Beyond Desire

29-A finished man

So here it is, your first-ever peek into Khalid's mind.
Proceed with caution. He has feelings... unfortunately.🤭

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From the moment she rose to her feet and claimed her space in that conference room, something in me shifted. I knew instantly that forgetting her would be the hardest thing I had ever attempted. She's intriguing in a way that feels effortless, like she doesn't even try. And maybe that's what unsettles me the most: how natural she is at being extraordinary.

It's the little things that get to me. How she stands too close when she talks, unaware of the effect she has on others. How she laughs with her whole body, not just her mouth. How she bites her lower lip when she's thinking. How she pretends she's fearless but her hands give her away, they tremble just a little when she's overwhelmed. None of it is loud or obvious. But somehow, those small things say more about her than anything she ever tries to show.

And her voice, God, her voice. I could listen to her for hours. She speaks like she thinks: drifting from thought to thought with no clear connection, yet every word feels sincere. It's charming, the way she pours out whatever sits on her heart, unfiltered, untouched by caution. Maybe she's always been that way... or maybe I bring it out of her. I don't know. But I do know this: whatever she stirs in me is far greater, far deeper, than anything I could ever hope to stir in her.

Maybe that is why I didn't hesitate to get on a flight and return to Abuja the second I had an excuse. It was supposed to be a work trip, but I knew better. My reasons had nothing to do with work. And for my own sake, I hope she doesn't pull me off balance again, because one look from her, one word from her, and I already feel myself unraveling.

My PSO's voice cut through my thoughts in the car. "Sir, are you getting off at your place or your parents? He was sitting in the front car with the driver while I sat behind with my EIO, immensely engaged in my phone.

"Neither."I sent him a location without raising my head. He must have relayed it to the rest of the team because the lead car instantly switched routes, our vehicle followed and the Tactical support vehicle trailed behind.

When we pulled up at the florist's shop, I stepped out of the car. The shop glowed in the afternoon sun, familiar now, thanks to Miriam's relentless advice about how gifting flowers is the "clearest way to declare intentions."

The card was my idea though, I had spent hours in the car trying to come up with something meaningful, only to settle for. "Lillies for my Lily." I still repulse at the thought of that. Of all the things I could have written, it had to be that.

A little girl latched onto my leg the moment I stepped in. "You are back!" She screamed excitedly, trying so hard to stare up at my face. I handed her the nearest flower arrangement to keep her from climbing me like a tree. She is just so energetic, it's worrying.

"Welcome." The equally enthusiastic grandmother said from behind the counter.  She had helped me pick out the right shade of lilies the first time, and then lectured me about the consistency of flower gifting in romance. I had promised to return, mostly because I don't know what else to tell her.

"Lillies?" She teased.

"And a card." I nodded, trying hard to keep my smile intact. Softness wasn't my thing, but the way her eyes lit up made it feel like an absolute crime not to return the favour.

I watched as she moved around her little enclosure, humming to herself, and then swiped out the same shade of lilies I bought two days back on the counter, wrapped them neatly, and then said. "You are doing a great job, I hope the girl appreciates your effort."