LOVE TRIALS

vii

He looked annoyed, his lips thinned in an angry line as he thrust the phone in his pockets and roved a hand through his unruly hair.

"Sir, May I take your bag?" Safiullah inquired, holding the door out for Amaan Raza.

Amaan frowned when he saw his driver doing just what he had been told not to do.

Safiullah resisted Amaan's hard eyes, "Let me." Amaan gave him the bag, pressing a hand to his aching shoulder, he didn't have the energy to argue.

"What's wrong?" Yaritza inquired, softly, flattening her hand on his face once Safiullah was out of sight. She couldn't help herself, wishing to comfort him despite promising herself she wouldn't give him the time of day.

Disappointment flooded in her chest when Amaan pulled away from her not a moment later, shaking her hand from his face, they stood on the pavement outside Hassan Manzil.

He could still feel her hand on his face, his flesh ached for her touch. Amaan had allowed himself a moment to relish the warmth of her hand on his skin, he regretted it as much as he loved it. If only he hadn't done it, he wouldn't crave for it.

"Miss Bellamy," Amaan bristled, his annoyance flared. "Please, keep your hands to yourself."

"Why do you detest my touch so much?" Yara bit back, fiercely."No," She shook her head as if it had been a wrong thing to say."Why do you hate me so much?"

Hate her?

Amaan grounded his teeth, "Miss Bellamy, this isn't the conversation you and I should be having."

"Why not? It's about time we address this issue of yours. I like you, so much and you hate me just as much. Why? Tell me, why do you hate me? Give me one good reason."

Yara spoke through clenched teeth, she was furious with him.

Amaan was much aware of the curious eyes turning their way when her voice rose as she chased the heated argument with fervour, he didn't need her to make a spectacle of him while they still stood in the street.

All his life, he and his family had steered clear of scandals, he wouldn't allow her to make one, now.

"There is no problem, Miss Bellamy-Ferrar and we are done for today. Get in the car, this instant," Amaan scolded her, lightly, his eyes flitted to his car parked about a few meters away from where they stood.

Her eyebrows cocked, "No."

"Fine then stay, here. I'll go," He told Yaritza and moved to Safiullah who stood with his back facing them near the metallic gates of Hassan Manzil.

"When she's ready to leave, take her to the hotel," Amaan instructed Safiullah when he stopped beside him for a moment.

Yara caught up to him, her fingers enclosed around his strong forearm, halting him in his steps.

"Miss Bellamy- Ferrar," The warning in his tone didn't go unheard, her hand dropped from his arm but she certainly didn't back down.

She squared her shoulders, glaring daggers at the man she hated to love, "Tell me and I'll never bother you, again."

Amaan sighed, running anxious hands down his face and turned around.