Page 137 of Tarek

She blinks hard. “Tarek.”

My five’o clock shadow gently grazes the side of her face. “Tell me, Treasure.” My finger skims over her arms, then down her thigh. She is gripping the hell out of the banister.

“Do you trust me?”

I move my hands to her upper thigh, reminding her that other than her grip, I am keeping her steady.

“Tarek you are the one holding on to me.” She swallows nervously.

I tilt my head. “You lying to yourself again Treasure?”

Her gaze flicks to mine. “I am not.”

“Well, let go,” I reply.

Her grip is tight on the banister’s ledge. “What?”

“Let go, Treasure.” I step back, leaving her to hold on her own. No support, no safety net. Panic creeps over her face. She sways slightly. “Fuck, Tarek, this is not funny.”

I shrug. “Then let the fucking ledge go.”

I watch her and wait.

I sigh. “That’s what I thought.”

“I do trust you!” she shouts her voice cracking.

“Fucking prove it,” I reply.

With trembling hands, she lets go of the ledge. She wobbles, and a gasp leaves her lips.

I lunge forward and catch her. My hands go around her waist, I drag her forward, pulling her off the ledge and against me. She doesn’t push away, her hands are gripping my jacket like it was her last lifeline.

I lift her chin with my fingers. “Never doubt that I will always be there to catch you. I would never let you fall. Do you know why?”

She shakes her head wide eyed.

“You’re fucking mine. Mine!”

“I missed you,” she whimpers.

I shake my head slowly. “That’s not enough. I should make you get on your knees and beg for forgiveness. Make you earn my trust back.”

The truth is I am crumbling. I am fucking putty in this woman’s hand.

“Show me how much you missed me Pen,”

She tiptoes, slipping her hand behind my neck. I bend without thinking meeting her half way, pressing my lips against hers.

My groan is deep and guttural, because for the first time in a year, I’m kissing someone I love. Relief spreads through my body. It’s like I have been holding my breath since she left. My arms wrap around her. I feel the pain from the way she tugs my hair. It grounds me and I love it.

Penny doesn’t say a word. She holds my gaze and slowly drops to her knees.

“I’m not in a good mood, Penny.”

* * *

PENNY

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