Don't give up on me.

THIRD

Johum got ready for the day. It was Sunday and today she had no university but other chores called for her. She sighed in irritation as she pulled her hair up in a ponytail and applied a light pink lipstick.

She picked up the files from the desk in front of her and cradled them in her arm. Her father had given her a call at eight in the morning and told her to bring the files to office that he had apparently forgotten home.

Murat could have done that but he was in meeting. He would be leaving US in few days so he was trying to cover up as much work as he could. So that left Johum and Nehir. Nehir, obviously could not go because she was a guest and Johum was not heartless to let her work.

Thus, she slipped on her boots and made her way out of the house. She was going with Mr. Crowley as her dad would not let her drive. She wished she could get her freedom back. But oh well, whose fault was that?

Getting inside the car, Johum looked at her phone and chatted with Samantha about the trip. She was excited about the adventure on the way. Not to mention Mr. Helmy would be there. That made her heart flutter. She smiled and looked out at the buildings passing by.

Once inside the building, it didn't take her long to reach her father's office because everyone knew her and let her through without any questions asked. Johum knocked on the door softly and when her dad permitted her to enter, she opened the door and entered slowly.

"Hi da-" She stopped short as she noticed the back of a man's head as he sat opposite to her father. Johum halted and looked at her father in confusion. "I am sorry, do you have company?" She stated.

"Come on in." He smiled, "Thank you for bringing the file." He smiled and stood up. Johum looked at the man mysteriously and smiled at her father. "Meet Mr. Helmy, he owns Rough & Rugged." Samir Muhammad Daher, wrapped his arm around her shoulder and pointed towards the man sitting in front of him.

He lifted his head slowly and buttoned his suit as he stood up. His lashes lifted and revealed his ash-gray eyes, sucking the soul out of her, like a Grim Reaper, ready to take your soul and leave you dead.

As they raked from her face to her neck, she felt cold icy needles pricking her skin, leaving her cold and breathless. Her ribs constricted and her heart stopped when the ash Grays clashed with her own.

Her tongue begged for water and her throat screamed in agony as thorns pricked it. Johum gasped and lowered her gaze. The sensations, so terrifying gripped her, making her difficult to breathe. He was not human if he had affected her like that.

He had not said anything yet but she was already frightened of him. She knew he could scare the angel of death away then who was she. His eyes held secrets and so much dead coldness that she could not maintain an eye contact.

Licking her lips, she managed to creep a smile on her lips and looked at his sleek silver tie that looked like it was made straight out of silver threads.

"H-hello." She muttered. Her father squeezed her shoulder and then sighed,

"I have a meeting in five minutes. Mr. Helmy, I'll send my secretary in." And then he left. Johum knew her father did not want her alone with a man in closed room so he decided to send his secretary in.

Her downcast eyes found his shiny boots taking a step forward. Her heart went dead for a second and she was about to make a run when the door opened.

"Hi." The secretary smiled and walked inside. "Mr. Daher told me to guide you towards eating room. This way sir." She smiled at him. Johum didn't understand the fear that this stranger ignited inside her but she was thankful that he was going.

"Five minutes. I have some business with Ms. Rose." Johum sucked in a Sharp breathe. First, he knew her middle name which was a shock and second, his voice was not soft like a melted chocolate or warm honey. It was deep, rough and authoritative, the accent so thick she barely made out the words.

Johum prayed that the assistant would not leave her alone with him. She didn't understand what business he had with her but she knew it was not pleasant one. She ran a hand over her head and licked her lips.

"Actually I-"

"Five minutes Ms. Mary Robert Knight." He even knew the full name of assistant. Johum's mouth ran dry and she looked at the assistant who looked as startled as her. Johum gave her a begging look and shook her head but Mary nodded her head and walked out of the room.

He took a step forward and then circled around her. He gave her a once over and when he was in front of her, he took a step forward. On instinct, she stumbled back and looked around the room. Where was her bravery? Why did her legs feel like Jelly? How many steps did she take? Was that - was that a wall touching her back? Shit.

"What do you-" Straight jaw, not too sharp, hooded and drunken eyes, straight contoured nose, hollow cheeks. Not too handsome but definitely too sexy. But he interrupted her.

"So it's you." He murmured, a muscle in his cheek ticking as his eyes flashed dangerously. Oh God has she done something to make him angry? Was he in FBI? Why did he say that?

"Me." She breathed. He was going to hurt her. She should scream before he goes for it. What was he doing with her dad? Why did her father did business with people like him.

Rough & Rugged manufactured furniture and decorating appliances like chandelier, fancy lights and whatnot. And he freaking owned it. Then why was he so grumpy and so freaking scary?

"You." He leaned down and placed his hand besides her head. The scent of forest and wood hit her nostrils and she swallowed hard. She refrained from closing her eyes and sniffing his perfume.

"What do you want from me?" She breathed out. He leaned forward, his eyes hard and Johum stopped breathing out of terror. What was he doing with her?

He moved his head to side but she could even count the pores on his face and the hair of his eyebrows. He was that close. She swallowed and her eyes flickered towards the door. Where was her father?

Johum felt his breathe hitting her cheek, warm but freezing. She shuddered and prayed silently in her mind. Please don't. She begged. Something cold touched her cheek and her heart skipped beats. She closed her eyes tightly and fisted her hands. He ran his nose over her cheek, down her jaw and inhaled deeply.

Frightened, she placed her hands on his chest and pushed with all her might. He barely stepped back and looked at her with scrutinizing eyes. Johum opened her mouth to scream but her dry mouth only produced a small squeak. She took in sharp breathes and looked at the door.

She made a run for it but his hand clasped her arm and pushed her against the glass wall of the room. This man was up to no good. And she understood what he wanted from her. She squeaked and was about to scream when he placed his index and middle finger over her lips.

"Hush, Princess." He cooed, a soft twinkle in his eyes. Johum was pretty sure he could hear her heartbeat, "I will take care of you. Always." He muttered and took a step back. He slid his hand down and gripped her soft hand in his rough one. He bent down and lifted her hand.

Placing his rough but warm lips on her knuckles, he murmured, "Zayan Helmy. Pleasure meeting you." He straightened, gave her a last look and walked out of the room.

🌸

Zayan or Zaa'ir?
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