Haider sat in the darkroom; the curtains of the large window pulled apart, letting moonlight illuminate the room. With his eyes closed his fingers worked effortlessly over the piano's keyboard. Images of Alina from the bathtub flashed before his eyes. He hadn't thought of her much in a sensual way. But remembering her in the bathtub, covered with only bubbles and lather, aroused him, fanning his desperation to come close to her. Her hair tied in a neat bun on top of her head, with wet strands sticking to the back of her neck. A serene smile adorning her enchanting face. The satisfactory moan that escaped her mouth as he massaged her feet. All of this has awakened a raw lust in him. The want, the need to be in proximity with her grew wildly inside him. He had hoped to seduce her, but it backfired, and she took offense. With this incident, he realized she was not like the women he had dated or been with before. She was different. He must be careful.

Alina walked through the corridor, she heard a faint melody as she approached the activity room. She smiled a little enjoying the music. Cautiously, she held the doorknob but quickly retracted her hand. Few moments of internal contemplating, she twisted the knob and opened the door.

Haider heard the door and stopped playing instantly. He inhaled the sweet aroma of English rose body wash and smiled to himself.

'Why did you stop playing?' Alina asked in a soft tone. Haider pushed the wheeled stool back and looked at her. She noticed he was dressed for the night in white half sleeve top and black track pants. She gulped noticing his muscles flex and quickly darted her gaze away.

'Why are you here? Aren't you angry with me?' He shrugged.

Alina folded her arms, - 'I was. Very. Then, I realized your lifestyle and the women you have been with—were all different and—'

'Miss. Alina. I was thinking the same.' He confessed and stood up. Alina watched him come close to her, - 'I am sorry.'

She lowered her head for a moment and then looked into his eyes with confidence, - 'Don't be, Haider. Just don't do it again.' She said. Haider felt offended but doesn't let it show on his face.

Alina informed him about dinner, but he stopped her, - 'Let me paint your portrait, please.' He requested. She looked into his pleading eyes and doesn't argue.

Haider smiled, - 'If you don't mind can I paint you without the robe?' He asked. She looked at him sharply with her eyes wide. He kept looking at without any awkwardness.

'Please.' He murmured.

Alina took a moment and then nodded. She should let go of her inhibitions, at least try, they are engaged and destined to marry. Of course, she wouldn't take things any further and knew, very well that Haider won't push her either.

'Okay.' She replied meekly. Haider took a step and turned around. He began preparing the canvas. Slowly, Alina untied her robes, glanced at him, and then shrug it off her shoulders.

She pulled up the noodle strap of her ivory short nightdress and adjusted the black lacy neckline. Then, she tugged her hair to her front covering her cleavage that was enhanced by the sweet-heart neckline.

Haider looked and stilled for a moment, he wanted to gawk at her but knew it will be rude. He will have enough time to ogle at her whilst preparing her portrait. He asked her to sit on a chair with her legs resting sideways. Alina nodded and pulled a chair from the study table and sat as she was asked.

Haider got his oil paint ready and stood by the canvas. Alina gulped and shifted, he raised a hand and she stilled.

'Don't move, Love.' – he looked at her and noticed she was stiff, - 'just relax. Okay.' Alina nodded nervously and touched her hair. Haider smiled to himself, but quickly fixed his expressions.

He asked Alina to stare front and place her hand on her thigh. Then, he began the painting. Alina stared at him and tried not to blink.

Haider chuckled, - 'You can blink, Miss. Alina.' Alina also smiled in response, easing a bit.

A few minutes later, he looked at her and clicked his tongue, - 'Miss. Alina, your hand. Don't move it.' He said and walked up to her. She blinked at him as he approached her. He held her hand and placed it overlapping the other hand that was on her thigh. She inwardly gasped as he kneeled and tugged down her thigh-length satin dress. She mentally cursed herself for wearing such a short dress. He stood up, placing his palms on his hips. He huffed.

'It is getting hot in here.' He pulled on the collar of his Tee.

'Oh, I will switch on the AC.' Alina looked around for the remote.

'That won't be necessary.' Haider commented and before Alina could react, he swiftly removed his Tee from over his head. She was taken aback and almost toppled down the chair. He was shirtless and so close to her that she began to feel her heart rate increase. Haider inwardly smirked, impressed by her reaction.

Remember, Haider. Slow is the keyword, Haider. Slow.

'Relax your arm.' Haider loosened her arm and Alina nodded obediently. He took steps back while keeping his gaze glued to her.

'Miss. Alina, look up.' He called and she looked at him. Haider eyed her quivering parted lips and began painting her portrait.

One hour later, barring with few minutes of Farhana's interruption, Haider stood a step back and sighed happily.

'It is fifty percent done.' He commented. Alina relaxed in her chair, placing her palm over her chest.

'Thank God!' She then excitedly jumped down the chair and walked up to him. She stared at the life-like portrait of herself in the canvas. Her jaws dropped and she wholeheartedly appreciated him. Haider puffed his chest with pride. Then, he held her shoulder and she smiled looking back at the portrait.

'It is not as beautiful as you are in person.' He held her chin and turned her face to him, - 'No one can catch your real beauty. No one can match you either.' He complimented with a genuine look in his eyes. Alina blushed, tugging her hair behind her ear. A Second later she looked at the portrait again.

'It is even better than the last one.' She confessed. Haider smiled.

'Thanks for your honest reply. That painting I drew with my mind's eyes.' He informed.

They looked at each other. Haider moved random strands of hair from her face. Alina lowered her gaze and realized she wasn't wearing her robe. Quickly, she turned but Haider held her hand and she stopped.

'I am so lucky to have you in my life, Alina.' – he held her bare shoulder and she closed her eyes in response, her lips parted on their own accord. Haider kissed the back of her hand, - 'Please, never leave me.' He whispered, pushing aside her hair and then pecked her earlobe.

Alina gulped, clenching her fists. She would feel the proximity and the skin to skin touch was tantalizing. It made her heart leap to her throat and hair on the back of her neck stood up. Haider ran his palm through the length of her arm and held her fingers. She stilled feeling the heat rise from the bottom of her stomach. He planted a gentle kiss on her cheek and took a step back. Alina's eyes sprung opened and she was surprised by how she reacted to him.

'Let's go, dinner is getting cold.' She heard Haider's voice from afar.She turned and watched him wear his Tee. He looked at her and gestured her towalk with him. Alina nodded and lowered her head, feeling her cheeks burn. Shewas startled when Haider passed her the night robe. Slowly, she wore it andsilently followed him. She was left wanting more. For the first time, she feltsensually attracted to him. 

OK, guys!!! I am back *muaaah* *muaaah*

Haider, man, you are playing your cards well *winks* 

So, guys, how was the Chapter? Drop your thoughts in the comments, please *smiles* and Stay tuned for the next update *lots of love* *smiles and hugs*