Royalty Gone Bad novel Chapter 56

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Writer’s POV:

For the rest of the week, everything went well. Asahd would still stick to Saïda who was very fond of his company. Closer and closer they seemed to get. Their feelings were even more complicated and there was nothing they could do about them.

***

“Are you seeing someone else, Asahd?” Allison asked her boyfriend one particular weekend night while they hanged out in town.

Asahd stopped, surprised. He turned and looked at her.

“What? What are you asking me that?” Asahd asked.

“You didn’t answer my question. Are you?” Ally repeated lowly.

Asahd was silent for a short while but then answered.

“I’m not seeing anyone, Allison.”

′That is, officially.′

“Why would you think that?” he added.

“Because you seem distant with each passing day. And you treat me like a buddy. I’m your girlfriend, Asahd. Not a pal. You hardly kiss me for real and when you do, it’s either a simple, cold peck or a kiss on the cheek and forehead too. I don’t feel the the passion anymore and it makes me believe that it’s because you’re giving it to someone else.”

“Ally, don’t hurt yourself by thinking about such, okay? Please,” he hugged her to console her. “I’ve told you I’m not seeing someone else.”

“Okay. Then kiss me, Asahd. Kiss me passionately.”

Asahd looked at her and then kissed her deep. Allison felt like there was something still different about his kiss. Something was still missing. But she decided to let it go. He was kissing her deep after a long time now and she was satisfied with it.

***

Later that same night, after dinner and when they’d all retired to bed, Saïda was in her room, discussing with Noure.

"You still don’t want to tell me what’s going on. I’m noticing that a lot of things are changing between us, Saïda.”

“Sweetheart, there’s nothing wrong. Okay? We’re good, I promise. I’m just– I’m just quite preoccupied recently.”

"By what? Your job? Darling we used to call each other often. Whenever I didn’t call, you would. But now it’s different. If I don’t call you, you won’t bother calling me.”

Saïda felt a sting in her chest.

′He’s right. He doesn’t deserve this. I love him yet I’m treating him wrongly. My feelings are so mixed up for both men.′

“I’m sorry, Noure. I will give you more of my time. I’ve been carried away recently by a lot. But I promise not to ignore you again. I don’t even do it on purpose.”

As she spoke, her door was slowly opened and Asahd stepped in quietly.

"Please do, my love. It makes me feel like you actually care about me as much as I do for you. It’s fine. I’m glad we’re okay.”

“Yes we are,” she replied and looked away from Asahd, staring at her ceiling instead.

"I love you my dear.”

“I love you too, Noure,” she replied.

Asahd who’d been standing there, felt a sting in his chest. But he didn’t leave. Instead, he walked up to her bed and got under the sheets too. He lay on his back and stared at the ceiling too, close to her.

"I like the sound of that. Can’t wait for your return to Zagreh. Do you know when you’ll return?”

“No, not yet.”

As they spoke, Asahd sent a hand underneath the sheets in search of Saïda’s other hand. He found it and held it. Their fingers intermingled and they held each other’s hand, tight.

That was just how complicated things were for Saïda. On one hand, she was still in love with Noure, on the other hand, she felt something strong for Asahd. She didn’t want both away from her, which was strange and difficult for her to accept.

After chatting some more with Noure, they told each other goodnight and hung up. Saïda then turned on her side and faced Asahd. He turned his head and looked at her too.

They stared at each other for a while and then he smiled at her. She smiled back, a little relieved.

She’d expected him to say something or look irritated because of her call with Noure. But he didn’t. That was something she really liked about him. He almost never mentioned Noure’s name or even spoke about him, unless she did first. He did that so she wouldn’t feel awkward or uncomfortable, reminding her of the complicated situation she was in. All he cared about was to make her smile and laugh, as well as feel like what was going on between them was okay. Though it wasn’t. But Asahd didn’t care at all, amusing her. His careless side was influencing her bit by bit. Proof was, the more she spent time with him, the less she felt guilty. She wasn’t even anymore.

“I couldn’t sleep,” he mused, completely turning on his side now.