20. LUKE
Chapter 20
LUKE
“Tell me about you?” I ask as we sit next to each other. I want to know everything about her.
She shrugs. “There isn’t much to tell. I’m what most people would call boring.”
I’m sure there is more to her than boring. “Tell me something Osei doesn’t know about you.”
A smile curves her lips. “That’s a tough one because Osei probes without you realizing he’s probing. I honestly think he should have ventured into law enforcement because he’ll smile, and you won’t even realize you’ve told him everything.”
“So, he knows everything about you?” I ask, trying to control my annoyance at my brother knowing everything about her.
“He knows a lot, but he doesn't know everything. I sometimes surprise myself, which means not even I know everything about me. But I do know he doesn’t know I like to sleep in my birthday suit.” She smirks, just as that answer has my imagination reeling. Even as I act as if it doesn’t move me, my body is responding.
“Anything else he doesn’t know?” I ask, though I’m glad he doesn’t know about her birthday suit.
“Can’t think of anything else he doesn’t know about me.”
“Okay, let’s keep the question basic, then—do you like movies?”
“Love musicals and romance. No horror, though. I can handle some sci-fi. Everything else is okay. What about you?”
“Not sure about musicals, dislike horror, too. As for romance…” I shrug, I smile, our union being the only romance needed.
“Now tell me something you would never do?” I ask.
“I won’t eat pork, and I won’t have an affair that would soil your name, though our marriage is a business arrangement.” I’m pleased by her consideration, though I have my work cut out for me on the business arrangement aspect.
“Why won’t you eat pork?”
“My dad was born and raised Muslim. Hence my middle name, Iman, and my last name, Kabir. He converted to Christianity for my mom. To avoid getting disowned by his father, which is considered an abomination, he let my grandfather give my brother and me Muslim names. Since my dad grew up Muslim and we still visit my grandfather, pork was an absolute no-no in our household. Besides, my brother converted back to Islam. My family is half Muslim, half Christian. I must point out that your brother likes to tell me how juicy and sweet pork tastes.” She rolls her eyes.
“I bet he does.” It sounds like something Osei would do.
“You can eat pork; it doesn’t bother me.” No, I’m no longer eating pork.
We sit and talk more about her likes and dislikes. The more we talk, the more I find myself liking and wanting her. She starts to relax, feet tucked under her legs, talking with her hands flying and expressive eyes, making comical sounds. I watch and catalog her happy moments.
“Would you like to take a walk on the beach with me?”
“Yes, I like walks. It calms me. Plus, I need the sun.” Something in me rejoices at her yes.
Twenty minutes later, we are out the door, walking along the beach side by side. The breeze once again is our cocoon. We talk more about everything; I realize I like laughing with her.
We return to the hotel to eat and relax together. I call my dad to check on him, and she calls Osei, who makes sure to call me and remind me to be nice. We order dinner in and watch a movie together. She falls asleep. I didn’t have the heart to move her because she looks so peaceful and beautiful. She has me enchanted. I could talk to her all day, every day, and never get bored. Her mind and laugh are amazing. I can also sense she has a stubborn side, which is bound to drive me crazy—just as it’s also a bloody turn-on at the same time.
I kiss her forehead, cover her up, and head to the bedroom, leaving the door open. It’s late; I should go to sleep, but I’m wide awake. I decided to work.
I’ve just changed into my lounge pants when I hear her screaming and shouting in a language I don’t understand. When I get close, I wake her up. She fights me as I try to keep her still.
“It’s Luke, Dele.” She fights. “Open your eyes, Dele,” I repeat multiple times. She finally opens her eyes and sees me. She immediately collapses into my arms, pulling her body close to mine. I hold her tight to comfort her.
“You were having a nightmare.”
“Please … Don’t leave me… please… please.” Her voice shakes as she cries and clings to me for dear life. Without thinking, I lift her up and carry her to the bedroom. She doesn’t let go. If anything, she holds on tighter to me, crying softly.
I place her on the bed and get in next to her to hold her. She doesn’t flinch when I pull her close to me. Her body molds right into mine. I hold her tight until she falls asleep.
What demon is chasing her? I need to catch up and destroy her demons.