ZAKRIYA ISLAM

It wasn't over yet. I was still very queasy knowing that Amber held feelings for another man and it was driving me crazy.

I turned around and saw her sleeping peacefully: i brought the quilt closer to her naked body and covered her well. Removing the wild whisps of hair from her face, i stared at her sleeping form. Okay i was jealous because i may possibly love my wife and even if i don't love her yet i know that i am loyal and faithful to her.

But what about her? I leaned in closer to her and lay a lazy kiss on her forehead. What about you Bree? Would it matter to you if i were to hold feelings for another woman? Or would it matter to you that i get enamored to another woman? The only way to answer these questions was for me to test her myself.

It was fajr time so i got up and retreated to the bathroom for gusl. I decided to offer prayers in the nearby masjid so i left. When i came back, i heard the soft movements of Amber in her study. She must be getting ready for work.

I laid back in bed and quickly texted an old acquaintance of mine. I started random chatting with her until Bree came. As soon as our eyes met, i saw her turn bright red. I smirked and got off the bed. She informed me of breakfast and retreated to the kitchen. Feeling self satisfied, i followed her. There was a lot of clacking sounds coming from the dishes. She was working so quickly that i feared she might break a few dishes in the process. Chuckling to myself, i knew when she's nervous. From the intense love making that we did yesterday,

Coming closer to her, i wrapped my arms around her waist and buried my face in her shoulder. She stiffened under my frame. "Relax babe, " i whispered in her ear, my lips brushing against her ear lobe. Her damp hair brushed against my cheek and i inhaled her fresh scent.

"I am relaxed. But you've left me sore. " she complained and removed my arms. I grimaced and went to the small dinning table at the corner of the small kitchen. We have breakfast here while our dinner and lunch is reserved for the dinning room.

I brought out my cell phone and answered Lisa's texts. I scoffed when i read one of her jokes and felt Bree's gaze on me. Glancing up at her, i smiled innocently. "Its my ex girlfriend. I haven't spoken to her in so long." I said, ommiting the part about me not talking to her in almost four years. I stared at her expression, expecting a reaction but she shrugged and nodded.

I frowned in disappointment: I was hoping that she would react badly or even violently yet here she was, completely unfazed and unresponsive. Shouldn't she feel threatened that I'm talking with my ex?

I swallowed against the lump in my throat and carried on my texting until i got bored and shoved my phone into my pocket. As i ate my breakfast, i saw Bree checking a file in her lap-- yeah, all that matters to her is her work. She wouldn't give a damn even if i were to start an affair, not that i would but i felt this desperate need to make her feel jealous or possessive or anything towards that could give me an indication that our relationship meant something to her.

Without a word, i felt for work.

************

AMBER ZAID

I began to clear the table when he left so quickly without finishing his breakfast. But my legs were still sore: even thinking about last night was so stimulating, i tried to control the stupid blush on my cheeks and quickly did my work.

He was angry and wild last night. It was as if he was taking out something on me and i could feel it from the intensity with which he made love to me last night. I couldn't exactly put my finger on it. He was behaving out of the ordinary especially around Raheel bhai. I couldn't fathom why. And with the way he had with me yesterday, i could've guessed as much as him being angry but why, i don't know.

The day passed by and work was thankfully less hectic because Mondays are usually OPD days for me. I got back to the apartment in time for the maid to come and do the cleaning while i prepared lunch. I know that Zac is usually at the language centre after Asr and since i had an early leave today, i decided to pay him a visit. I texted him beforehand about my arrival.

He only sent a simple 'ok' so i took that as my cue. When i got there, the principal of the learning school greeted me wholeheartedly. She told me that it would be lunch break soon so i waited a little. When the bell rang, i made my way to his class. I found him engaged in a discussion with a woman. I stopped in my tracks and saw them from a distance. Zac was maintaining a good distance from the woman while her body language inferred that she was trying hard to lay her hands on my husband.

I don't know why but i felt a strange rage build up in me. I clenched my fists hard, a feeling to get that bitch off of my husband was firing up in me and i quickly went to them.

"Oh Amber," he said in a disgustingly cheerful voice. I glare at him and quickly locked my arm with his and fisted his sleeve and turned my attention towards the woman who was now looking at me with confusion. She was pretty: had comparatively fair skin and thin features and she looked like the type that Zac would like. Now why did i think that? It was strange since i didn't know what Zac liked or what his preferences were but my logic pointed towards the fact that don't know why, but a possessive force engulfed me and the instinct to protect whats mine overcame me.

"Asalam alaikum, thank you so much for keeping my husband in your company while he waited for me. If you'll excuse us now." I said in a superficial polite tone yet it carried a specific warning to stay away. She must've gotten the message when her eyes twitched and she retreated out of that place.

"Nice lady," i commented in an inert tone. He chuckled and turned to me. "Yeah she is," he agreed wholeheartedly, his blue eyes carrying a strange gleam that caused me to frown. I didn't say much after that and gave him his lunch. He began to talk about what he was learning today but my attention was all fixed on some women who were eyeing my husband with longing stares from afar and it was causing me to feel uncomfortable.

He has to come here everyday and only at night he comes to me: why is my mind going towards the possibility of him starting something outside of home? I mean, he's proved himself faithful till now but you never know whats going on in the mind of a man and once they are frustrated from not getting enough attention at home, they tend to find it else where. And the mere thought of such makes my head spin with fury.

The reason why these ideas were coming to my mind was stemming from my own indifference towards Zac: he's been nothing but sweet and caring towards me and I've done everything to push him away from me. During these past few months of our marriage, we haven't made any progress mostly because of my own carelessness. I realize this and it wouldn't have mattered to me previously but ever since i decided to give our relationship a chance, ive clung to a hope now: a hope towards something good. And if Zac's attention is diverted else where, not only are my interests compromised but also that single hope of my happiness shall also be diminished.

If he betrays me as well, i don't know why, not only is this information sitting well with me but it also makes me furious to think of another woman being with My husband. I married him and brought him here so that makes him mine. And no other woman has the right to snatch him away from me. I know that we Pakistani women are suckers for goras but there is no way that I'm ever going to let my husband be stolen from under my nose by another woman especially a Pakistani.

When i returned back to work, i couldn't help but think of these things. Even when i shoved these thoughts at the back of my mind, they would spring right back at me. I think i need to make a clear point to my husband tonight.

After all, if nothing else, I need to be careful for the sake of my own interests and ambitions and him leaving me at this stage would only cause inconvenience.

**********

ZAKRIYA ISLAM

To say that I'm vexed is an understatement. I was beginning to feel annoyed.

My mind wouldn't conjure up any thoughts that could instill some amount of jealousy in Bree. However, as if Allah saw my desperation, He answered my prayers when i noticed a sudden flash of insecurity and antagonism coming from Bree when she met Kehkashaan, my teacher and also an acquaintance. Perhaps if I use Kehkashaan to make her feel somewhat insecure like she acted today at the school, I might get my answer.

All I wanted was a reaction: anything that could indicate that maybe she cares a little about me.

When I came home, I found her preparing dinner so I went ahead to get freshen up.

When I got to the table, I felt a certain coldness radiating from Bree. Once she was on the table and plainly explained that she made beef stew, I noticed that she wasn't looking Mr in the eyes. Why is she in a bad mood? I didn't do anything wrong I mean I was going to but now I was having second thoughts about it. I began to eat and kept contemplating whether I should execute my plan or not. Once I was finished and Bree was too, I held her wrist to keep her from going anywhere.

I have to do this. I braced myself and inhaled deeply.

"You know the woman you saw talking to me today." I started. At that mention, a strange look flashed in her eyes but her expression was cool and composed.

"You know I feel very bad for her. I mean, she told me that she's a divorcee and she's so young too, probably a year younger then me. You know I was thinking, what if she were to marry again. The man who marries her would receive so much ajar from Allah, I mean just thinking about it,"I paused completely when I looked at her face.

There it is: the reaction that I wanted to see. Her expression had turned grave and malicious while her soft brown eyes had darkened and hardened--the velvety chocolate brown turning into a raging black as fury and anger overwhelmed their depths. I smiled inwardly and all that was left was her outraged tantrum which I would easily deal with. I was so glad that it worked. I know now that she feels something for me now.

A few poignant moments passed bit she was still silently sitting and staring at me, her jaw clenched and her eyes and her hands formed into fists on the table. I could easily feel the raged tension coming from her and it was absolutely terrifying.

Why wasn't she bursting into an argument with me? Wouldn't a normal woman jump to conclusions and demand for an explanation? And here she was, sitting with her back erect, chin high and eyes challenging.

The silence was killing me. Is this the silence before the storm? Now I was getting worried about how she's going to take this. When I decided to break the soul crushing silence between us, my words chocked up in my throat when I saw her pass me a smile: it wasn't any normal ear to ear smile rather it looked so malicious and ominous that it sent chills of fear down my spine. I swallowed.

"Just the other day," she started, her voice icy cold and devoid of any emotion. "I read that there is a plant found in South America that if ingested, it caused a painless death of the victim and what's even more interesting, no traces of its toxins are found leaving no doubt in an autopsy." she stopped.

I stared at her wide eyes. Dis she just threaten me? I flinched when she got up and stood beside me. For a second I was afraid of what she would do but was surprised when she straddled my lap and locked her arms around my shoulders: her eyes still holding that insidious glint. "It sells for big bucks in the black market and anyone with the capacity can afford it." she muttered, her hands running through my hair. Fear had gripped me so hard right now. I had experienced all sorts of feelings for her but this was the first time I felt actually afraid of her. If she is indirectly threatening me, then this means she's willing to go this far? No, she has to be bluffing and I should call her Bluff but I didn't have any come back.

She leaned in close and brushed her lips against mine. I swallowed. I had no idea how I should react to this because she gave no hint of humor or nonchalance which only cemented her claims. I nodded and asked her to get off of me so I could retire to bed.

So she didn't just jump to conclusions but I think she took way too far. She's made a point to kill me rather then give me up to another woman and here I was, hoping to tell her that I never claimed on a second marriage and she automatically assumed that I was. It's my fault, I shouldn't have provoked her and now I have to bear with the outcome.

I'm not afraid of her empty threat rather I'm afraid of what's she's capable of. And if I know her, once she's planned something she goes through with it unless persuaded otherwise.

I'm so tired now. And I've failed miserably. What was I thinking? To think that I could unfreeze the ice queen was a feat that I can't fulfill at this stage.

**********

AMBER ZAID

I breathed a sigh of relief when I saw utter defeat come into his eyes. I know I had to be cruel to get my point through to him but I had no choice. When he told me about that woman again, I felt the same rage boil up in me when I saw him with her. However, the things he said after that just snapped the little amount of patience that I had. He was directly pointing towards a second marriage and I would kill him with my bare hands first before I let him marry another woman. I was surprised at myself for schooling such a calmness that I did. I felt like shouting at him buy nothing came out. All that my mind could conjure up was the fact of him betraying me after promising so much only get with ominous intent. The article that I had read recently in a wildlife magazine jumped up in my mind. I had taken advantage of his nativity as much as I could and bluffed as coldly as I could and felt self satisfaction when he didn't contest my threat.

Of course he's not stupid: I'd gather that he recognized it as an empty threat but he had gotten the indirect message behind it and decided to go against any questions.

I was feeling gratified. He needs to know that he belongs to me.

Yes, I've finally realized that I'm possessive about him and of any woman dared to come near him, they would both face my wrath.

I was already feeling a bit inferior to that woman and the thought of my handsome husband abandoning me for a beautiful woman like her was maddening.

Yes, I'm jealous. That's why I didn't want to involve my heart into this relationship but his promises made me think otherwise and I've let down a barrier and allowed him to come a little closer to me.

And if he ever thought a out breaking his promise to me, my pride will not allow me to spare him any mercy.

He's made me feel jealousy and rage and all sorts of emotions that I haven't felt before and for that, he will pay dearly of he ever got back on his word.

**********

The next morning felt bleak. I didn't feel like eating or talking. Amber wasn't anywhere to be seen. She hadn't returned to bed last night and I was grateful. I didn't want to witness that evil side of hers ever again.

I was done with my suit and sat on the bed to donn my shoes when I saw the door open and Amber emerged. I looked away and began to tie the laces. When I was done, I was going to stand up but Bree came to me and pushed my shoulder down.

"what?" I sighed and gazed at her face. She stared at me with a passive expression, her eyes blank. Then all of a sudden a strange look entered her eyes. The back of hand resting on my shoulder began to climb. It sent shivers down my spine and I leaned away from her touch but suddenly, she was straddling my hips tightly, her hands holding my neck in place. I was confused as to what she was doing yet I knew where this was going but I wasn't in the mood.

"Bree, not now I'm not in the mood. Now get off me before I get late and," she silenced me with her lips crashing against mine. My hands caught her waist and I wanted to pull back before it was too late. But she didn't budge. Kissing me so desperately until I finally gave in and kissed her back, owning a moan from her. And before I could let my tongue in, her lips broke the kiss and traveled to my jaw to my neck. Closing my eyes, I was relished the feeling of her lips on my jugular when her tongue licked and sucked making that's spot tender. My heart was racing as her teeth began to graze the spot and abruptly, she bit me. I hissed under my breath feeling the slight pinch until her wet warm lips eased it and sucked the spot, licking and soothing it with her tongue.

I grabbed her closely to me when I felt her pull away and the cold air hit that wet hot spot on my neck, releasing an involuntary shudder to my back. Her lips were contorted into a twisted smile and her eyes gleamed with pride as she inspected my neck.

Getting off of me, she exited the room with long quick strides, leaving me baffled. I rubbed my neck and got up to look in the mirror and to my utmost shock and surprise, there was big dark hickey on the side of neck. Feeling my ears become hot, I inspected it thoroughly.

And that's when I realized and I smirked gladly. I see now. So I was successful after all. I should probably hide it but I was feeling sort of naughty. So I straightened my collar and tie, donned my jacket and took my briefcase.

"Wait!" Amber's shrill voice halted me in my steps. She came towards me and wrapped a scarf around my neck. I raised a brow at her and smirk.

"Why should I try to hide your mark? After all you marked me just now." I proclaimed. Her flushed face didn't do well to hide her dismay. "That's right, I mark all of my possessions, but don't let it delude you." she claimed and knotted the scarf rather stuffily around my neck. I chuckled and nodded.

I really like the sound of that. I like this possessive side of hers.

So what do u guys think?? Plz vote and do comment your thoughts