Over and Over

Lithes

MALÉ,
MALDIVES.

NARRATORS POV

Hakeem didn't move for a long time.

She had said it. Twice.

And he was never going to be the same again.

"Hakeem..."

He exhaled. "Hmm?"

"I meant it," she murmured. "I really do love you."

Hakeem shut his eyes for a brief moment, trying to breathe.

She was going to destroy him.

He pulled back just enough to look at her, his gaze scanning her face, as if searching for any hesitation, any uncertainty.

But there was none.

Just Layla.

Soft. Beautiful. His.

His fingers brushed over her cheek, his voice lower than he intended. "Say it again."

Layla's lips twitched. "Are you going to ask me to say it every time now?"

Hakeem smirked. "Maybe."

She rolled her eyes, but there was affection in the gesture. "I love you."

Hakeem let out a sharp breath.

She didn't hesitate this time. Didn't blush, didn't stammer.

She meant it.

And he?

He was done for.

Hakeem's fingers brushed against her jaw, his voice hoarse.

"Say it again."

Layla let out a breathless laugh. "You're obsessed."

He smirked. "Very."

She shook her head, amusement flickering in her gaze.

And then—softer this time, just for him:

"I love you."

Hakeem groaned, rolling onto his back, pulling her with him.

Layla let out a surprised squeal, landing on his chest, her laughter muffled against his shirt.

He sighed, content.

This woman was going to drive him insane.

And he was going to let her.

Because he loved her too.

The next morning, Hakeem woke up before Layla.

She was curled up against him, her breathing soft and steady, her face relaxed in sleep.

For a moment, he just watched her.

It still felt surreal—having her like this, open, trusting, his.

A slow smirk formed on his lips as he remembered the night before. The way she had said it.

I love you.

He didn't think he would ever get tired of hearing it.

Careful not to wake her, he slipped out of bed, stretching his arm—his good arm.

The cast was gone now, and though there was still some stiffness, he was finally free.

He rolled his shoulder, testing the movement, feeling lighter than he had in weeks.

Grabbing a shirt, he slipped it on before heading to the small kitchenette.

He wanted to surprise her.