Arranged: Betrothed

chapter 21

I wasn't surprised to see that he had left me without waking me, it had become his usual routine, but I wished that he would've woken me up at least. I stared at the TV trying to distract myself, but for some reason, his sadness made me upset too. I guess it wasn't a good beginning to our fresh start.

I was going to make it up to him no matter what. I didn't express myself properly and everything came out worse than what it was meant to be. It was almost time for him to come home and I already made us dinner. I decided to make something more ethnic since he enjoyed it at the restaurant along with flatbreads and a little bit of rice for myself.

I heard the door unlock and stood up quickly, wiping my hands against my sweatpants and walked to the hallway. He took his shoes off and did not even spare me another look.

"Hey..." I greeted him quietly, but he ignored me and just climbed the stairs.

I felt extremely hurt by that, but maybe I deserved it for what I said.

I hesitated to go after him but did anyways even though I wasn't sure what to say. He was in the bathroom, and I sat on the bed waiting anxiously. He came out and sat up against his bedside, scrolling on his phone and continuing to ignore me. I kicked off my slippers and climbed onto the bed kneeling beside him.

I poked his arm, but there was no response from him, nor any expression of acknowledgement. So I tried again and he sighed loudly.

When he didn't reply, I finally decided to talk.

"I'm sorry about yesterday. All this relationship stuff is new to me," I said shakily. "I panicked and everything came out wrong. Please say something,"

"You're sorry?" he asked, keeping his eyes on the phone.

"Yes," I replied confidently with a nod.

"I want you topless,"

I felt myself turn hot and cold at once. I blinked and hoped that I just imagined it, but he was serious. I didn't say anything and sat up straighter. I didn't want to upset him any further, but that was not fair. I had never been naked in front of anyone.

I took a breath and grabbed the hem of my shirt, my heart pounding. I lifted the shirt slightly hoping that he would stop me and tell me it was a joke, but he didn't and stared at his phone. I pulled it over my head, clenching it between my fingers. I placed it beside me, looking down at my lap. I reached back for my bra, unclipped it and placed it on top of my shirt. I was panting by now. I closed my eyes tightly and stayed sitting still. I didn't cover myself up even though I was fully tempted to. I couldn't believe that this was how he wanted me to pacify him. Words couldn't express how anxious I was feeling. Goosebumps were covering the length of my arms and I took a shaky breath.

I felt him move but didn't dare open my eyes to look. His hand curled around my bicep and he pulled me. I gasped quietly, I felt his bare chest pressing against mine. He felt warm against me, my nipples brushed against his torso. It was a strange feeling.

I hid my face against his chest as he pulled me down on himself before turning us around so he was on top of me. I panted nervously, feeling the palms of my hands become sweaty.

"Look at me," He demanded and I shook my head. There's no way I could face him after what he made me do. I felt humiliated.

He pulled my leg over his hip, laying between my legs. "Zahara," He whispered against my neck, brushing his lips over the sensitive skin.

"Baby," He called again and I bit my lip hard, forcing myself to look at him. He pulled away slightly, looking into my eyes. They seemed darker than usual, yet there was a slight glint in them.