Over and Over

JAY

EL-BAAZ MANSOR
LAYLA'S POv

I rushed out, my veil slipping slightly as I made my way down the dimly lit corridor.

I paused in front of the large mirror, I stared at my reflection.

My fingers grazed my lips instinctively, as if they were trying to erase the moment.

Was that real I thought to myself as my heart wouldn't stop racing. I adjusted my veil, pulling it tightly to restore some composure.

Then I heard them, his footsteps. Steady, confident and unmistakable.

My pulse quickened again, and I turned abruptly toward the exit, wishing I would just disappear before he could see me again.

But Hakeem, as always, was faster. He fell into step beside me, his hands casually tucked into his pockets.

The sleeves of his shirt were rolled up revealing forearms that seemed carved with purpose, veins prominent underneath his smooth skin.

His collar was slightly undone, adding an effortless charm that only made it harder to focus on anything .

"Sarkin kofa," he called out, his deep voice reverberating in the quiet corridor.

The guard appeared instantly, bowing low in respect.

"Please escort her to the other chamber," Hakeem instructed with a calm authority. "Make sure her maid is with her."

I tried to shield my face with my veil, hoping to avoid the intensity of his gaze, but his next words froze me in place.

"Good night," he said softly, leaning down until his eyes met mine.

I clenched my eyelids shut, refusing to meet that look. It was too much—too intimate, too overwhelming.

And then, without warning, he bent down further and placed a feather-light kiss on my cheek.

My breath hitched, and I stood there, motionless, as his footsteps receded into the distance.

Okay, Layla, don't overreact, I told myself, my chest heaving. He's done worse.

But the warmth of his lips against my skin was not something I could easily shake.

As the guard escorted me to the chamber, my thoughts raced ahead to the next day.

Tomorrow marked the conveyance of the bride.

I would be moving into Hakeem's house—a house I had never even seen before.

Everyone insisted it would be a surprise, but the unknown only added to the knot of nerves tightening in my stomach.

When we reached the chamber, I found Sasha waiting for me.

"How's His Highness?" she asked with a knowing smile.

"He's fine," I said quickly, trying to sound nonchalant. "Just an upset stomach."

She raised an eyebrow but didn't push further.

After a brief exchange, she left for her room, and I finally lay down, whispering my adhkar into the stillness.

But sleep refused to come.

My mind was a chaotic whirlwind of memories, thoughts, and emotions, all centering around one man.

How on earth was I supposed to act normal around him tomorrow?

The soft buzz of my phone broke the silence.

I glanced at the screen.

"Adda Layla, can I come and sleep with you?" It was Ilham.