Dare You To Love Me

«46» a thousand heartbeats

Yaseerah’s entire face lit up as she walked backward towards the door that led into the farmhouse, pulling Fou’ad along with her.

Her eyes sparkled with mischief, a playful challenge glinting in her gaze, as she kept tugging at his hand which she held in hers.

“Yaseerah, slow down! You’re going to trip and fall if you’re not careful,” Fou’ad warned, quickening his pace, his long strides easily keeping up with hers.

“Don’t be a spoilsport,” she giggled, her lips curling up into a sly grin. “Besides, I’m not scared. I know you won’t let me fall, rouhi.” Her voice dipped on the endearment, softening with the unspoken trust she held in him.

She blew him a kiss, her eyes lingering on his, conveying a depth of affection that words couldn't fully capture.

“That’s not the point,” he responded, his voice low and gentle. He squeezed her hand, his thumb lightly brushing against her palm, sending a shiver up her spine. “I don’t want you to get hurt,” he murmured, as he tugged at her hand, effortlessly pulling her back into him.

“I won’t,” she replied, her tone husky. She tilted her head slightly, her breath warm against his neck. “Now, quit complaining and just follow me.”

Fou’ad shook his head and did as she asked, his heart racing with anticipation of her next surprise.

It didn’t escape his notice that their roles were reversed tonight–her up to mischief, while he remained ever cautious, as he allowed her to drag him into the house.

Once they reached the door beneath the stairs, Yaseerah stopped abruptly, placing her hand on his chest to halt his steps.

Her fingers lingered there for a little bit, feeling the steady beat of his heart beneath her palm, the heat between them simmering by the seconds.

“Okay, wait right here,” she instructed, her eyes twinkling with excitement and nervousness.

She bit her lower lip, a flicker of uncertainty in her eyes as she glanced up at him.

“Will you tell me what the surprise is?” Fou’ad raised an eyebrow, as he leaned in closer, his breath tickling her ear.

“No,” she shook her head, shivering slightly as she stepped behind him, and reached up, trying to cover his eyes with her hands.

Her efforts were met with a laugh from Fou’ad, earning him a playful smack on the arm.

“Stop it!” she scolded, though her smile betrayed her amusement.

“What are you doing?” he asked between laughs, as he turned slightly, catching a whiff of her perfume–an intoxicating mix of jasmine and oudh.

“You’re too tall for this,” she muttered, her lips curling into a frown as she stretched on her toes, pressing against his back, feeling the warmth radiating from him.

He chuckled, bending his knees slightly to make it easier for her. “Is that better?”

“Much,” she said, successfully placing her hands over his eyes. Her fingers brushed against his temples, lingering for a moment. “Now, no peeking. Or you’ll ruin it.”

“Does this surprise have anything to do with our bedroom?” Fou’ad raised an eyebrow, his eyes glinting with amusement behind her hands.

“If I say yes, will that shut you up?” she asked in a low tone, her breath hot against his skin.

“I have to say, I love the way you’re thinking.” His voice was rough with desire, and it made her insides tingle, her pulse racing.

“Good.” She leaned in, her lips grazing his ear, sending a spark of electricity through him.