Over and Over

Possession

MALÉ,
MALDIVES.

NARRATORS POV

Hakeem still wasn't over it.

Layla could tell by the way his grip tightened around her hand as they stood in the elevator, the numbers above them slowly ticking up.

He hadn't said a word since she whispered, Only you, Hakeem.

But she could feel the tension.

The way his thumb kept tracing small circles against her skin—gentle, yet possessive.

Layla smirked to herself, resisting the urge to tease him.

Just then, his phone rang.

Hakeem glanced at the screen before answering, his voice low and clipped. "Yeah?"

Layla only caught snippets of the conversation—something about a business deal, a contract deadline—but she barely paid attention.

Because suddenly—

Another voice broke through the silence.

"Excuse me."

Layla turned her head.

A man—tall, well-dressed, confident—stood beside her, offering a polite smile.

"I don't mean to be forward, but I just had to say something." His gaze flickered over her, admiration clear in his eyes. "You're... breathtaking."

Layla blinked.

For a moment, she was too stunned to respond.

Hakeem's fingers twitched.

Layla felt it.

That split-second reaction.

She glanced at him—he was still on the phone, but his jaw had clenched.

The man continued, oblivious. "I don't usually do this, but I'd regret it if I didn't at least try. Can I get your number?"

Layla's eyes widened. "Oh, um—"

She lifted her hand instinctively, showing her wedding ring. "I'm married."

The man looked genuinely disappointed. "Lucky guy."

Layla smiled, nodding. "Very."

And that was it.

The man gave a polite nod before stepping back, respecting her answer.

It should have been over.

But—

Layla suddenly felt Hakeem's grip tighten like a vice.

She glanced up at him—his expression was unreadable, but the storm in his eyes told her everything.

Oh.

He was furious.

Still on the phone, he exhaled sharply. "We'll talk later."

And then—

He hung up.

Layla blinked. "Wait, weren't you in the middle of—"

"I don't care."

His voice was low, rough.

The elevator doors opened.

Before Layla could say another word, Hakeem pulled her out.

His strides were long, quick, his grip firm, unwavering.

Layla barely had time to react before they reached their suite.