Arranged: Betrothed

chapter 23

After our conversation about my parents, we didn't speak about them again. He did speak to his own parents about what he found out, and they were very apologetic, saying that if they knew about my goals, they would have delayed it a little longer.

But they felt at fault for not asking me my opinion on all this. Apparently, my parents convinced them that I had said yes to the marriage. I just couldn't understand why they were so desperate for me to get married. Was it just because he was wealthy? Money never really held much value in my eyes. It was more about the bond I was able to create with him or anyone else.

I sighed and turned to face him. He was reading something on his phone while I tried to fall asleep. His eyes were narrowed, focused on whatever he was reading. I licked my lips, feeling my stomach tingle at the thoughts that were entering my mind. I really wanted to kiss him. But I felt too shy to approach him.

I liked it too much. The way his hands rubbed my back, it was comforting, yet I wanted him closer to me. My body wanted that, but my mind didn't let me focus on the good for too long. I would think he wouldn't like how I looked, or maybe I would do something wrong.

I gulped down my emotions and sat up, crawling closer to him. He didn't look up at me or stop scrolling, but his face relaxed a little.

"What are you thinking, doll?" He asked.

My heart was pounding as I thought about how to approach him. Should I say it, or just do it?

I cupped his stubbled cheek in my hand and pulled him to face me. He looked surprised but didn't say anything. My eyes dropped to his lips immediately, and I bit down on mine. What if... no.

I leaned in closer to him and closed my eyes, brushing my lips against his. I pulled away, taking a shaky breath, meeting his eyes. His eyes darkened, and they were now gazing down at me intently.

"Is that all?" He asked roughly.

I shook my head, blinking unsurely. Did he not want more?

"Then why did you stop?"

I blushed, looking down shyly.

"I thought maybe you're a little busy..." I mumbled.

"I am... but if you require my attention..."

"Why do you sound so formal all the time?" I asked. He made me sound like an intern.

"Do you not like it? Hmm, Mrs. Malik?" He teased with a smirk.

I laughed when he called me by my new surname.

"Unfortunately not, Mr. Malik." I replied sternly.

He grinned, leaning back against the headboard. I smiled back, feeling a little giddy.

"Can I ask you for a favour?"

He nodded for me to go on.

"My uni is organising a freshers party for newcomers." I stated, watching his reaction.

"And?"

"Will you come with me?"

"I see. You're not going to ask me for permission?"

I was unsure of how to answer that question.

"Can I go?" I asked meekly. I felt embarrassed that I had to ask him for permission. He placed his hand near his mouth and tapped his chin as if in a deep thought.

"What if I say no?" He questioned, raising his eyebrows. I shrugged, looking down at my lap.

"You wouldn't try to convince me?" He asked suggestively.