Page 125 of Tarek

I bend and press my lips against her. She tastes warm and familiar. “It’s only a week. I will be back before you know it.”

She smirks and nods. Last night, was amazing, like she was giving me her all. This morning, even though we exchanged I love you’s, something still felt off, but I couldn’t put my finger on it.

I pull back, a small smile tugging at my lips. “I got something for you.”

Reaching into my pocket, I pull out a velvet box and carefully I open it, revealing the necklace inside. It’s unlike anything I’ve ever given before. The pendant is a shimmering, aquamarine diamond, encircled by white diamonds. The design is timeless and beautiful just like Penny.

Her breath catches and her eyes widen. “It’s stunning,” she whispers. I step closer and fasten it around her neck.

My fingers linger for a moment, brushing against her warm skin.

“Not as stunning as you,” I murmur.

She tip toes and kisses me again. “Thank you.”

With the flick of my wrist, I look at the time. 6:00 a.m.

I cup her cheeks and open my mouth against hers. Her tongue sneaks into mine and blood rushes through my body.

“If we keep this up, I will never make it to Singapore.” My forehead rest on hers one last time then I pull away.

Reluctantly I take my suitcase and throw it in the back seat of the car.

As I slide into the front seat, I lower the glass. “When I get back home, let’s talk about the next step of our relationship.”

She nods and clasps her hands in the front of her.

“Love you.”

“Love you too, be safe,” she softly says.

I grin. “Aren’t I always?” I start the engine and shout. “I left pomegranates in your fridge for you.”

A huge smile lights up her face, that’s what I wanted. I drive away, looking at her in the rear-view mirror. She is standing in the street looking at my car. She becomes smaller and smaller until I bend the corner, and she disappears.

“Siri, call Rhet Banner.” I chuckle, drumming my fingers on the steering wheel.

The phone rings and finally he answers.

“Someone better be fucking dying, because you are calling me when I’m about to eat my wife out.” Rhet says groggily.

“Rhet!” Zeeta screams out in the background, clearly scandalized.

I suppress a laugh. “I just called to say, when I get back, I am proposing to Penny. I am next on the chopping block.”

There was a long pause…. “Are you fucking dying Tarek?” Rhet asks.

“No,” I chuckle.

“Then get the hell off my phone and let me fuck my wife in peace.”

“OH MY GOD RHET STOP IT,” Zeeta shrieks.

“Don’t call back unless you are dead or dying,” Rhet grunts. Before I can answer, the line goes dead. I pull into the airport hangar. The jet waits on the tarmac, the engines are humming. A ground crew member wave towards me.

When I get back, I’m going to make sure everything is right for Penelope Holt.

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