Chapter 3: Warming Up
Ilhaam laid weakly on the thick, fluffy rug, swallowing audibly as sweat dripped from her brow and curled strands of hair. Her creamy skin gleamed like an iridescent pearl in the shade, the golden sunlight providing a delicate highlight to her glowing face. A despairing breath echoed through her lungs like a wounded bird.
Isaac tore his eyes away from her. He rested his hands tentatively on her slender shoulders. God, she was mortifyingly bony.
Isaac winced, but Ilhaam's shut eyelids fluttered slightly as he massaged her shoulders. *"Thank you,"* her body seemed to sigh.
The sun continued to seep in through the wide windows, illuminating the spacious living room with an aura of warmth. The thickness of the rug allowed Ilhaam's weak muscles to sink in deeply, embracing her like a warm memory.
Isaac didn't have the heart to move, to intrude upon her vulnerable state. Eventually, he spoke up. “Ilhaam, why don’t I take you to your parents’ room? They’re out of town, we can hang out there for the morning.” Ilhaam’s chest heaved with an exhausted agreement and a weak nod.
Isaac scooped her fragile yet somehow weighty frame off the rug and placed her in the crook of his arms. Her velvety, dazed eyes flickered open just long enough to meet his gaze.
“Hold on,” he murmured, a familiar thrill pulsing between them.
Gently, he began traversing the winding,- hallway that led to the sumptuously-appointed master bedroom. As h walked, ilhaam traced a finger down his bare pectoral. Her slender fingers brushed over his nipple, as if she were seeing the male body for the first time. Isaac reflected that this may be the case.
Ilhaam's eyes showed rare curiosity, as if she were seeing something she'd never encountered before. They were finally on the threshold of the master bedroom.
Isaac shifted his hold on Ilhaam, leaning down to gently place her on the colossal bed in the center of the room. The plush mattress welcomed Ilhaam with open arms, cradling her petite figure in a loving embrace.
Isaac pushed her hair back from her damp forehead, noticing the deep shadows beneath her eyes, her pale complexion like the moon in stark contrast.
His fingers lingered by her temples, brushing her hair aside again and again in a tender gesture. She lifted her arms, laying her hands on either side of her head. She closed her eyes once more, a shudder rippling through every nerve. With each gentle movement from Isaac’s hands, she responded with a renewed sense of determination, revealing a strength that moved and exalted him. The depth of her vulnerability was matched only by the unwavering resilience possessive finoer.
He let out a low laugh that brought her eyes fluttering open.
"You know, I think this is the first real smile I've seen from you."
He leaned down, letting his breath tickle her cheek before he whispered against her lips, urging her, "Come on, let me see you smile wider for me."
Without warning, his hands shot to her sides, and he tickled the unsuspecting girl’s ribs through her fluffy bathrobe. Ilhaam was shocked for a brief moment, and then started giggling and laughing along with him. “Oh, you! Knock it off!” She shouted, as she playfully fought back.
A carefree, uninhibited sound escaped her lips. Her shoulders shook with laughter and Isaac couldn't help but to laugh along.
After a few moments of laughter, her soft hands stopped flailing, and released the folds of the bathrobe, revealing her collarbone and the start of a bare shoulder.
Isaac momentarily released his grip, and allowed his eyes to take in the glowing young woman. Ilhaam’s body was heaving beneath the bathrobe, her legs on full display in a way Isaac had never seen before. Free from the coverings of Islam, her figure was like a goddess. It was strangely intoxicating.
Isaac had never felt so close to another person. Maybe it was the adrenaline making his hand shake or perhaps it was something more drastic—something he couldn’t quite put a finger on. Regardless, he was resolved to keep this feeling alive for however long it lasted. Even if it was just for a day.
Whatever it was, Isaac was sure that he wanted more. Little did he know, Ilhaam was silently feeling the exact same way. The two were locked in a bubble of silence and an onslaught of emotions. Ilhaam broke the silence: “soooo…wanna watch a k-drama?” Isaac laughed, “I’d love to!” He sprang off the bed, careful not to disturb Ilhaam as she readjusted herself on the mattress. He rummaged through the items strewn about the master bedroom until he found the remote, flinging himself back on the bed beside Ilhaam. He aimed the device at the flat screen mounted opposite the bed and power cycled the unit. Finding Netflix, he grinned devilishly. “What’re we watching?”
Such a seemingly innocent request, but Isaac suddenly felt self-conscious as Ilhaam stared back at him, her eyes dancing. “Let me pick!” She replied, grabbing the remote and picking out a show. It was a sappy romance, but Isaac sat idly by and watched with her. As time went on, Ilhaam got under the covers, and then nestled closer to Isaac. Halfway through she chimed in “why don’t you get in bed?” Isaac replied “in jeans and a tee?” Ilhaam paused, then said “well, you could take the jeans off…” She left it at that, an impish grin on her face. Isaac blinked at her, surprised, but the impact of her words took a second to truly register. His eyes widened a fraction, and he swallowed hard before shifting uncomfortably from where he lay on the bed.
”Ilhaam,” he began, a little unsure “That’s…that’s not really… appropriate.”
She had the audacity to pout.
"What's not appropriate about it?" she asked, feigning innocence.
Isaac had the feeling she knew exactly what she was doing. But it was difficult for him to deny the sudden tightness in his chest- the thrill of being so close to her. He swallowed again, before steeling himself. He was not gonna back down from this.
"Well, if you insist…” Isaac stood, thankful he had shaved, showered and changed that morning. He could feel ilhawm’s eyes on his backside as he slowly undid his belt and slid the jeans off, leaving him in only his tight blue briefs and a white tee -shirt. Isaac felt embarrassingly exposed, but he tried his best to saunter back over to the bed, sliding in next to the smile that widened on ilhaam’s face with every second. The mattress dipped beneath the weight of his muscled form. He inhaled sharply as her thumb brushed over his neck, sending shivers down to his core. It took every ounce of willpower to avoid leaning in, kissing this woman that drove him wild with every smile. But there was something in her eyes that told him he should wait.
She switched the show back on, and scooted up against her new companion under the covers. The tickle fight and her flirtatious suggestion had ignited something between them. Both young adults sneaked peeks at one another out of the corner of their eyes, aware of the playful tension that buzzed between them.
Neither one had planned for this situation to unfold, but now that it had, a sense of excitement grew deep within their stomachs. Isaac's attraction for her had blossomed instantly, with her stubborn attitude and her feisty personality, into a profound admiration. If he was honest, it really turned him on. Isaac realized this slowly, though the growing firmness in his package gave an outward indication.
He didn't dare to move or reposition himself, afraid she would want to distance herself from him upon witnessing such a response.
However, Ilhaam seemed undeterred. The smile still lingered on her lips as she glanced at him, then leaned her head on his shoulder. It would have been the perfect moment for a passionate kiss or lingering touch, but Isaac couldn't bring himself to disrupt the serene environment. Instead, he found himself resting his arm around her, pulling her closer to him.