_Leah's POV_
The next morning, I was startled awake by a soft kiss on my forehead. I blinked, feeling the warmth of Tariq’s breath as he leaned closer. He whispered in my ear.
“Good morning, beautiful,” he murmured. “I want you… right now.”
My heart raced, though not with excitement. Fear twisted inside me, and I forced a soft smile, fighting the instinct to push him away. His touch felt tainted now, heavy with secrets I wished I didn’t know. I had to find an excuse, anything to keep him at a distance.
“Oh… don’t you have a lot of work to catch up on?” I asked, my voice soft. “Maybe later?”
But Tariq only grinned and wrapped his arms tighter around me. “No. I cleared my schedule for you today. All day, Leah. I’m all yours.”
My pulse quickened as I struggled to keep my composure. I fe
