So I was bored and this idea randomly popped up. Just the dinner scene where Kenji meets Nazeera but in his POV.
We’re all sitting at the table, dinner is being served. Warner in the middle with J and me on either side of him. In front of Warner is the son of the Supreme Commander of Asia, Haider Ibrahim. Even though Warner says he’s harmless, I don’t trust the guy, or trust that he’s here for any good reason.
Apparently his sister is going to be a bigger problem.
Juliette and I have no idea what to expect.
Haider seems pretty happy to be here, smiling and starting a conversation with Warner.
Who, by the way, speaks 7 languages?
I start my meal while listening to them talk, not really understanding the Arabic. The room is only filled with their quiet whispers.
For some reason Haider laughs out loud, and sips his water. Didn’t realize Warner was so funny.
“There’s always time for dinner.” He says to Warner, who uncomfortably turns away.
“Where is your sister? Why didn’t you arrive together?”
“Why don’t you ask her yourself?” An unfamiliar voice announces and everyone's eyes go to the door.
And the world stops spinning.
Standing there at the door is the most beautiful girl I have ever seen. Utterly gorgeous.
Her cold hard stare quietly assesses everyone in the room and I clench my jaw to stop it from falling.
For the split second that her gaze meets mine, my heart stops beating.
She’s ethereal. I’m questioning whether this is a dream or not.
Did Haider like poison our food or something?
This must be real, I think, as she makes her way to the table. And she sits right. In. Front. Of. Me.
She’s so much more prettier than she was at a distance.
“Everyone, this is Nazeera.” Haider jumps to his feet with a smile and wraps his arm around his sisters shoulders. Nazeera does not react.
Haider says something else but I’m too distracted.
Too focused on the girl before me.
Nazeera has warm brown skin, honey dipped eyes with dark lashes. Her lips are full, and a small diamond piercing sits right underneath her bottom lip. I can’t see her hair though, it’s hidden underneath a silk shawl. Which is weird because it’s illegal?
She’s looking at her plate, I can’t see her face and I so badly want to.
“You cover your hair now?” Warner asks and finally she does lift her head. Sips her tea and studies Warner.
I don’t know why emotion just hit me hard and fast, but I find myself annoyed that she’s looking at him.
I want her to look at me, to hear her voice again.
Nazeera does not answer Warner at all, so I take the opportunity to say something,
“So you don’t think anyone will notice? That you cover your hair?”
I chew my food as she silently forks some lettuce.
Still not looking at me. I try again,
“I mean you have to know, that what you’re wearing is an offense punishable by imprisonment.”
This time her eyes meet mine and I feel all weird.
My head feels light, dizzy and I swallow a lump.
“I’m sorry,” she says softly, putting down her fork.
“But who are you exactly?”
I like the sound of her voice. It’s calm, steady.
And she’s speaking to me. A lick of warmth rushes all over my body.
“Nazeera.” Haider says, “please remember that we are guests-“
“I didn’t realise there was a dress code here.” Nazeera interrupts him, continues her conversation with me. I can’t believe this-
“Oh - well,” I take another bite, “I guess we don’t have a dress code here. But that’s only because we have a new Supreme Commander who’s not a psychopath. But it’s illegal to dress like that,”
I gesture to her pretty face with my spoon,
“Like literally anywhere else. Right?”
I search the table for confirmation from anyone, but everyone’s staring at me weirdly. Huh.
“Isn’t it?” I ask Warner, silently begging that he doesn’t embarrass me in front of this gorgeous woman.
He nods and I turn back to Nazeera, who sips her tea. Leans back carefully in her chair and glares at both of us. I can’t explain why the way she is glancing at me makes my heart burst.
“What makes you think I care?”
I frown, sort of confused now. “I mean, don’t you have to care? Your dad is a Supreme Commander. Doesn’t he know that you wear that thing in public? Won't he be pissed?”
Nazeera sets down her fork again and sighs, staring only at me.
“I don’t know what it’s called.”
Nazeera smiles at me. It’s not a happy smile but wow.
Her smile is so beautiful, so scary too.
“Men,” she says, “Are always so baffled by women’s clothing. So many opinions about a body that does not belong to them. Cover up, don’t cover up -“ she waves a hand, -“no one can seem to decide.”
Oh wait what. I think I made her mad. Great job me.
“But - that’s not what I-“ I start to explain myself but she cuts me off.
“You know what I think,” she says, still smiling at me,
“about someone telling me what’s legal and illegal about the way I dress?”
She holds up two middle fingers.
I choke on my food. Oh my-
“Go ahead,” she says, her eyes cold and angry.
“Tell my dad. Alert the armies. I don’t give a shit.”
This has taken a wrong turn.
How the hell did I manage to piss her off when she doesn’t even know my name yet?
“Whatever.” Nazeera rolls her eyes, “I’m not hungry.”
She stands up gracefully. Stalks out the room without another word. Awkward silence floods the room but I’m still frozen.
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