Chapter Text
“Why can’t you just die?!” Jamil shoved me into the floor. The snakes from his hair hissed and bite as I tried to wiggle out from his hands around my throat.
Why was it becoming harder to breath?
“Wake up Jamil!” I gasped, kicking and beating the figure that was once my best friend. No matter how many hits I’ve placed on him, it never did any damage. Just limbs going through mist as the form goes back in place. Like black sand taking its shape once the water has calmed.
How was I supposed to fight back without hurting Jamil? How was I to escape when he’s almost like a ghost?
“I’m going to make sure you stay gone.” His dark voice echoed as the ground began to turn into dark matter, pulling me in like tar.
I can’t get out. “Jamil! Wake up! Please!” I begged, but the black goo began to choke me, silencing my cries as Jamil’s overblot stood tall, watching me drown with a wicked smile.
I was drowning.
Jamil! Jamil! Jamil!
I woke up, choking and drenched in water as it poured in my room.
Clouds were formed on the ceiling, the rain poured hard on me as I coughed out water.
I waved my hand to cease the spell.
Oh, I really done it now.
The maid rushed in with a towel. “Mr Asim! Are you okay?” She began to help dry my face. “What happened?”
I got up from my bed, not enjoying the feeling of soaked pillows and blankets. “I’m sorry, I did a spell to do light rain to wake me up and it backfired.” I lied.
The maid sighed as she glanced around the drenched room. “Why don’t you take a warm bath and I’ll have some dry clothes ready for you.”
“That sounds great.” I beamed, leaving the maid to handle the scene as I tried to step out into the hallway.
Due to the very waxed floors and myself being wet, I should’ve known I would slip and fall onto the hard tiled floor.
“Ow..”
The bathroom was full of steam, plants and natural light from the ceiling windows. Full of colors and freshest towels. Cater said this was more of a bathhouse than a regular bathroom, which I suppose he has a point after seeing Ramshackle bathrooms.
Sitting in the deep hot bath as the masseuse rubbed my back after hearing about the earlier fall. “Thank you sir.” I smiled, feeling the pain fade away.
“You’re always too kind Mr. Asim,why are you so stressed? Hm?” The older gentleman asked with a happy tone.
I tried to think of a response. “I’m not sure.”
He hummed and still worked on my shoulders and neck. He always acted like a grandfather towards myself and siblings. “Well, after your meetings, we can do some yoga to help stretch out your muscles. All this stress is tightening your shoulders and neck.” He patted my shoulders as he stood up, showing that he’s done. “Let the hot water relax you a bit longer, then you can come for breakfast.” He bowed before taking his leave.
Giving a smile and wave as he left, I let out a sigh and sat in the large tub, poking at the floating flowers and small herbs in the water. Feeling the comfort of the warm water, I just slowly sank my body into the deeper part of the bath.
I wonder if Jamil got my gift?
He’s been traveling around for work for a whole month. I’ve sent him messages, asking about his day and things he saw, the foods he ate. True, it’s for work but I can tell he was enjoying himself.
I wonder if he’s still mad about what happened last month?
It was my 30th birthday, a large party full of food, music and laughter. My siblings gave me hugs and kisses, laughing as they pulled and pushed me to dance with pretty girls.
I’d laugh and take the woman’s hand, following the rhythm of the drums. She was beautiful, a little flirty even but fun. Her long dark, braided hair swayed with her movements.
As I spun, I saw Jamil watching from the back of the crowd, he had a faint smile and gave a small wave when we locked eyes.
I stopped dancing and gave a bow to the beautiful lady before rushing over to Jamil. “Dance with me!”
“If you insist.” He answered flatly as he followed to the dance floor.
We danced together in sync, wooing the crowd with fast and skilled movements. We danced together so much, we couldn’t help but laugh. The music, the food and just having Jamil with me was all I could ever ask for. When the musician decided to toy with us by changing the song to a romance, Jamil and I changed our rhythm as I followed his lead, just like ballroom. Just when the song was going to the chorus, we felt the beat drop as the crowd cheered, the music switching back to Arab pop. After such intense dancing, Jamil and I took a drink as we sat together to rest.
“Because of you, I will be sore tomorrow.” Jamil complained as he watched the crowd still dance and mingle.
“We can rest tomorrow while we send thank you notes.” I suggested.
“You mean me.” He gave a side eye playfully.
“No! I’m going to do them! Just need some help, there’s a lot.” I explained as he drank fast, dehydrated from dancing so much.
“You better.” He warned, accepting another drink from the servant walking by.
Didn’t even notice how thirsty I was, I needed a second drink as well. “Can you bring some cheese and fruit please?” I asked, craving a snack.
The servant smiled, bowing before rushing out to have the snacks served.
Jamil was inspecting the glass he was holding, already more than halfway done. “Shit.”
“What?” I blinked, taking another gulp of the drink in my hand.
He turned to face me, his face flushed and eyes dazed. “This is alcohol!”
I took a sniff at my drink and burst out laughing. “We were so thirsty! We couldn’t tell!” I leaned my head against his shoulder, stomach hurting as I was losing my breath.
Jamil was trying so hard not to laugh, he couldn’t hold it in and just covered his face laughing. “I should’ve known when the children were leaving the party.”
I looked around for my parents. They looked like they were getting ready to leave. “Hold that thought. Gotta say goodnight before they leave.” I rushed through the crowd, finding my mother carrying my little brother in her arms asleep. He was only 10.
“You enjoy yourself, Kalim.” My mother kissed my cheek. “Can’t stay up as late as I use to.” She smiled as my father carried my younger sister.
“If I’m not in bed before two, I won’t hear the end of it.” My father gave me a hug and kiss on the forehead. “Have fun, go meet a nice girl hopefully.”
I laughed. “I’ll try.”
After seeing them off, it was just myself and the party still going. Checking my phone, I saw it was only 1 AM.
“I’m sorry for being late.”
Turning around, it was Malleus and Silver.
“You came!” I ran to hug the soon to be king of Briar Valley.
“Wasn’t easy. Had to deal with Sebek being paranoid and a lot of court cases to handle.” Silver sighed.
“I was hesitant about the invitation saying 8PM till 4AM.” Malleus pointed out. “Do you really dance till sunrise?”
“Yup! I’ll have your rooms ready! Go freshen up and come out here! “ I motioned a server to arrive and take their items to their guest rooms.
Silver was having trouble hearing. He leaned in closer to have me repeat myself. He smelled nice!
Once the duo left, I turned and found Jamil with a sour look as he held his drink. “I can’t believe you invited them.”
“Awe come on! Malleus will be disguised and he deserves to party as well.” I patted his shoulder, trying to calm his nerves. “Can’t be rude and not invite them.”
Jamil sighed before finishing his drink. “We don’t need a national scandal. Thank goodness Leona declined the invite.”
“Yeah, it was nice of him to send a card though!” I took another drink that was handed to me. Jamil took the glass and took a sip.
“Drink. This is a rare time when we can drink together.”
I beamed from those words. Jamil is always more open after a few drink.
“Let’s party then!”
We danced some more, laughed, play card games and drank. Why was Jamil always better at cards when he drinks?
It was about 4:30AM when everyone started to settle down, leave or just play
Malleus wasn’t drunk from what I can tell, but he sat with us as Silver laid his head on his lap, asleep soundly while we still drank.
“What are your plans for spring?” Malleus asked, losing another round of uno.
“Kalim has to stay and attend formal events, I’ll be traveling to places that struggle to get drinking water and make a plan for Kalim to get his charity project working.” Jamil explained, lost again.
As they spoke, I peaked at Silver’s cards. Huh, he won.
“Kalim, I heard that your parents are setting up a gala for you to meet potential matches.” Malleus grinned behind his wine glass.
My mind took a moment to process the words. Gala?? Right! The water duct party! Heh. Like duck.
“Forgot, been busy working with Jamil.” I muttered, trying not to let the sleepiness get to me.
“Are you interested in courting? Been hearing a lot of rumors of people claiming you have a secret fiancée or such.” Malleus finished his glass.
“Kalim’s just indecisive.” Jamil answered with a flat tone.
“I’m not!”
“Whoever your mother or Najma suggests, you just claims they’re best as friends, nothing more. You need to choose someone.” Jamil scolded, why was I being scolded about this?
“Why should I choose anyone if I have you?”
The table went quiet.
What? What did I say?
“I think it’s best I take my leave. Happy birthday Kalim, good morning to you Mr.Viper.” Malleus waved his hand as he shimmered away with Silver.
It was just Jamil and I at the table.
“What? Did I do something?”
Jamil’s face was fuming with red, I never saw his face so mixed with rage and embarrassment. Before I could even say anything, he stood and stormed out from the table.
“Wait! Jamil!”
I rushed over, dodging the crowd of people trying to speak with me. Following him into the private lounge only for those that live on the estate. “Jamil-“
“Why would you say that?” He snapped, shutting and locking the door with his magic.
I jumped from the slam. “Say what? I was just being honest.”
“You’re embarrassing me infront of royalty. Sure, it’s only Malleus, but what if someone heard you say that? It’ll imply that there’s something between us.” He scolded, beginning to lecture me as usual.
I rubbed my temple, trying to clear the buzz from my head. “Between us? Like a couple?” I asked out loud. Oops.
“Yes you empty headed fool!” He grabbed my shoulders and began to shake me.
Oh I feel sick.
“So what!” I snapped, he stopped.
“What?” He hissed.
“Is it so bad of the idea of us as a couple? Like husbands?” I avoided his glare, what was I saying? This is something I knew he’d hate to hear.
“Husbands? Not even boyfriends?” He responded in a surprise tone. Clearly he’s not the only one that’s surprised by my own words.
“I.. I can’t imagine myself with anyone else Jamil.” This was honest, he hates it when I’m this honest. “I’m sorry for embarrassing you, I was buzzed and comfortable and spoke without thinking.” Trying to end this fight.
His hands slowly sled down from my shoulders to my forearms. “You neieve fool. You’re suppose to find a nice girl to settle down with. Not wait for me.” His voice sounded shaky, almost like he was torn from yelling or lecturing me.
Looking up, his eyes were soft, filled with anguished and a softness that I rarely seen. His gray colored eyes just stared down at me, almost tearing.
My heart felt warm, I couldn’t help but feel tempted to lean in closer. His scent was practically pulling me in, that scent of sweat and amber.
Before I knew it, he grabbed my face for a kiss.
It felt like astral projection, seeing myself yet feeling the kiss all at once. Being in the air from such a wonderful feeling.
It was a hungry kiss. Feeling every teeth, tounge, gasps and moans escaping from each kiss we shared.
I couldn’t help but place my fingers in his long dark hair, feeling the hidden braids and charms in his hair. He was beautiful.
“You started this.” Jamil whispered, almost like a warning.
“I know.” I breathed out, feeling his lips move down from my cheek to my neck.
Feeling a bite so suddenly, a yelp escaped my lips.
The sounds of the party echoed through the door, sounds of people and music was a reminder that we couldn’t stay here. We couldn’t stay in this bubble of yearning and desperation we both shared.
“We’re moving.” He sounded annoyed, glaring at the locked doors behind me.
“Huh?” My mind was in a daze, not understanding anything else except what was happening between me and Jamil this very moment. “Moving where? The market?”
“The bedroom. Can’t have someone walk in on us.” Jamil pulled away, adjusting himself and me. “Head to my room, I have to order the staff for clean up.”
I nodded, already disliking the distance we’re having. “Wait, why your room?”
He gave a flat expression. “It’s less obvious if someone were to see you go into my room than the other way around. “
“R-Right! That’s smart.” I chuckled nervously, already getting flustered from the idea of continuing with what we’re doing.
Jamil’s expression looked pained after I said that. “Stop being cute.” He stole a kiss, biting my bottom lip before tearing himself away. “Go.”
Before I knew it, we were in bed.
It was so fast and fuzzy, but oh so wonderful. Feeling his breath on my skin, lips on mine, even his scent and hot breath was so addicting.
Moaning his name felt like a prayer after the morning rain. It was oh so wonderful. I didn’t care how rough he held me, how his grip tightened against my thighs and hips, how greedy and unapologetic he was for every thrust I took.
Why couldn’t we stay like this?
The birds sang from outside. Feeling a warm body pulling away, I woke up to see Jamil tying his hair up in a bun as his face looked frustrated.
“Jamil?” I called, wiping my eyes and sitting up.
“We made a mistake.” He stated.
“What? Mistake? What do you mean?” My heart sank so fast from those words.
“This Kalim!” He motioned to the both of us. “We should never have done this! What will our families say if word got out?” He began to sit up and talk while putting clothes on. We only napped for an hour or two.
“Would it be so bad?” Was all I could mutter.
“Yea Kalim! My job could be compromised for this, I should never have gone through with this.” He paced his room, now talking to himself.
I felt so dirty at that moment. Was I a mistake? I would never put his job in jeopardy, I love him. Oh god…
Trying to suck up the tears from falling, I quickly put on my clothes as he was distracted. “I’m going to bed.” My voice was cracking.
Jamil halted from hearing my voice. “Oh Kalim. I didn’t-“
“I’m really sleepy and you’re right. I shouldn’t be here and I promise not to get you in trouble. Promise.” I pulled the biggest smile, faking the growing pain that was struggling to hide.
“Kalim wait. Let’s just take a moment-“
“I love you Jamil.” My eyes were facing his shocked expression. “I would never put your job and family in danger, I’m sorry for this inconvenience.” I bowed before rushing out of the bedroom.
The moment I couldn’t hear any sign of Jamil opening the door, I ran towards my room down the hall. Locking the door, I rush to my bed, sobbing into my pillow and hugging it tightly.
“How can I be so stupid? He hates me.”
After crying into my pillow, I slept for hours. Waking up for a late lunch, I tiredly walked over and sat down to eat. Drinking tea and water with my late lunch.
Jamil entered the dining room with a plate of fruit salad for us to share. He looked tired, almost like he hadn’t slept well. Taking a seat and placing a spoonful of mixed fruit on a side dish for myself. Might as well make conversation.
“Afternoon Jamil! Slept okay?” I smiled, pulling a happy face.
He glanced away, looking embarrassed. “It was alright.”
“That’s good.” I took a bite from the shrawma, feeling relief to have this after an evening of drinking.
Jamil watched as he ate and drink slowly. I noticed him looking around, seeming nervous as if he’s trying to see if anyone’s nearby.
“Kalim. About this morning.” He whispered.
My chest felt twisted from the anxiety of him mentioning this morning.
“I didn’t mean it like that.” He wasn’t looking at me, his face already blushing from this talk. “I just..” he trailed off.
“Kalim! There you are my boy!” My father burst in with his usual cheerful attitude.
Jamil and I jumped from his sudden entrance.”D-Dad! Good afternoon!” I stood up to give him a hug but he ushered me to stay seated.
“So, the project you boys started had already gained attention. They’d like you to travel and figure out the landscape.” Father took a piece of fruit from my plate.
“Already?” I blinked.
“But Mr. Asim, Kalim is already booked this month, he won’t have time to travel.” Jamil explained the issue.
“Then you’ll have to go in Kalim’s place.” Father explained.
I glanced over to Jamil. “Well you would be able to notice things i would miss, plus you’ve been wanting to travel again.”
Jamil rubbed his neck anxiously, “true.”
“I’ll send you the list of locations. It’s only three.” Father placed a hand on our shoulders and shook us with excitement. “I’m proud of you boys, let us know when you’re ready to depart Jamil.”
After he left, servants just entered the dining room to clear out the table.
Letting out a sigh, I rubbed my head to avoid any pain from a potential headache. “Guess we’ll be kept busy.” I pouted.
Jamil stared at his bowl of food, looking torn of what to say.
I disliked that expression on his face. I put on a smile and cheerful tone. “Hey, it’ll be okay! We can talk about last night later.” I tried to console him.
He stared at me with a complex expression, a mixture of surprise and relief. “Fine, but till then, no funny business.” He ordered, trying to keep the conversation topic vague from the servants.
Guess when he returns we’ll talk.
Jamil specifically said this is something we need to speak about in person but with never being alone together, it’s hard.
Before he left, we had dinner to celebrate the start of the aqueduct project to be started. Everyone was talking, saying how far we’ve come, praising Jamil for working so hard and other topics began to buzz around the room.
Jamil and I sat together, he still served me a plate of food out of habit and began to fuss about leaving me alone.
Trying to calm down his nerves, I reminded him that I’ll be fine and that he’s a phone call away.
He sighed and took a sip of some tea as someone stole his attention. His hand was placed next to his thigh.
Flashes of his fingers curled up around mines began to play. I wish we could hold hands like that again.
Seeing his pinky finger slowly stretch towards my own made my heart skip.
Was this intentional??
I decided to take that chance and stretch out my own discretely, trying to take a bite of my own food as my pinky touched his.
His body tensed up from my peripheral vision.
Oh no. I was mistaken! I’m sorry!
Immediately pull my hand away, not wanting to make him uncomfortable.
Stupid, stupid mistake.
I just stuffed my face with rice and chicken.
“Gaaahh!! Why am I thinking of that now?” I shouted into my work desk, already dreading this situation. I wish I can go personally to pick up Jamil but what if he doesn’t want me to hug him? What if he pulls away and yells? My poor heart wouldn’t be able to handle it.
Looking up from my desk, I saw servants rushing down the hallway to prepare for tonight’s dinner.
“Kalim! Can we go play!”
The young voice startled me, looking down, it was my younger sister.
“Hey little one! Aren’t you supposed to be studying? It's Lesson time.” I beamed, picking up the eight year old and placing her on my lap.
“I finished.” She stated as her eyes wandered my paperwork. “Mr. Jamil is coming back today. Are you excited?”
“I am. Very excited.” I pat her braided head, trying not to ruin the little red flowers in her white hair. “Which is why I’m making certain I get my work done so he doesn’t worry.”
Her eyes turned to me curiously. “The servants say you’ve been wetting the bed.”
My body went stiff from those choice of words.
“It’s okay! I used to do the same. Just no drinks before bedtime.” She gave me a comforting hug.
An embarrassed laugh escaped my lips from this conversation. “Thank you for your concern, but don’t worry. It’s not like that.” I gave a quick hug before standing up, starting to walk down the large, busy hallway. “Just been making it rain in my bedroom by accident.” I explained, no need to make my little siblings think I’m uncool!
“Really? That’s silly.” She remarked, looking at the large desserts being carried away. “Jamil can use his magic better.”
“Yes he does.” I let out a sigh. “Try not to tell anyone about the rain, got it?”
“Papa and Mama already knows.” She answered.
Great.
I took a random white flower from the bouquet. “Here you go! A pretty flower for a pretty smile.” I kissed her head before placing her down to stand. “If you don’t have lessons today, maybe we can get the others and play outside before dinner starts.” I offered
Her big red eyes beamed happily. “I’ll tell them to go to the field!” She sprinted down the halls happily. It’s rare for me to have time with all my siblings, a small game of ball should be fine.
I was the only grown adult out of my siblings, the middle children were middle school/highschool age as the younger ones were elementary.
We kicked the ball and chased each other around, the little ones screaming in joy as the elder siblings playfully chased them.
The children's nannies stood on the sidelines and watched happily, taking photos of us to send to our parents.
Oh what fun!
As I sprinted after the ball, I froze when I saw a tall figure standing still. My heart dropped as my breathing stopped, fearing possible danger.
Staring longer, I recognized the face of the man watching us.
Oh goodness, it’s just Jamil. Wait.
“Jamil!” One child shouted.
“Jamil’s here!!” The other cheered.
Soon, Jamil was getting surrounded by my siblings greeting him.
He knelt down and opened up his bag. “Hello everyone. I’ve missed you too.” He patted one of them. “I’ve brought snacks from Briar Valley.” He started passing out a single candy. “This is all you’re getting since dinner will be ready soon.” He explained, having a bunch of thank yous echoing for a few seconds.
“Jamil guess what? Kalim’s been wetting the bed!” My little brother teased.
I held my face in embarrassment. “It’s not like that.”
Jamil looked at my direction confused. “Have you spoken to a nurse? It could be a symptom of something serious.” He went to worry immediately.
“He’s not wetting the bed! It’s just rain!” My little sister corrected my brothers.
Please stop.
“Alright children! It’s bath time, give your brother and Mr.Viper time to talk.” One of the Nannie’s called over.
They all awed in disappointment and wished us goodbye as they followed their Nannie’s to the manor.
“Thank you for the snacks, they really loved it.” I smiled, trying to change the subject now that we’re alone.
“It was the easiest thing to pick out that they all would enjoy.” Jamil explained, looking away awkwardly.
“Did you already say hello to your family?” I asked, slowly walking with him. Wish I could hug him.
“I did. They were happy. You weren’t responding to my text’s messages so I rushed over here to check on you.” He explained. “But seems as though you’ve been kept busy.”
“Well I finished most of my paperwork and figured I might as well play with my siblings.” I smiled, not realizing I was off my phone that long. “But I’m happy you’re back.” I patted his back.
“What’s this talk about you wetting the bed?”
Just kill me.
“I set a small spell to lightly drizzle on me as an alarm to wake up.” I lied. “Very refreshing to wake up to.”
Jamil just stared at me warylingly. “Is that so?”
“Yes, so no need to worry. Come now! Let’s get you somewhere nice to relax!” I ushered us into the building.
“You look tired, have you been sleeping well?” Jamil questioned as we entered his bedroom, placing his travel bag on the well made bed.
Taking a seat at the spare chair next to his vanity. “I guess I’ve been having trouble staying asleep these past few days.” It wasn’t a lie. I’ve been struggling to stay asleep due to nightmares. And the rain of course. Though it’s been a month since..
“I’ll go make us some tea then. We have some time before appearing for dinner.”Jamil suggested, getting up and using his magic to boil water as his personal tea leaves placed itself into the kettle.
The small utensils and tea set began to move on its own, preparing for the hot tea that’ll be ready any moment now.
“Thank you, tea sounds great.” I gave a tired smile. Jamil’s tea would be great honestly. Fatigue began to slowly crawl into me the longer I was in this room.
“I have something for you.” Jamil remarked, taking out a small item from his travel bag.
“You do?” I sat up, pushing the drowsiness away.
Jamil took out a large fabric that’s beautifully made, dark blue with golden designs on it, having the fabric be so soft to the touch.
“This is beautiful!” I awed at the beauty of this blanket.
“Silver said this blanket is a similar design from what the fae placed on the sleeping princess.” Jamil explained. “Figured something useful would be good for you since you’ve been struggling with sleep lately.” His gray eyes avoided eye contact. He’s embarrassed.
“I’ll be sure to use it.” I hugged the blanket happily.
“Kalim.” Jamil called. “About that night.”
Oh boy..
“Yeah. I said some serious stuff huh?” I gently folded the blanket, keeping my hands busy as my nerves from this conversation began to become unease.
“You did.” His voice trailed.
Oh this is a lot.
“It’s okay. I probably overwhelmed you with my feelings and I promise to not let this affect your work in anyway.” I began to babble. Needing to say something to cure this unsteadiness.
“It’s not that I don’t feel the same way.” He blurted out. Covering his mouth with one hand as the other hugged his stomach, looking uneasy from such words.
“You do?” A flicker of hope light up. “But that morning..”
Jamil took a breath and removed his hand. “I was panicking. What will our family say? What will the public say? They want you to have an heir.”
True.. my parents would want that for me.
“They would want me to be happy Jamil. Even if I don’t have an heir.” I know my parents, true, it will cause arguments but they love me.
I placed the blanket on the small table next to me before standing up to face him as I walked closer.
He looked nervous, as if he spent hours trying to convince himself this was a bad idea. Avoiding eye contact and looking at the floor. He always held himself back because of me..
Flashes of his overblot came to mind. I can’t let Jamil hold himself back, he wants this and so do I. Taking a chance, I placed my hand on his cheek to look at me.
“Jamil, if you feel the same as I do, then let’s do this. Do what makes you happy, we can figure out the rest.” I gave a reassuring smile. “Remember? No holding back.” I perched up to his height, stealing a kiss from him by using what’s left of confidence I had.
Just as I was going to pull away, Jamil’s arm hugged my waist as his spare hand held my face, pulling us closer as the kiss deepened. His lips felt soft, his forehead pressed against mine when we broke away for air.
“You look tired.” His grayish eyes stared down at me, with an emotion that I only could imagine he’d ever have. “Maybe we should-“
“No. “ I pleaded, stealing another peck of his lips. “No, I’ve missed you.” I breathed out, placing my hands on his chest.
Jamil groaned as he stole another kiss, noises were escaping his throat, not wanting to end this bliss. “We have dinner.”
“We can have it delivered.” I placed my flustered face onto his chest, hugging him tightly.
“You know we can’t.” His chin sat gently on my head, his arms wrapped around my waist. “We must get ready.”
I whined, not wanting to let him go. “Just a little longer?” Feeling his heart rate beat like a drum with my cheek on his chest.
“Servants will come in any second.” He let out a deep sigh as he gently pulled us apart. “We can continue this tonight after dinner.” He promised, rubbing my arms in comfort
A smile escaped my lips, seeing Jamil having a soft expression was like finding water in the desert.
“I can’t wait.” My hands motion to hold his. “I better hurry to my room, we’re cooking your favorites.” The excitement for tonight was causing me to bounce up and down.
“I’ll be looking for you.” He smirked.
Tonight will be great.