Chapter 1: Introduction
The sun glared off the metal shop signs in the London Street Market, causing Sabrina to squint as she shuffled nervously through the clusters of people. She wore a black abaya that covered her from neck to ankles and kept her dark brown hair modestly tucked under a hijab. Her pulse spiked every time a man glanced her way, so she ducked her head and continued walking.
As she reached for a basket of falafels at one of the stalls, another hand brushed against hers causing her to jump, dropping the basket in surprise.
She looked up to find herself staring into a pair of bright brown eyes, belonging to a tall, muscular Australian man named Patrick.
"Oh, I'm terribly sorry," he said with an apologetic smile. "I didn't mean to startle you."
Sabrina's heart raced as she took in his light brown hair and sun-kissed skin. She mumbled a quick "it's okay" before bending down to pick up the fallen falafels, conscious of her every move.
As she stood up, her eyes caught Patrick's again, but this time she quickly looked away, feeling the heat rise to her cheeks. She couldn't help but feel drawn to him, but she knew she couldn't indulge such feelings.
Patrick, on the other hand, couldn't let her go just yet. "Hey, can I make it up to you by treating you to lunch?" He gestured to the falafels in her hand.
"I heard the ones from this stall are the best in the market."
Sabrina hesitated. She knew she should decline, but there was something about him that made her curious. She looked up at Patrick, his bright brown eyes were still locked on her. "Alright," she relented, "but just lunch."
Patrick's face lit up as he took the basket from her and led them to a nearby empty table. They sat in silence for a moment, eating the delicious falafels and taking in each other's presence.
Sabrina couldn't remember the last time she had felt this comfortable around a man, especially one who was not a part of her culture. She found herself drawn to his adventurous spirit and his willingness to try new things, something she had longed for but never allowed herself to have.
Patrick, on the other hand, couldn't keep his eyes off of Sabrina. He had never met a woman who wore a hijab and an abaya, but he couldn't deny the attraction he felt towards her.