5 March 2020

Hey guys! Another quick update for my lovely readers! Especially for some of you.. you know who you are. ;) I hope you like the chapter and I'll go hide somewhere now. 🙈

"Your task is not to seek for love, but merely to seek and find all the barriers within yourself that you have built against it." - Rumi

Alayna's POV

We have the best time in Milan, staying there for five days too. We only have four days left in Italy, and that makes me quite sad. I'm going to miss it terribly.

We reached Venice this morning, and we're staying at one of the best hotels in the city. The Aman Venice. We're staying in the best suite of the hotel, and quite honestly, it's amazing. The hotel and the suite looks like a palace, fit for a king and queen. The suite is polished, extremely luxurious, and it's decorated with stunning, traditional yet somehow modern pieces of furniture. The chandelier in our bedroom is huge, glittering and gorgeous. Our bedroom has an en-suite bathroom, which has the biggest Jacuzzi tub I've ever seen. I don't think I'll want to leave this suite at all. I fall in love with it immediately.

'Zayan, this is too much. You've made sure that everything's absolutely perfect,' I say, gazing into the dazzling eyes of my husband.

He grins at me. We're sitting on the sofas in the living room of our suite, having a quick snack before we head out to roam the beautiful city of Venice. Zayan's having crackers with cheese, while I'm having some fruit and my favourite orange juice.

"I'm glad you like it, Alayna," he says, happily.

'Like it? I love it! Can we just stay here forever?' I ask, laughing softly.

He turns to me and throws me his handsome smile. "If you want to, of course we can."

'If it wasn't for our families back at home, I'd definitely stay here. I'd miss them terribly,' I say truthfully.

"We can come back whenever you like," he tells me.

'Thank you,' I say, touching his hand gently.

He stares at me, surprised at my touch.

I've fallen for him even more here in Italy. Spending time alone with him, I've gotten to know him better. Zayan's such an amazing guy, he really is. He's very caring, kind, open and protective of me. He's made this trip perfect for me. He does whatever he can to make me smile. And I'll do the same for him. I'll do whatever I can to make him happy. Because honestly, nothing makes me happier than seeing the handsome smile on his lips.

'You have to try a strawberry. With cream,' I say, laughing. I hold it up to his lips.

He tastes it, and smiles. "It's great, Alayna."

'I know, right!' I say, before leaning back on the plush, white leather sofa. 'So, what's the plan for today?' I ask him.

"We'll roam the city, and then do a bit of shopping. Before we head for dinner," he tells me. I nod.

'What shall I wear?' I ask him, confused. 'Actually, I know!' I jump up from the sofa before telling him to hurry and get ready.

********

I'm ready an hour later. It takes some time for me to get ready, because I wanted to try and look nice for Zayan. I hope he thinks I look good.

I'm wearing the stunning dress he bought for me from Rome. It's a gorgeous red maxi dress which is elegant yet simple, and has a gold belt around the waist. I've fastened the belt tightly so it cinches in my waist and makes me look slimmer. The dress has half sleeves which are made out of red lace. It's such a lovely dress, exactly my type of dress. It shows off my figure, without being too tight. I've paired the dress with red Louboutin heels, gold studs and the watch Zayan gifted to me.

My makeup is natural and subtle, but I've applied a matching red matte lipstick to my lips. Red lipstick suits me more than any other colour, I have to say. It makes my lips look soft and full. I've styled my hair into loose waves, and they fall to my waist. I don't want to look too dressed up, so I grab my black leather jacket and shrug it on, leaving it open.

When I'm ready, I step out the bathroom. Zayan's waiting for me, and he's ready. My breath catches in my throat when I see him dressed in a black button-up shirt with black dress trousers. He's wearing shiny black dress shoes, and he looks so hot.

I better not be drooling.

He walks over to me and grabs my hand, kissing the back of it lightly. I blush, smiling.

'My lady,' he says, winking.

I giggle, looping my arm with his. "Ready to go?" I ask him, making sure my phone's in my purse.

'Very ready. You look hot, Alayna,' he says, smirking slightly.

My blush deepens. "You don't look too bad yourself, Dr. Zayan." When I throw a wink at him, his mouth falls open in surprise. I laugh loudly, dragging him to the door. "Let's go!"

********

We visit St. Mark's Square, Palazzo Ducale, Canale Grande and the Gallerie dell'Accademia (Fine Arts Museum) during the day, travelling in a limo. Zayan's thought of everything. The whole day is perfect.

We do a bit of shopping, buying gifts for our families that evening. I buy a lovely dress for Hanna, Laiba and Sara. I'm confused on what to buy for Aunty and Mum, so I end up buying them both a designer handbag.

'Zayan, thank you so much. For everything,' I say to him as we walk into an upscale Italian restaurant.

"Alayna, it's my pleasure. Trust me," he replies. He gives me a smile that makes my heart stop.

Zayan chuckles when I choose to eat my favourite, classic Margherita pizza from the eight-star restaurant. He chooses the same, and I tease him.

The pizza is delicious, as are the sides of garlic bread and potato wedges. This trip to Italy must have made me gain some weight. There's no doubt about that. Zayan's made sure that I'm eating properly, at least three times a day. That doesn't include desserts and snacks that he's been ordering at the hotel late at night or in the middle of the day.

I eat most of the pizza, but I'm too full to finish it off. One slice is left, and I tell Zayan I'm full.

'What do you want for dessert?' He asks me, chuckling.

"Do I look crazy to you?" I reply, making him laugh louder.

'Good question. Honestly? Yes,' he teases.

"Zayan! I'm way too full for dessert!" I hit him playfully on the arm, when he grabs my hand gently. The strongest current travels through my body, and I feel as though I'm on fire. His mere touch drives my body crazy.

'Let's dance,' he says, winking. A slow, gentle Italian song has started to play. I look around to see that many couples are dancing on the dance floor. The restaurant is part of a luxurious hotel and it has a dance floor.

I shake my head, blushing hard. "I'm.. I don't want to embarrass myself."

'You won't. I remember Aliya's sangeet. You dance pretty well. Come on,' he says, his eyes twinkling.

How can I say 'no' to that face? I blush deeply as he stands to his feet, pulling me up. I shrug off my jacket as he leads me to the dance floor.

We slow dance to the song, and I'm blushing continuously. I can't help it. Zayan's closeness has that effect on me. He's driving me crazy.

'Your beautiful blush is driving me crazy,' he whispers into my ear as he pulls me in gently. My body collides with his.

I bite my lip gently, flushed. I just about hear what he says, as I'm too distracted by the feel of his hand on my waist. It feels so good.

'Have I told you, that you look absolutely perfect today?' He whispers again.

I nod, my cheeks as hot as fire. "At least ten times."

He chuckles, pulling me in closer. He can dance very well. Very, very well. Like he's a professional dancer.

'Why aren't you looking at me? Is the ground really that interesting?' He teases.

I lift my gaze to meet his, and I glare at him. "I could say that the ground was more interesting than your face," I tease him too.

'But you'd be lying.' He smirks.

Exactly.

The pace of the music gets faster, and so does our dance. I can hardly keep up with his steps, but I manage somehow. He looks impressed.

I tighten my hold on his hand as he spins me around, fast. I'm surprised as the song ends, as he lifts me in his arms and spins me around. I laugh loudly, closing my eyes.

When the song ends, the crowd bursts into a round of applause. My cheeks burn brightly and my eyes widen. They'd been watching us? I hadn't realised that the other couples had stopped dancing to watch us. I'd forgotten everything and everyone, except Zayan.

Zayan chuckles as he wraps an arm gently around my shoulders and leads us to our table. He pays the bill, and I grab my jacket and purse. We head out of the restaurant. It's nearly 11pm now, but I'm not tired. We're heading back to our hotel now.

As we get into the limo, my phone vibrates from in my purse. I take it out and smile when I see that it's a video call from Aliya.

I answer it happily, and my heart aches with happiness when I see her grinning at me on the other end.

'Alayna! Hey, you look gorgeous! I haven't called you in days, and I was missing you! How are you? How's Venice? How's Zayan?' She asks, excitedly. I'm so glad to see her in a better mood now. She looks healthier, too.

"Aliya, I miss you too! Thank you, sweetie! Venice is... perfect. I'm good, thank you and so is Zayan. How are you?" I say, blushing slightly.

'I didn't realise it's nearly 11pm there, sorry! Where are you guys? And I'm good,' she responds.

"In a limo. We're just heading back to the hotel now, after dinner," I tell her with a smile.

'Wow! Enjoy, Alayna! Italy is such a beautiful country. Where's Zayan? Say 'hi' to him from me!' She says.

"He's right here, say it yourself," I reply, smiling. I hand the phone to Zayan.

'Hi, Aliya! How are you?' Zayan asks her with a smile.

"Hey! I'm good, thank you. Are you enjoying yourselves?" She asks him.

'Yes, we are. Have you been taking care of yourself?' He asks her. He's so caring and thoughtful.

"I have been! I almost forgot you two were doctors! Wait.. no, Mariyah. Yes. It's Alayna. No, she's fine. Erm.. Alayna? Mariyah wants to talk to you?" Aliya asks, confused.

Zayan quickly hands me the phone, and I control my laughter. Mariyah wants to talk to me? Why? That's weird. She hardly knows me.

'Erm, okay?' I reply, raising an eyebrow.

"Hey! Alayna, you look stunning, girl! How's Italy treating you?" Mariyah's face appears on the screen, and as always, she looks gorgeous.

'Hi, Mariyah! Thank you so much, and Italy's treating me very well. Thank you. How are you?' I ask her politely. I don't want to sound rude.

"I'm fine, thank you! When are you guys getting back?" She asks me.

'In four days,' I say, pouting slightly.

I jump when I feel Zayan wrap his arm around my shoulders. I blush furiously, kicking him discreetly.

Mariyah notices, and she looks confused and lost for just one second. Then, her grin is back. I don't know if it's real, though.

"Aww, I'm sure you'll miss Italy loads. It's a lovely country. How's Zayan?" She asks me slowly.

'Zayan's good too, thanks,' I say, feeling slightly annoyed. I kick Zayan's foot again.

He shakes with laughter as he holds me closer.

Aliya coughs in the background, appearing behind Mariyah. She has a mischievous grin on her face, and she smirks. 'Mariyah, let's leave the two lovebirds alone now, shall we? It looks like we're interrupting something. Alayna, I'll call or text you tomorrow. Enjoy!' Aliya sings.

My cheeks burn bright scarlet. "You're not interrupting anything, Zayan's just trying to be funny," I say, trying to remove his arm from around my shoulders. But he just pulls me closer against his hard, warm chest. I flush.

Aliya coughs again. 'Bye, guys!'

When Zayan rests his chin on the top of my head, I quickly scramble to end the call after mumbling a quick 'bye'. After I've placed my phone back into my purse with trembling fingers, I turn to glare at Zayan.

His face is inches away from mine, and his lips are pulled up into a smirk. His arms are still around me.

"Tell me, what are you doing?" I ask him, frowning.

'Nothing at all. I just wrapped my arms around my wife. Is there any problem with that?' He asks, his eyes shining with mischief.

I shake my head. "No, but do you have to do it in front of Aliya and Mariyah? Oh. What point were you trying to prove? To Mariyah?" I glare at him, jealously bubbling through my mind.

'Why would I want to prove anything to her?' He asks with a smirk, pulling me closer.

"She was asking about you," I mutter.

'So?' He doesn't care less.

"She obviously still cares about you. Were you trying to make her jealous? You were totally trying to make her jealous. You still care for her," I realise. I'm furious now.

'I don't care for her at all, Alayna. And you have to know that she's jealous of you anyway.'

I pull away from him, angrily. "You like her."

'Alayna, I don't. Trust me. I don't like her,' he says.

I stay silent for the rest of the journey. Zayan tries to speak to me, but I ignore him. Why am I suddenly feeling so jealous of Mariyah? Zayan's told me that he doesn't like her, and I believe him. But still..

We reach the hotel soon after. I exit the limo and rush into the hotel, my heart pounding. Zayan's hot on my heels, calling my name.

I enter a lift and try to close it quickly, before he gets inside. But I fail. He gets in and grabs my wrist gently, making me face him.

'You're jealous,' he whispers, huskily.

I ignore him.

'You don't need to be jealous, Alayna. You're the only girl in my life. You're the only one I want. Trust me.'

I ignore him.

My hands are balled to my sides in fists, and my nails are digging into my purse. I can't control how angry I'm feeling right now. Mariyah still likes Zayan. That's for sure. Is she in love with him? It seems so.

He tips my chin up with his index finger. 'Look at me, Alayna,' he says.

I do as I'm told this time, but I'm glaring at him. "You don't like her?" I mutter, staring into his eyes which are now almost black.

He shakes his head. The lift is so damn slow. We're only on the third floor yet, and our suite is on the tenth.

'Why would I like her or anyone else, when I have the most beautiful wife in the world?' He murmurs, staring into my eyes. A shiver passes through me at his words.

"I'm not beautiful. Stop saying this now. She likes you, Zayan," I say angrily. "And you had a past with her."

He sighs, staring intensely at me. 'I can't change my past, Alayna, but believe me when I tell you that you're the only girl for me now.'

I huff, biting my lip in annoyance and staring at the wall of the elevator.

"I'm tired. I want to sleep," I say.

'You don't believe me?' He whispers, his eyes now even darker.

I shrug. "I don't know what to believe."

Zayan shocks me by pressing the emergency stop button in the elevator. The lift moves to a halt. My eyes widen. What's he doing?

"Zayan, what are you doing? Why have you stopped the lift?" I ask, looking around.

He stares at me, taking a step towards me. My heart leaps in my chest, and it starts to race at an alarming rate.

'You don't believe that you're the only girl for me? That you're the only girl I want?' He whispers huskily. His voice makes me feel giddy, it sends a delicious sensation to the pit of my stomach. And an electric current through my entire body.

I don't answer him. "Zayan, start the lift-" I mumble, but he shocks me by grabbing me by the waist and kissing me. He pushes me gently against the wall, his hands on my waist while he kisses me, his lips soft yet firm against mine.

My legs turn to jelly, and he notices this as he tightens his hold on my waist, pulling me flush against his hard body. I'm too shocked to even move for a good few seconds, but he kisses me deeper. He's urgent, moving his lips passionately against mine.

Many seconds later, or what feels like a good minute later, I register what's happening. I grab the front of his shirt and pull him closer, moaning slightly when I feel him gently nibble my bottom lip. He takes the opportunity to enter my mouth and god.. he ravishes my mouth, kissing me hungrily like he's wanted this for years. He takes the hand that's on my face to my hair and pulls it gently, making me groan.

I kiss him back, my legs almost giving way. He pulls me against his body, and I can feel every inch of him. My heart pounds in my chest as I enjoy the kiss, giving back everything he's giving me.

When he finally breaks the kiss for air, he opens his eyes and stares deeply into mine. He gives me a small peck, before resting his forehead against mine. His breathing is uneven, as is mine. My heart is threatening to escape from my chest, hammering loudly in my ears. Did that really just happen? I feel like I'm dreaming.

'Now do you believe me?' He asks, his voice husky and breathy.

I touch my lips gently, they're swollen. The blush is back on my cheeks, brighter than ever. My body is going crazy right now. Crazy for him. I'm turned on badly, and I want him. I want him more than I've ever wanted anything in my life.

I nod quickly, staring into his eyes. I can't believe what just happened.

Damn. That was the best first kiss ever. It was so damn hot.

Zayan starts the lift again, and it takes us quickly to our floor. He takes my hand and leads me to our suite.

When we're inside, he turns to me. 'You're the only girl in my life, Alayna. And you'll always be the only one. There's no one else for me now,' he whispers.

My heart races at his words. His lips look swollen too. Thank god for the matte lipstick I'd applied this morning. It hasn't budged a single bit.

"Get changed, Zayan. It's late, we should sleep," I say, biting my lip nervously.

His gaze falls to my lips again. He runs his hands through his hair, before nodding. 'I need to take a cold shower,' he mutters, before walking off to the bathroom.

I blush harder, walking to the wardrobe. I take out a nightgown, before placing it back inside the wardrobe. Then, I select a large, white t-shirt which reaches mid-thigh, and leggings. This is more comfy.

I take off my makeup and change into the t-shirt and leggings, before going into the other bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. I glance into the mirror when I'm done, and damn. My lips are still swollen. My hair looks rough, and I recall how Zayan grabbed it gently while kissing me. My cheeks heat up, as does the rest of me.

That really was the most perfect day. And the most perfect end to it. I can't believe we had our first kiss. And it was so hot.

Zayan's still in the shower when I go back into the bedroom. I smile softly, getting into bed and pulling the warm duvet over me.

I'm back to my blushing, shy self again. I have no idea what I'll say to him when he gets out of the shower. Or what I'll do. I still can't believe what happened less than half an hour ago. If only I could rewind the time, I'd go back and...

I lay in bed and stare at the ceiling, a silly, goofy smile playing on my lips. I touch my lips again, closing my eyes and recalling the kiss. Zayan's urgency. The kiss portrayed his possessiveness and need. I'm not the only one who needed it so badly. And now that he's given me a taste, I don't think I'll be able to control myself anymore.

I don't want to control myself.

I feel a delicious heat in the pit of my stomach, and I groan. I bite my lip softly. I think I'm gonna be needing a cold shower too, to calm my raging hormones.

I don't know how I'll be able to sleep in the same bed as Zayan, and not do anything. I won't be able to control myself.

I close my eyes and try to fall asleep before he gets out of the shower. But I know that sleep won't come to me easily tonight. I feel like I'm already dreaming.

I pinch my arm and wince when I feel the pain. It's all real. I'm married to Zayan. We had the most perfect day. We danced together. And.. we kissed.

When I hear the bathroom door open, I tense. I don't open my eyes, because I have no idea what to say to him. This is kinda awkward.

I hear his footsteps as he comes towards his side of the bed. The bed dips a few seconds later as he gets in. My heart starts to race at a thousand times the normal rate. I don't open my eyes, fisting the duvet in my right hand.

'Alayna, are you asleep?' Zayan asks softly.

I don't answer.

'Goodnight, wifey,' he whispers, before he sets the duvet over me. He's so sweet.

I pretend to sleep for the next fifteen minutes, until Zayan falls asleep. When I'm certain that he's asleep, when his breathing is even and he's snoring slightly, I smile and step out of bed.

I need that cold shower.

********

"Alayna, wake up," Zayan whispers, chuckling softly.

I groan, shaking my head in my sleep and making myself more comfortable. 'Zayan, let me sleep,' I mumble, pulling something hard against myself.

"It's almost 11am, wake up. Don't you want to go shopping today?" He whispers to me.

'No, sleep,' I reply sleepily, pulling him closer to me.

He tries to get up, but I pull his arm down and rest my head on it. I snuggle close to his warm, hard chest. He's shaking with laughter but I'm asleep.

'You're going to be shocked when you wake up. And blushing too,' he says.

"Shh, you sleep too," I say in my sleep, hugging him close. I place my leg over his, so I'm half laying on top of him.

'Fine. I'll sleep too,' he says, pulling me closer. I have the most comfortable sleep I've had in a while.

********

When I wake up, the first thing I register is the hard surface my face is resting on. Next, I register the feel of something heavy on my waist.

My eyes fly open, and my mouth falls open in shock. I blush furiously as I realise that Zayan's been hugging me while we slept, and I was resting my face on his chest, in the crook of his warm, muscular shoulder. His hand is resting on my hip. His touch sends me crazy, burning my skin.

I lean back slightly and look up. He's perfect.

He's fast asleep, and he was resting his chin on the top of my head. He looks so peaceful while asleep. And even more handsome than usual, if that makes sense.

I blush deeply as I recall the memories of last night. The kiss. It was perfect. Usually, first kisses are soft, quick. But our first kiss had been the opposite. Yes, his lips were extremely soft, even softer than I'd imagined, but the kiss was urgent and passionate. It almost felt as though we were both releasing our frustration that was building up for quite some time. It was crazy.

My fingers itch to move back the mop of hair that's fallen onto his forehead, but I don't dare. I don't have the guts to. It's weird. At times, I'm extremely bold and teasing, and at times like now, I'm extremely shy. I can't take my eyes off his sleeping face. He has a small smile playing on his lips.

Those lips.. they were merciless. Hard. Urgent. And so hot.

I feel the heat return to the pit of my stomach, and I groan internally. I had no idea that I'd ever feel this way towards Zayan. That I'd want him so badly, that my entire body hurt thinking about it.

I need to busy my mind somewhere else. I need to stop recalling the memory of his lips on mine, of his hard body flush against mine.

Zayan stirs, and I tense. He's awake. I quickly look away from him, closing my eyes and again pretending to be asleep.

I hear him chuckle, and it makes heat pool in the pit of my stomach. 'Good morning, or rather, good afternoon Alayna. I know very well that you're wide awake, like you were last night. We should probably get up now, it's 1pm.'

My eyes fly open in shock, and I quickly sit up, removing myself from his strong arms. I suddenly feel cold, wishing his arms were around me again. I ignore the thought. I glance at the clock on the wall opposite us. He's right. It's 1pm. "Why didn't you wake me up?" I jump out of bed, and I can feel his gaze on me. I turn to him, and he smirks.

'I tried, several times. You didn't get up, and you didn't let me get up either,' he drawls.

My eyes nearly pop out of their sockets when I vividly recall telling him to sleep too, and the way I was snuggling close to him. Oh, my god. My cheeks turn bright red as I throw a pillow at him. He catches it, chuckling.

'You were very comfortable, weren't you?' He teases, his eyes sparkling.

I frown. "Shut up, Zayan. I.. didn't know what I was doing. I was fast asleep." Then, I add, "Go and get changed. Take a shower. Do whatever. But hurry up. We only have three days left in Venice, and I want to make the most of these three days."

I rush into the bathroom, my cheeks burning scarlet. He drives me crazy.

********

Zayan's POV

I lean back against the headboard, smirking slightly. Alayna's a crazy girl, she really is. But it's her craziness that I've come to like so much. It makes her unique.

Her body felt so warm and comfortable against mine last night. She kept hugging me in her sleep, and I didn't move her. I didn't want to. I loved the feel of her in my arms. And I had the best sleep last night than I've had in ages.

That's after I fell asleep, though.

It took me a while to fall asleep last night. The cold shower didn't help me in any way. When I saw Alayna in bed, pretending to be asleep, I didn't tell her that I knew she was awake. It was obvious, but I didn't tell her. I had no idea how she was feeling, and I knew that she was shy. I knew that if I told her I knew she was awake, I wouldn't be able to control myself.

I couldn't stop thinking about that kiss. It was damn perfect.

She was jealous last night. She was jealous of Mariyah, even though there's no reason for her to be. Seeing her so angry at me, at Mariyah, it made me happy. It made me think that maybe, just maybe, she feels something for me, too. That these feelings aren't one-sided. When I saw the jealousy and anger in her eyes, I wanted, needed to prove to her that she was the only one for me. I couldn't control the frustration that was building up in me for so long, I couldn't control myself so I kissed her.

The kiss was meant to be short and sweet. But damn that. When I felt her lips against mine, I needed her. I kissed her hungrily, and I know that I shocked her. She didn't respond at first, but when she did, she kissed me back just as eagerly. Just as passionately. I felt her legs give way, so I pulled her flush against my body. I felt every inch of her against me, and I wanted more. I needed more.

I needed her so badly, it's impossible to explain. I've never wanted anything or anyone as badly as I wanted her last night. As I want her now. Right now. The kiss was perfect. She's a great kisser.

I run my fingers through my hair, groaning. I need another cold shower. Now.

********

*hiding behind my hands, peeking through* hi, guys!

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