Black Silk

CHAPTER 34

NADIA'S POV

I threw on a pastel yellow day dress with yellow embroidered flowers scattered all over and paired it with my mustard Jacquemus bag and the same mustard coloured heeled pumps.

I did my everyday make-up which was basically concealer, blush and mascara but I decided to spice it up a little and do a winged liner. Just as I was about to the my hijab, I got a message from Raheem, saying that he was outside and I should come out.

I replied that is be down in a minute then continued to wrap my scarf around my head, before grabbing the gift I got for Sarah and my stuff to head out.

Downstairs in the kitchen my mum sat on a stool at the breakfast bar drinking what I guessed was tea. I got to the bottom of the stairs and remembered the advice a certain tall, handsome, overly annoying man gave me earlier that morning. "Salaams mother,"

She twisted the stool around to face me as I came up behind her "Wa alaikum salaam honey, you-"

"Before you say anything else, I wanted to apologise for yesterday. I really didn't mean to get all worked up like that I've just been under a lot of stress and I know that isn't a good enough excuse but..." I trailed off with a sigh. "I'm sorry." I said finally looking up from my hands to her.

"Oh, baby, I know you didn't, I can tell. Come here" she opened her arm to embrace me, and I let her, resting my head on her shoulder. "You're a smart girl you will make the right decision for yourself when you're ready" she said onto me ear, even though it was covered by my scarf.

She pulled away from me with a smile holding my shoulders "I love you"

"I love you."

"You look pretty today, what's the occasion?" She looked me over and I have her a little spin

"Today?" I asked ,she just giggled in response "Just a friends graduation. I'll see you later" I kissed the top of her head -reminding myself of Raheem- her hair smelt like fresh vanilla. She nodded and said salaams before turning back to her cup of tea gesturing for me to leave.

Once I was out the front door I turned around, Raheem was stood leaning against the back of his car, he was wearing a dark grey suit blazer, trousers to match and a white shirt with the first the buttons undone showcasing the silver chain around his neck -looking as handsome as ever might I add- his silky pitch black hair combed back like it always was and I could tell he had fun his hand through it a few times since doing it.

"Good morning stranger" I greeted, he looked up from his phone and smiled the same small smile he only gave me as I walked past.

"It is now. You look beautiful." My heart fluttered. My face started heating up. I know he knows but I do it anyway.

It's way to early for this.

He walked ahead and opened the door for me. "I could say- What happened to your face?" I asked staring at the purple and red bruise on his cheekbone with a frown.

"Nothing, it's fine."

I was about to turn his face so I could have a better view but stopped myself. "It doesn't look like nothing"

"It is. Now would you please get in?"

I huffed then got in. "Thank you." He said closing the door. As he walked around the realisation but me that it was the day he had to get that guy with Lee.

Unintentionally I sank a bit in my seat and stared at him as he got in. It all made sense, the noise in the background when he called, the bruise and him not wanting to talk about how he got it.