Page 192 of Taeja

“Let me finish,” he said. “I don’t believe only in the Christian deity.”

“Which deity do you believe in?”

“I’ve been all around the world. I’ve been exposed to a lot of cultures, and all of them have a practice that I believe in, and some that I disagree with. It’s restrictive saying I believe in only one religion. So, long answer, I do believe that there are higher powers.”

“I’ve never thought about it like that before.”

“Not many people do.”

“Which one do you have the most faith in?”

He was about to answer, but closed his mouth when the door opened. Damon stuck his head inside.

Taeja leaned off him to look at Damon. “Yago live long.”

Damon raised his brow at them. “Did you talk your issues out?” Damon asked, and Zain nodded. “Good. Because if not, I wouldn’t stay in the room with either of you.”

“Where’d you sleep?” Taeja asked.

“The sofa.” Damon shrugged, then looked at Zain. “Are you done with her?”

Zain tightened his grip on Taeja. “Why do you want her?”

“Sheis right here and can speak for herself.” Taeja crawled off Zain’s lap and sat beside him. “Why yu want me?”

“They’re playing Ludo and Sister Pansy’s daughter keeps winning. You said you’re good at it, so I need you to come kill her ego,” Damon said.

Taeja smirked, then it morphed into a frown. She looked between the two of them like she was conflicted.

“You can go,” Zain said.

“Are you sure?” Taeja asked, her frown deepening.

Zain nodded.

“Okay,” she said, her eyes flickering from his lips to his eyes. She opened her mouth to say something, but Zain kissed her before she could.

Her lips tasted salty. It tugged at Zain’s heart.

Taeja pulled away first, her eyes dazed as she stared at him. He smirked, and she blushed and looked at Damon. Damon helped her to exit the bus, and they walked away while holding hands.

When they disappeared, Zain decided he’d go for a run to clear his mind. He exited the bus and shut the door behind him, looking down at the key in his hands. He looked up, then smirked.

Just the person he wanted to see.

32

As Sakara’s professor walkedaway, Taeja sat up. She smiled as Sakara took off her gloves. “Thanks for the clean.”

“No, thank you,” Sakara said, smiling. “I would’ve failed my practical if it wasn’t for you.”

Taeja’s smile brightened. It always filled her with a burst of pride and joy whenever people praised her. “No problem.”

“Let me follow you outside,” Sakara said. “Jaheim should be here soon.”

Taeja hummed as they walked outside. They were greeted by the community that was slowly coming to life. They stopped outside the gates of the small college compound, and Taeja peered at the students, vehicles, nature, and buildings. A mongoose ran across the road and Taeja smiled.

Sakara chuckled from beside her. “You still have that thing about you.”

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