You were really screwed this time.

For a second, you were just thinking of a joke, until Salim showed you where the bathroom was and subsequently closed the door behind him, with the clear intention of staying. Unlike before, you fell silent and jumped as you felt the Iraqi's arms tighten around your waist.

《My love, why are you so nervous now?》 He asked deep behind your ear 《Say a word to me and I'll go out. You don't have to force yourself to do it.》

Yet, it was as if his words were pleading otherwise...how could you refuse his lovely purrs?

Anyway, Salim was about to turn around when you grabbed his sleeve to stop him from touching the doorknob.

《Stay, please...》 You said with your voice and head down, actually you didn't want that to sound too pushy for a oriented man like him 《But, if that's a religious issue, I don't want to force you to–》

《I know what I want. And I want you, Y/n.》 He said like he was concerned about your will, but didn't hesitate to hold you in his arms morbidly. He needed to know if it was the same for you.

You placed your palms on his smooth cheeks. Needless to say, you were thinking the same thing and saying it with your big eyes.

《I don't know, maybe I'm doin' something wrong.》

《You're not doing any of that. But yes, for my culture, this should be done just between a husband and a wife...》

Despite the warning, the Iraqi started to kiss your hand, after he had taken it between his ones and his warmth reassured you immediately.

《And what I am for you now?》 You asked without taking your eyes off. Salim did the same, following your lips as you were talking.

《For me, you are the most beautiful creature I have ever laid eyes on. I want nothing more than to have you all to myself.》

You let the words finish before showering him with sweet kisses and holding him close to you. You both took steps backwards, walking to the edge of the tub and Salim had to resist the temptation to take off everything you have on you.

《W-wait!》 Your sudden scream interrupted his every action 《I don't have a change of clothes!》

The older man heaved a sigh of relief and started laughing, sometimes your attitude was adorable, if not almost childish.

《You can always wear mine. I feel you would look so cute in my clothes.》 Of course, Salim knew he was physically bigger than you and just imagining you inside one of his shirts was something wonderful. If you were wearing nothing else underneath, it was definitely better for him...

After endless minutes, you finally undressed to get into the bathtub - Salim had decided it was better to wait for you outside in the end. And when he saw the door open, the vision of you wrapped up in one of his towels made him gasp.

《I, um, I brought you these for you.》 You saw the Iraqi hand you some clothes at a safe distance and with his eyes intentionally shifted to anything else that wasn't your body.

You thanked him and despite the feelings which permeate the house, you still felt a certain embarrassment; you went to change and when you introduced yourself again, the man stared at you intently with his lips pressed together to hold back any laughter.

Now you knew he did it on purpose.

《Oh come on, I'm not that bad!》 You were wearing a giant blue shirt and a pair of brown shorts, in addition to your decent height and big eyes on him 《Don't treat me as a kid–》

《How could I ever do that?》 Salim interrupted you by gathering your hands in his 《You are just perfect for me, even in pajamas.》

You nodded as he pleased you with a kiss on the forehead. You raised the head there and your eyes crossed for the umpteenth time, before closing them to connect your lips together.

This time, Salim didn't hold back and picked you up, without ceasing to kiss you, with one arm under your thighs and the other mixed with your hair on the back. You did the same around his neck and without being afraid that he might let you go, you also crossed the legs around his waist.

《¹Malaki...》 The other said in a whispering tone, without his lips leaving your pale skin; right there, you felt his fingers gripping your inner thigh tightly, which suddenly made you blush against his face. Beyond that, the fabric you were wearing was loose for his hand to slide inside the shirt and even there, his fingers slowly stroked your back, leaving a trail of pleasant shivers along it.

Later, Salim moved to his room and placed you carefully on his bed, removing his hands in the meantime...you wondered why, since you loved his gentle touch so much.

《I want to make sure that you are comfortable and that nothing I do, will prove otherwise.》 Salim said clearly, getting closer and closer to you, but never touching an inch of your body again.

He was a man and with that, he was clearly asking for consent to go further with a woman.

Though you adored this respectful and devoted side of Salim, you still had to show him your love and so, you lunged towards him to land on top of his chest; the older man looked at you surprisingly, until a moan came out of his mouth, as your small hands massaged his broad pecs, with slow and sinuous movements, but with a slight pressure.

《Same goes for me, my dear~》 You smiled satisfied to hear his breath relax 《And now, tell me where you want to feel better...》

At that request, Salim stiffened suddenly, clenching his teeth and fists on the blanket. Sure, it wasn't the first time someone had given him a massage, as it was a common thing in his place, but no woman had ever laid her hands on him like you were doing now, not even his ex-wife. Your palms knew where to press to ease his stiffness and though your thin fingers danced over his shirt, he could perfectly feel your touch as if it were direct.

May God forgive him for thinking about those fingers around him.

《Y/n...》 The Iraqi's baritone came to your ears like a sultry song and beneath you, his chest heaved wildly. You thought it was right to stop, instead his dark eyes stared at you as if you were committing a grave sin.

And there, you saw that under his pants.

《Oh. I didn't mean–》

《Please, you don't have need to explain Y/n.》 But the other just smiled, trying to kill his embarrassment in that very moment 《That's my fault...forgive me.》

But the truth was, he hadn't thought about such a thing since he was alone and now that you had done this to him, he felt really happy, happy to feel that love inside him again. You lay down to kiss him without hesitation and Salim could do nothing but hold you in his arms; his strength was enough to turn to the other side and this time, you were crushed against the weight of his kisses, body and extreme hardness.

You swallowed hard at the thought of that.

Just then, his hands came back to test your sensitivity through the clothes, until one landed on your left breast, touching it gently and without causing you any discomfort.

《Allah, bless me with this health and beauty for the rest of my life.》 Salim said loudly before exposing your skin to kiss you all over; because of that, you let your voice out and held tight to the sleeves around his elbows.

《S-Salim...》

Your sweet voice echoed through the room, as passion was enveloping you. Salim pulled back slightly and started to take off his shirt when you stopped him.

《I'll take care of it.》 You sat in front of him, getting ready to do that on your own. The Iraqi accepted without saying a word, just watching you as each button was opened, revealing another piece of his chest.

《Oh damn...》 You were amazed from all those hairs on it, definitely you had never seen a man as virile as him.

《...don't you like?》 Salim asked with his head tilted, surely you weren't happy to see the body of an old man...but that wasn't what you were thinking and the more you took off his shirt, the more you couldn't take your eyes off him.

You stroked where the scar was. You remembered well that he had gotten those two marks to protect you from the monsters, fighting without ever giving up. But now, you were touching them softly, because the nightmare was finally over.

《²'Uhibuk ya Salim.》

Even if it wasn't perfect Arabic, Salim understood what you said and started kissing you again, moving freely on the bed. You let his hands descend even further inside the baggy clothes, reaching what was still unexplored; you were inexplicably nervous, maybe it was due to the time spent not having sex anymore, but you were also afraid that Salim wouldn't like to find out that you weren't untouched, since there had been another man in your life and who had broken your heart...but he knew this and right now, he didn't care at all.

That's why, you gasped when you felt rough fingers rubbing your entrance.

《Ah! Wait!》 Though he had assured it earlier, Salim didn't flinch even when heard your voice getting louder.

《How can you ask me to wait if I haven't done anything yet?》 The man above you said with a mischievous expression, not really what you expected from him 《Tell me, my love, what do you want me to do for you?》

You arched your back slightly towards him, squeezing into him to never lose his warmth and ignoring the unbearable heat of the day. Salim waited patiently for your answer, but struggled to stand still in front of the woman he madly loved and wanted to love even more.

He knew what you wanted anyway.

《I want to be with you Salim, now and forever.》

• • •

When both of your bodies were fully exposed to each other, you felt no shame, not when Salim was taking such extreme care of you. Though he had a gentle manner, he could be very possessive when it came to his own things and to him, you were precious like a flower which grew in the driest lands.

He smelled the scent of your hair, caressed your rosy skin and gently, he leaned between your legs to taste the sweet nectar of your pleasure, specially prepared for him.

You shook a little at that.

《You don't need to be embarrassed, Y/n.》 The Iraqi whispered as his breath went straight to you, teasing your most sensitive parts 《I'll make sure you feel good soon.》

You relaxed as he kissed your inner thighs repeatedly, before approaching your private and exposed area...

《Salim—!》 You didn't make it in time, as his lips started to kiss and suck your little flower. You blushed at the sound of those noises and just pursed your lips to not let any more come out.

《Tell me, my love.》 Salim released his breath before falling silent under you again, this time adding his tongue to wet you and turn you on more 《You know, I want to hear your beautiful voice.》

And he succeeded, because you didn't stop panting and the more he continued with that rhythm, the more you wanted to be broken by him.

I-if he keeps like this—!

Suddenly, something went inside you and you discovered it was a pair of fingers. To your surprise, they moved so perfectly and so pleasantly that it was almost impossible for you to hold back.

Honestly, you didn't think Salim could be so good at doing that...

《How are you feeling Y/n?》 He asked with a smile after seeing you so turned on because of him 《The truth is, I want to do much more than this...》

《D-do it then...》 You clasped his muscular arms to hold him close to you and there, your heart was about to leave your chest at any moment 《Adore me more.》

Salim breathed hoarsely and shortly after, he removed his fingers from you to get ready to remove his own pants. Of course, you didn't stop staring at him, not even when his hand wrapped around his member to prepare him for the next act.

《Oh don't be scared, my love.》 The older man said with an amused expression as the blush appeared on your cheeks, making you frown afterwards 《I promise I won't hurt you.》

《I-I'm not scared!》 You complained turning slightly away 《And I know it's been a while...but this is not the first time for me–》

《I know perfectly well.》 Salim's tone suddenly turned cold and his grip on your legs tighter than usual, to the point of leaving marks on you 《That's why it is my duty today to make you forget any man except me.》

His large chest brushed against yours as he aligned himself with you. You didn't think he could be so big, but the idea that Salim wanted you to forget about your ex boyfriend drove you crazy.

Until you realized too late that something was missing.

《W-wait, you didn't put—》

A lump formed in your throat as you felt his tip try to penetrate you, albeit with a certain delicacy; the Iraqi muttered something in his own language as he wiped the sweat from his forehead, finding him hopelessly sexy.

《...you are very tight, my love.》 He whispered looking back into your teary eyes, surely you couldn't ignore it was a little painful now.

《No, you're the one who's too big!》 Even though you weren't really angry, your expression was so cute that it could have made him cum instantly, if Salim weren't a mature man with self-control.

《This is your fault. I can't think straight, you don't know how happy I am right now...love you so much Y/n.》

You wanted to kiss him so badly now, telling him how much you felt the same way for him, but Salim seemed to understand it right away when felt your walls getting wetter and tighter around him; he didn't wait any longer to give the first, but slight push.

You were like a fire between your legs, but Salim decided to move according to your reactions and when you looked more relaxed, he thrust deeper into you again.

《Shit, not so fast!》 You screamed, clutching the sheet with one hand and Salim's arm with the other, as the sweat was shining on your light-skinned body.

Fuck, he'll kill me at this rate!

《You say so, but I think you are welcoming me much better than before...》 The former Iraqi Army Lieutenant felt as if he had just won, as he kept to advance into that tight, but soft hollow 《Your temple is definitely hotter than the one I've been to a few months ago.》

He smirked when he found the right one and you arched your back from the sudden shock inside your belly.

《S-Salim—!》 It was too much the pleasure you were feeling, that you could hardly express yourself, until a pair of fleshy lips thought about it, making you moan against them. You had reached the point where you couldn't hold back anymore.

The same was true for him, as his movements became faster along with his breaths, now in sync with yours.

《Y/n...》 Salim alternated your name with the kisses he left on you, as you wrapped yourself around his body, so much big and virile 《I...I'm also at my limit...³'ana 'uhibuk jdaan...》

God, he was already handsome when he was calm. But now, hearing his low voice moaning in Arabic as he reached the climax of pleasure, was something amazing...you watched nothing but him and your reflection in his eyes, as you let yourself be carried away by love with him.

• • •

Very soon, the house was filled with the heat emanating from your bodies. Salim lay down on the bed next to you, but without letting you go anyway.

《Hey, how do you feel my love?》

《I'm fine.》 You just hugged his torso, smelling his manly scent mixed with sweat 《But still a little rusty thanks to you...》

The other burst out laughing, hugging and kissing you on your messy head.

《Honestly, I could stay like this forever...keep you under me so you can't run away from me.》

When he said that, your eyes widened as you felt something press against your crotch insistently; Salim wore a hungry expression, you couldn't believe him and his buddy over there were still horny for another round...

《Are you really sure you can do that? I don't want you to get too tired because of me.》 You lifted your chin towards him, moving your leg slightly to tease his hardness.

Well, bad move, because the Iraqi man threw himself on top of you, pinning your wrists against the mattress and at the sides of your head to immobilize you.

《S-Salim? What are you–》

《I'm not tired at all.》 He answered in an intimidating tone which made you shiver with pleasure 《Take this as a break, as you looked very exhausted from all that rocking...》

You blushed like a pepper, as you tried in vain to free yourself from his grip, but his body was practically pressed towards yours; you had to admit it wasn't so bad and actually, you never wanted this to end.

Not only that day. You wished to feel Salim's voice and touch on you every space and time. Every day and night.

《Stop talkin' and kiss me.》 Salim smiled before being scolded by your extreme beauty and before capturing your lips for another thousand kisses. Definitely, you should have requested another ticket for home later...

《Anytime, my princess.》

...or just stay there forever with the man you madly loved.

- - -

Notes:

¹Malaki : "My angel"

²'Uhibuk ya Salim : "I love you, Salim"

³ 'ana 'uhibuk jdaan : "I love you so much".

• • •

USA - December 24rd, 2003
NEW YORK

Jason looked back at his wristwatch. He had been sitting there for an hour, in that corner of the cafe, completely alone and with nerves in his stomach, waiting for his sister to come.

You had been in Iraq for a month. Of course, Jason had been warned of this and had taken that sudden news not so well, since it was obvious to him that you would be in the company of the Iraqi soldier...anyway, he was damn happy to see you again, even if he didn't want to admit it and for this, he asked the waitress to bring him another coffee to relax.

Until a familiar voice prevented him from taking the first sip.

《Damn, you really need of herbal tea instead of that!》

Jason Kolchek immediately raised his head and over his visor, your mocking smile appeared. On the contrary, he stayed silent.

《What, you don't recognize me anymore?》 You raised an eyebrow just before turning around to see another figure approaching. Jason had no doubts about who it could be...

《'Course I recognize you. Glad to see ya here, Y/n...》 He continued turning to the second person 《And you too, Salim.》

《The same goes for me, Jason.》 The Iraqi replied with a genuine smile and like you, he also seemed to have changed in the marine's eyes, as if there was a different light around him...

And knew whose fault it was. Anyway, he stood up to hug his beloved sister.

《Well? Sit down, tell me what the hell happened!》 You laughed at that as you took to the bench in front of him, followed by Salim 《Why's he here? Don't tell me that–》

《Yeah, he's coming to live here from now on.》 You said as you moved a tuft from your face, you couldn't deny you were a little nervous 《We decided this after leavin' the army, because we don't want to part again.》

There, Jason noticed the way Salim crossed his fingers with your hand on the table to calm you down, making you smile; to be honest, he hadn't seen you in that state even with your ex boyfriend so, that meant there was something damn serious behind it.

《But that's not the only thing you want to tell me, right?》 Your brother crossed his arms as he said that, definitely he knew you too well 《I'm listenin' to you.》

Salim sighed amusingly in the meantime, it was clear both you and Jason were agitated, as you both had the same way of talking. He was also happy to see the jarhead after a long time and to see him in shape, but now he felt compelled to release the tension. He was good at that, after all.

《You're right Jason, it's not just this.》 The former lieutenant started to explain by looking the other man with extreme sincerity and care in his words 《And it's not just about Y/n, or me. It's about you too, and we wish you were beside us when the day comes.》

Seriously, Jason was in a cold sweat from not being able to figure out what the hell he had said, because everything seemed so confusing to him...until he casually looked down at your hand, now that it was exposed and there, he noticed something glint on your middle finger.

Maybe, he had understood.

《W-wait a second...you two–》

《We are going to get married.》 You finally stepped in boldly 《Still don't know when, but hopefully soon. We made this decision in Iraq, but Salim convinced me it wasn't the right place for both of us...that's when I decided I'd do anything to take him back with me.》

《So, you thought marryin' him was the best option, after what happened with Evan? Can't be serious...》 The other Kolchek uttered with serious looks, but neither you didn't flinch; that was another story and you took your own blame for how it turned out. But you promised yourself it wouldn't happen again and right now, you didn't want anyone else but him by your side.

《I love Salim, that's all I can say.》

The older man listened to you silently, as he cast some glances at your twin to check what was on his mind and if he was about to make a scene just like in the temple...but he didn't do anything and just stood there, watching you.

On the contrary, his next words had nothing dangerous.

《I see, I've nothing to say 'bout it...》 Jason sighed as he took off his cap to run a hand through the short hair 《Just, if you don't take care of her, I'll smash your face...understood Salim?》

You rolled your eyes as Salim laughed with his shoulders, no doubt that your brother would behave in a different way than usual and with his jealous expression.

《She is everything to me, of course I will take care of her.》 The Iraqi replied with a smile 《It's my duty as a future husband–》

《Ok but don't rush. You're not yet.》 The other stopped him making you ashamed to be sitting there 《So, have you found any job here?》

《Not yet. But luckily, I graduated before joining the army. I think I'll apply to some high schools, in case they need a teacher...》

When Salim told that, Jason was amazed but not really surprised, with the chatter that man had he could actually do such a work. You looked at him with proud eyes as stroked him behind the back, you were really happy to have the two most important men in your life by your side...and there, Jason Kolchek had to admit that you two looked good together.

《You still haven't told me 'bout the trip in Iraq, no pain in the ass right?!》

When your brother mentioned that, the memory of your arrival at Salim's house came back to you, where you got to know his simple way of life, so different from what he had gone through to survive down there and you wanted to know more about him...getting closer to this provocative man with just his smile and flowing into a pleasure as immense as the surrounding desert...until your bond became unbreakable and became almost impossible for you to go back to America without him...and because of that, you also remembered the arguments you had to try to convince him, even crying in an attempt to find a solution...but fortunately, Salim had never thought of letting you go and if you couldn't stay in his world, well, he would have entered yours at any cost.

Again, all of this turned out to be a real heartbreak for you, however with good results.

《Not really. Salim was very patient with me, especially with the language!》 You winked at the man next to you before talking back to the one in the front 《But nothing's changed since you've been there, the heat is unbearable even in winter...》

《...that's because you're not used to it. But if I remember correctly, you were always curled up on the sofa when evening came.》

Salim justified, moving closer to you and you voluntarily hit his shoulder.

《I see. Then, you'll also remember how you helped me warm up–》

《Oh for fuck's sake, stop that!》 The younger man raised his voice, as you two started laughing, he was clearly tired of watching his sister flirt with a man who had been his mortal enemy just a short time ago! 《I don't wanna put back the hot dog I just ate...》

Still, Jason felt relieved it was him and not someone else who was going to make you suffer again.

《Hot dog? What is that?》 Salim asked curiously, never having heard of that. Before you could stop him, Jason smirked at the joke which had just crossed his mind.

《As I say, hot dogs. We cook dogs 'round here.》 The Iraqi was puzzled by that answer and stared at you in disbelief, as Jason continued his stupid game 《Y/n loves that too. I suggest ya not buying a dog later, if you really want to see it alive–》

《Cut this shit out, Jason!》

You turned red in the face and tried to stop your brother from stealing his beloved cap, but the damage was done and Salim looked more shocked than ever. Now he believed you ate dogs at mealtimes...

《D-don't believe this idiot, actually those are made with ordinary sausage!》

But in trying to fix things, you realized that even the word "sausage" was wrong, since you knew Salim didn't eat pork at all. You were totally embarrassed as Jason tried to hold back laughter, whatever happened you wouldn't hesitate to kill him.

But unexpectedly, Salim let go a chuckle, making you predict that he wasn't offended by that, on the contrary he was admiring your concerned but adorable expression.

The time spent together passed very pleasantly and only when it was over, you ran to your brother to hug him again.

《Take care Jay, see you soon!》 Finally, you were hugging like a real family.

《You too. I'm here sis, whatever you need.》

You knew you would always need of him. But at the same time, you knew you needed Salim too, because he had become the new love of your life. Before walking back beside you, he greeted your brother with a firm handshake.

《Hey.》 The black-haired man wondered as he wrapped his long arm around you from the Christmas chill 《Do you think it was the right time to tell him?》

《'Course, we really want to get married after all.》 You said enthusiastically before staring at the other with serious eyes 《Right?》

《Sure, we can do that when my love wants.》 Salim caught your attention with his brown eyes, as well as grabbed your waist to squeeze it into his. You loved him so much when he did that and looked forward to the beginning of a new life with him.

It won't change the fact that you were always meant to be mine. Salim thought with confidence and relief, like the one who had found what he was looking for after so long...

And for you, nothing else mattered except the man who kept falling in love with you every day...like a sun shining in the deepest sky.

• • •

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