CHAPTER ONE HUNDRED AND FIFTY ONE – TAKING A BREAK FROM DUTY

The next morning, Karina awoke to the smell of fresh coffee and the sound of Miguel humming in the kitchen. She smiled to herself, stretching languidly before slipping on Miguel's discarded shirt from the night before. She padded into the kitchen, where Miguel was busy flipping pancakes. He looked up as she entered, a warm smile spreading across his face. "Good morning, beautiful," he said, pulling her in for a soft kiss. "Mm, good morning," Karina replied, inhaling deeply. "Something smells amazing." Miguel chuckled, turning back to the stove. "I thought we could use a good breakfast after last night's... activities." Karina felt a blush creep up her cheeks, memories of their passionate encounter flooding back. "I'm not complaining," she said, pouring herself a cup of coffee. They settled at the breakfast bar, plates piled high with fluffy pancakes and fresh fruit. As they ate, a comfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the occasional clink of utensils against pl