Twenty-Eight

Ghalia (Gha-lee-ya): priceless; dear to the heart.

Ever since she was born, Ghalia has always put the needs of others before her own. She would take the food off her plate if it meant that she would satiate someone's hunger.

Fresh out of highschool, 19 year old Ghalia is excited to start her college journey. She yearned for the semi-independence college life offered. Aside from her mom, siblings, and two friends, Ghalia was alone. She always saw her friends go in and out of relationships and always wondered when it would be her turn. Ghalia loses all hope when her father passes away. She pushes any remnants of a love life away and focuses on working hard to help her mom financially. Although, she secretly yearns to be loved.

31 year old Mourad Gouda is a hardworking, successful architect. People think he's mean, cold, and just outright a bad person. And well, he is. But only to those that deserve it. It takes a lot to earn his respect. Once earned, Mourad's respect goes a long way. He is willing to do anything for the ones dear to him.

So when Farid, Mourad's best friend, loses his father and has to take care of his mom and four siblings, Mourad steps in and offers to help in any way he can.

☆☆☆

"You have no idea what you do to me." Mourad rumbles huskily. He looks into my eyes.

"What?" I say smiling, oblivious to the war inside his head. He continues to look into my eyes almost as if he's searching them for something.

As he looks at me, I get this feeling inside of me. I feel cared for; it's weird. He crosses the distance between us and holds me. His arms holding me in a way I've never felt before; so delicate and gentle like he'll accidentally crush me.

"Let me show you what love feels like. I want to kiss you and touch you in places only I can touch. Let me do that." he says, looking pained.