When Fire Meets Ice - Completed.

90. S H I E L D

I N A Y A

I watched simply as the sunlight filtered in through the windows. I traced random patterns in air, a small smile breaking across my face as the shadows fell on Ahad's cheek.

He was asleep, his forehead relaxed like he didn't need to carry the weight of everything anymore.

His lashes rested against his cheek, chest heaving slightly with every breath he took. I kept looking at him then, finding myself mesmerized at the mere sight of him.

I loved it when he was just being Ahad. Not the CEO, or the family pillar. I indeed loved every version of him, but this-unguarded, soft-was my first favourite.

It was almost eight in the morning. We had slept again after Fajr prayers, and I didn't disturb his sleep because he had returned late last night.

I wanted this all to end as soon as possible, because the one most troubled amidst it all was Ahad. I had noticed the way he kept zoning out, thinking about everything at once. Or at times he found difficulty in sleeping.

He mumbled something under his breath, shifting so his hold around my hand tightened a little. I chuckled softly, bringing up my other hand to caress his hair.

His phone buzzed from the bedside table, drawing my attention away. I leaned in, my face scrunched slightly due to the pull at my stitches as I grabbed it.

Tom's name flashed on it, my fingers moving as I received it.

"Tom? All good?" I started, because it was unusual of him to dial this early in the morning. I kept my tone low, making sure I didn't disturb Ahad's slumber.

"Um, actually, there's a bit of trouble."

I exhaled a slow breath, clearing my throat before replying, "Is it about Haamid?"

Had Hassan given the wrong information?

"Yeah, I'm on a conference call with The Firdauses. They say there're no hints of Haamid in the routes mapped out."

My jaw clenched, eyes narrowing as I focused on a far point, forcing my brain to think. I then asked, "What else are they saying?"

"That... maybe they should send men to other exit route trails as well."

It felt too obvious.

Hassan informed us of the escape route of Haamid. We went for it. And now when we didn't find him, we were looking for the remaining routes, which ultimately meant lessened security around his mansion.

"Check inside the mansion."

Tom stayed quiet after my words, as if he was taking a moment to understand what I was thinking.

"He already escaped." He added and I countered instantly, "we haven't seen him escape, and the word being trusted here is Hassan's. So what's the guarantee?"

"Right... I'll add Yousuf to the conference call?" he asked and I hummed, the line going silent for a stretched moment.

Exchanging brief greetings and taking note of the situation once again, I then explained, "First, the mansion. Simultaneously, send individuals to look for other routes. And if Haamid isn't inside, then we follow the individual's claims to find him."

Yousuf agreed, modifying the plan a bit before we ended the call.

Just as I turned to keep the phone back, I blinked in surprise, finding Ahad awake, smiling at me. I smiled back, handing the phone over to him before he asked, "Logic?"

I smirked. "The best hiding place is the most obvious one. The only place Haamid thinks we won't look for him is the place he just escaped."

Leaning closer, I giggled when he pulled me into a surprised kiss, mumbling, "God, I love you so much."