Chapter 43 - Shade

Jasmine

I was more afraid of what waited for me at home than anything else.

After the limo drove us home, I took a shower. I combed my long blond curly hair when Saeed came into the room. "I'm warning you." He simply stated. "That bigshot lawyer from the United States can't save you, if you continue this behavior." Wait what? "Lawyer?" I mouthed.

"Are you impressed by that?" Saeed narrowed his eyes and came closer, threatening me. "No." I quickly said. I thought that Benjamin revealed his identity?!

Saeed grabbed me by the throat and pinned me to the wall. "I am not saying it again, I am warning you." He threatened. Finally he left the room.

Naïma was constantly babbling on about how perfect she thought Ryan was. Tomorrow would be her big day. If Ryan felt the same, then he would ask for her hand in marriage and Nikaa would be performed by one of my dad's oldest friends, who was an Imam.

I don't really know if there will be a party as well, they never mentioned it and Naïma didn't seem to care. After that her papers will be made in order and Daniel would go back to America to set the procedure in order to take her home with him.

And that would mean Ben would go back as well… somehow I felt sad by the idea. I could still smell his fragrance, although he was not with us in the limo. Did he have that effect on all woman? I couldn't wait to get home and text him with the phone he gave me. That was stupid right? I knew it was.

It was already late when I asked Naïma if she could sleep with me tonight, and she agreed. I didn't want to be alone, afraid that Saeed would come in to room again, as he did these past several months.

My body ached and I couldn't handle more pain. I looked at my mirror image when I got undressed. Naïma was shocked when she saw my blue and purple skin.

"Naïma can you keep a secret?" I whispered. Naïma eyed me suspiciously. "Daniel gave me this." I said as I showed her the cellphone. "He wanted me to text him as soon as I got home…" I trailed off, afraid she would start lecturing or ratting me out.

"There is something between the two of you isn't there?" She asked. "No it's just- I mean, yes he is absolutely stunning, smart, he smells so good and – But he also is pigheaded, a tremendous flirt and most of all; the guy is plain trouble.

"A bit hasty judging him, don't you think?" Naïma said. "You've known him for two days." "I've met him before." I said biting my lower lip. "How? What?" Naïma blinked her eyes. "Where and when?" Naïma asked suspiciously.

"Well it was at the palace…" I trailed off. I promised to keep his secret. Was I keeping that promise? "Did you and that royal butler have a thing?" Butler?

"No!" I almost shouted. "He was so full of himself the entire time and so many woman -. So many woman threw themselves at him." I made a gaging sound, not even hiding my disgust. "So no. there isn't anything going on between us. I think he just wants to protect me from..-"

"But you do like him? You see yourself married to him?" Married to a prince I thought. "No, oh God no. Married, to him? I don't want to be married and I don't want a husband. And if I ever had to be married, it would not be to someone like him. Or would I want someone who was exactly like him? I couldn't make up my mind.

"The two of you didn't get off on the right foot then?" I bit my lip. "It seemed as if you enjoyed his company just now?" Naima askes baffled by my hostileness.

"Why is marriage the ultimate dream for every single girl I've met, I don't understand. Isn't there more to life?" I said mostly to myself. "Naïma shook her head in disapproval. Now go text him then." She said almost nice.

Jasmine: Hi, I'm home.

I'm so relieved to hear from you, are you okay Habibie? :Benjamin

Habibie? Did he just call me Habibie? "Ugh, there he goes again." I showed her the telephone and Naïma quietly snickerd. "Uhuu.. nothing between the two of you." She wiggled her eyebrows. What was wrong with him? Why did he try to get into every pants he met?!

Habibie? Jazz? Answer please! :Benjamin

Jasmine: I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm fine.

Jasmine: I mean Naïma is sleeping in my room, I did not want to be alone tonight and she is not upset that you lend me your phone.

Why did you tell her, will she keep this secret? :Benjamin

Naïma franticly shaked her head yes. I scrutinized her face. "I figured you would be more… I don't know, angry or something." I stated. Naima burst into laughter. 'Why would I be angry silly? I would be so happy if you could come with me to the USA. And if Benjamin takes eye on you… well…" I narrowed my eyes at her.

Jasmine: Yep, she will.

Jasmine: You never told me what your hopes and dreams are?

I remembered him asking me about every subject I was interested in, every country I wanted to see. It was odd he never once spoke about himself.

Habib listen, we will have more than enough time to talk about that on a later notice. I have to arrange a few things. Please stay safe, and if there is anything, anything at all text this number. :Benjamin

I pouted my lips and looked at Naïma. "See, busy hooking up with the next woman he spots. Naïma pointed her index finger to the screen where it said 'Habib'. She looked at me meaningfully.

Jasmine: Fine, I will. Bye.

Goodnight little pea, I will try to be with you as soon as I can. :Benjamin

What was that supposed to mean?