DARK HORSE: REDEMPTION

Dark Horse : 9

Tasnim stood before the mirror, setting her makeup with a gentle spray. She wore a stunning peach boubou, adorned with intricate embroidery on the sleeves and hem.

Her scarf was elegantly tied around her hair, with luscious locks cascading down her back. Bending down, she scanned her jewelry collection, searching for the perfect earrings to complete her outfit.

Tasnim's tranquility was shattered when strong hands wrapped around her waist, and the warmth radiating from Khalil's chest sent shivers down her spine. She startled, jerking forward, but his firm grip held her steady, preventing her from colliding with the vanity. Her alarmed eyes darted upward, locking onto Khalil's chiseled face, his lips curved into a playful smirk, and his eyes sparkling with teasing amusement.

"Ya Allah, you scared me!" Tasnim squealed, her hand instinctively pressing against Khalil's chest as she tried to push him away, but he remained steadfast.

Khalil's soft chuckle filled the air as he regarded her, his eyes crinkling at the corners. Then, his gaze turned intense, sweeping across her face, drinking in every detail. Her light makeup only enhanced her natural beauty, making her look exquisite.

Khalil's gaze lingered on Tasnim's face, mesmerized by the subtle elegance of her makeup. Her eyebrows were defined in a soft, faded brown, framing her captivating eyes, which sparkled like jewels. The winged liner and shimmery eyeshadow accentuated their allure, drawing him in.

Her nose and cheekbones glowed with a subtle, golden shimmer, as if infused with sunshine. But it was her lips that held his attention, stained a deep crimson that seemed to pulse with life. His eyes drifted languidly, tracing the curve of her mouth.

For a fleeting moment, Khalil's eyelids closed, as if savoring the sight. When he opened them again, his gaze began a slow, deliberate exploration of Tasnim's physique, drinking in every detail. Tracing the elegant lines of her neck, down to the delicate curve of her shoulders, and the enticing silhouette of her peach boubou.

Tasnim shifted uncomfortably, her skin prickling under his intense scrutiny. Her throat constricted, and her heart quickened its pace as Khalil's heated gaze roamed over her. She felt exposed.

"Umm, can you let me go?" Tasnim asked, squirming within his grasp.

Khalil's response was swift and soothing, "Shhh..." He raised one hand, his fingers gently brushing against her cheek. "I'm not done admiring."

Tasnim's lips protruded in a pout as she attempted to cross her arms, but Khalil's hold and their closeness rendered it impossible.

"Ya Allah..." she whispered, her voice tinged with a hint of desperation.

Khalil's smile deepened as he brought his gaze back to Tasnim's face. He leaned in, gently pressing his forehead against hers, their breath intertwining.

Their eyes locked, his dark pools drowning in her warm brown orbs— the eyes that had captivated him, kept him on guard, and transfixed him.

"Fa'ainaya 'alayki," he whispered softly, his tone dripping with warmth and affection.

"I got my eyes on you," he translated, his voice barely above a whisper.

Khalil's gaze drifted to Tasnim's lips once more, lingering briefly before returning to her eyes.

"There's something bothering me right now," he confessed, "but if I act on it, I'll break a promise I made. And I'm not that kind of man."

He lifted his face, though his hold on her remained firm. A playful glint sparked in his eyes as he continued in a melodic tone.