Wasl

۰40۰ Sanctuary/ جائے امان

The press conference wrapped up fifteen minutes later. It ran for a whole one hour before the reporters concluded they won't be getting any more answers. Ahad stood up to leave. Zaviyar was already out the door before the crew even started wrapping up. As he checked the time on his watch, he realized just how tired he was. He hadn't had a good rest in days and the tiredness was finally catching up to him.

"You did a good job." His ears perked up at the sound and he realized Ifrah was still with him in the room. There were a handful of people more in the room, but they both were given privacy.

"I've been prepared to do this since forever."

Ifrah snickered, although he didn't quite understand why she would do that. He started to walk towards the door and she met his strides.

"People have seen us together. It will create a very strong impression. You and me, we looked like a team there, didn't we?"

She chuckled at the end of her sentence, but he was tuning her out. He already felt a headache coming in and he just wanted to crash in his own bed.

"I wonder if we should dine in some restaurant. The night is still young."

He stopped in his tracks and she stopped too. As he turned to look at her, he was shocked to find hope brimming in her eyes. Sighing, he rubbed his brow before letting out in a tired voice

"I rather go home. It's been a long day."

Understanding swirled in her eyes and she matched his pace again.

"Of course, how does coffee sound? We can have breakfast together. I know a place.."

Having enough of her hints at spending time with him, he faced her again. He didn't want to hurt her feelings, but he never liked sugar coating things. So he went with the truth.

"Whatever you're doing, stop." She feigned innocence and that ticked him more. Irritation taking place in his bones as he felt his frustration rising.

"What am I doing? Are you implying you've noticed me?"

He just stared at her. She was delusional.

"I know you. You need someone strong to stand by your side. Someone who can fight battles with you. Not some princess who would need saving like you're some knight in shining armor."

Each words was turning him to stone. His anger rising, his jaw locked, but disgust ran deeper in his flesh than any other emotion.

"You're pathetic. You don't know me and after this little stunt of your's, I'll make sure you'll never see me again."

Her fists curled and she looked ready to explode, but he was already out the door. He did feel her rushed footsteps behind him. The click of her three inches heel was resonating as she walked on the concrete floor. He was walking fast, but she caught up to him yet again. Her perfectly manicured hand slammed into his shoulder and he was pulled to face her.

"You don't get to talk to me like that." She seethed as her eyes burn with anger. Feeling his resolve break through the chains of his control, he barked out

"Woman, never touch me again. Never. Stop embarrassing yourself more than you already have."

"I'm embarrassing myself?" Her voice rose higher and she trembled with barely contained anger.

"Yes you are and if you don't stop right now, I'll sue you for harassment. It'll take me a minute to ruin your goodly reputation, so don't test my patience."

He didn't wait for her reply. Shrugging her hand off, he left her. This time he wasn't followed. Quickly sitting in his car, he slammed the door and ignited the engine. He sped the car on the road and after a few minutes of rash driving, he finally slowed down. Sighing, he stopped the car on the side and let his head fall over his hands. The headache was blinding. Like needles pinning in his skull. The not so scandalous act of Ifrah really messed up his day. He knew the woman wasn't trustworthy, but he never knew she would cross the line like that. He was always respectful to her, but she literally shattered whatever respect he had of her.