowed to remove the head bandage, making her physical condition look almost normal, except for some bruises.

"Don't you mind wasting our time on unimportant things?" Paul protested. "Angel, don't you miss me?"

Huh?! A realization made Angelina take a quick breath. Miss him?

"O-of course," Angelina stammered back. She stared at her husband's disappointed expression with growing guilt. It hasn't been a month, but why—

There was no traffic jam from the moment they left the Genma building. However, conditions began to change when they reached the Cilandak intersection, South Jakarta. There seemed to be a lot of visitors who wanted to see the animal attraction on the weekend. The taxi they were riding slowed down to follow the queue of vehicles as they approached the entrance to the zoo. Angelina took the opportunity to change the topic. She looked at the driver and said, "Sir, just drop us off near the ticket gate."

"Yes, ma'am," replied the chubby, tan-skinned man without saying more. Angelina opened her bag, took out her wallet to pay the fare just as the vehicle stopped, and said to her husband, "Come on, Paul. Let's get off."

*****

Angelina's eyes sparkled with excitement as she felt the fresh air, heard the animal sounds, and saw the natural grass. Dozens of visitors noisily passed from one cage to another. However, the woman wasn't bothered at all. She missed this hustle and bustle after being isolated in Genma, where the only human willing to interact with her had questionable intelligence.

"Ah, there's Mona!" Angelina enthusiastically exclaimed as they passed the lion cage. The woman waved cheerfully at the giant African lioness. That lioness stared at her lazily.

There was no reply from Paul. He never liked animals, especially wild ones. He just walked next to his wife without glancing at the cages.

"Doctor Angelina!"

Angelina turned her head before her eyes widened as the four animal handlers, who had always assisted her when examining the animals, came closer. Angelina's smile brightened. I belong here. I am supposed to be with them, looking after the animals in this zoo.

However, before Angelina took a step, Paul was already grasping her hand as he admonished his wife. "Angel, we're not here to chat. My hand hasn't healed yet."