Total pages in book: 22
Estimated words: 22608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 22608 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 113(@200wpm)___ 90(@250wpm)___ 75(@300wpm)
What the hell?
She had grabbed his arm, and his surprise had him unable to resist as Alysse forced him to turn back and face her again.
"I'm sorry, Zahir."
His jaw clenched against the painful tremor in her voice.
"I know it's no excuse. I k-know you warned me about it—-"
Her voice broke, and his resolve threatened to break alongside it.
"I'm r-really sorry," she choked out, "that h-he still ended up kissing me."
Her eyes shimmered with tears as she gazed up at him.
"C-Can't you forgive me—-"
"Fuck."
The expletive unintentionally slipped past his lips the moment he caught sight of Haydar signaling for his attention—-
Alysse stared at him in hurt shock. "Excuse me?"
Because Nassif was already on his way back, and next to him was the Black Dove.
Fuck. Fuck. Fuck.
His tension made Alysse look around nervously, and he swiftly ordered her attention back to him.
"Look at me, habibti."
The sharpness of his tone had her jerking, but she was also blessedly quick in obeying his command.
"No matter what you see or hear next—-"
Her eyes widened.
"I need you to remember that I love you—-"
Her lips parted.
"I need you to trust you instinct—-"
"W-What—-"
"And have faith in me."
The Black Dove finally reached them, and she let out a giggle as Zahir curved an arm around her waist.
"Did you miss me already?"
Zahir's lips curved in a smile even as he fought against the urge to wrap his fingers around her neck and start squeezing and squeezing until she stopped breathing.
"Always."
He turned to Alysse and ignored the pallor of her face. "I believe I haven't introduced you to Alysse. She was also in Amsterdam with her boyfriend that day."
"That day was really something, wasn't it?" The Black Dove offered her hand to Alysse. "I'm Felicia, Zahir's girlfriend. It's so nice to meet you."
Chapter Fourteen
FOR WE WALK BY FAITH, not by sight.
It's been two weeks, and every day has me battling against anxiety and despair. I haven't heard a single peep from Zahir, and even though there's this part of me that's saying I'm being a fool to keep waiting—-
How can I stop, dear God?
When I remember telling him he loves me—-
And asking me to trust my instinct and have faith in him—-
When I remember the look in his eyes while saying those things—-
And those eyes, God.
His beautiful golden eyes were begging me to wait for him.
So how can I not?
AN ENTIRE MONTH HAS passed.
And for the first time since seeing him in Paradijs—-
I find myself crying.
This is insane.
Because it's six in the morning, and just about every student is out either cheering or participating in the university's inaugural Run to be Heard charity marathon—-
So, so insane.
And here I am, crumpling in the middle of the track and just bawling my eyes out.
I miss you!
I love you!
So where are you?
My heart cries the words out over and over, but it's no longer enough.
I can feel people staring at me.
Whispering about me.
But I just don't care anymore, and that's why—-
"I miss you."
I find myself choking the words out.
"I love you."
To the point that I think I'm about to lose my mind.
"So where are you—-"
"I'm right here, habibti."
Oh God.
I've officially lost my mind, but I'm just so, so much in pain that I can't even make myself care.
"I miss you," I sob out.
"I miss you, too."
"I love—-"
A mouth covers mine, and I let out a gasp.
"I love you, too," he whispers against my lips.
I don't care if I'm dreaming.
I just don't want this to end.
"Open your eyes, habibti."
"I'm scared."
"You don't have to be. I'm real and I'm right here."
Oh God, please.
I slowly open my eyes.
And I start crying again.
Because God's answered my prayers.
"Z-Zahir."
He pulls me to his feet, and even though I know for sure now that we have everyone staring at me, and the best thing to do is to get off the track—-
I need to know, God.
I find myself beating his chest over and over.
"What took you so long?"
But I only end up crying harder with how he doesn't make a move to stop me.
"D-Do you know how hard—-"
"I know." He wipes the tears from my cheeks. "I know, habibti, and I'm more sorry than you will ever know."
"Then tell me—-" And I actually find myself kicking his shin, but he doesn't even flinch. "Tell me w-why—-"
"It is a long story—-"
"Then make it short!" I don't care if I sound like a brat right now. "I need to know—-"
Because I want to stop hurting.
"So tell me—-"
"Alright." He pulls out a handkerchief from his pocket while speaking, and I only realize what he means to do when he presses it to my nose. "Blow."
I start to shake my head, but Zahir only looks at me. "You want the truth? Blow."
I glare at him even as I end up doing what he says.
I blow my nose, and then I shove his hand away as soon as I'm done. "Your turn," I snarl. "Tell me—-"