Page 63 of Burdens
I jerked my hand away from his grasp, meeting his alarmed expression with a roll of my eyes. “Relax, I’m just grabbing breakfast from thehanout?5 right around the corner.”
“I’m coming with you,” he announced, striding over to the bedroom and disappearing inside.
“No need, it’s not far,” I insisted and walked toward the front door, slipping the loose-fitting outer robe and shoes on. I then grabbed the keys hanging on a small hook next to the front door.
“I don’t care,” he countered firmly as I turned the keys inside the lock and unfastened the latch underneath to unlock the door.
I heard him call out my name as I pulled the door open, but I was already out the door before he could follow behind.
1 This is such nonsense.
2 Long, loose-fitting unisex outer garment with full-sleeves.
3 Heeless slippers made from leather.
4 Fuck.
5 Name for small corner stores in Morocco.
CHAPTER 17
NOAH (PRESENT)
Frustrated with myself,I closed my eyes and drew in a deep breath.
I should have known she’d leave the moment I stepped out of her sight. I’d barely slipped on a fresh pair of boxers when she left. I’d never met a woman so fascinating yet equally frustrating.
I debated rushing after her before deciding against it. But if she wasn’t back in the next fifteen minutes, then I would. Sighing, I finished getting dressed, opting for linen shorts and a loose white T-shirt, and headed to the kitchen.
After looking through the few cupboards, I found a box of loose gunpowder tea, grounded coffee, and sugar. While the coffee brewed and water boiled in a kettle, I grabbed a knife and walked outside. Finding the small pot of mint I’d noticed yesterday, I cut a few pieces and walked back inside.
I turned on the gas stove, firing it up with the small lighter that was on the counter, and let the teapot I’d prepared simmer.
Both the coffee pot and tea were ready when the front door opened again. “I’m back,” she called out before appearing in the living area a few seconds later with a clear plastic bag filled with items.
She walked into the kitchen and set the bag on the counter before pulling herdjellabaover her head. In the process of removing it, her tank top rode up, revealing her toned stomach and giving me a peek of the dainty butterflies I knew she had tattooed on her left hip.
My grip on the handle of the mug I was holding tightened as I remembered what it was like to trace my tongue there as she writhed under my touch.
What I wouldn’t give to get to do that again.
She threw the garment to the side, the fabric landing onto one of the cushions in the living room. She faced me again, only to find me looking at her. She quickly tugged her top back down and propped her hip against the side of the counter.
“Now, look who’s staring.”
Her comment pulled a small smile on my face because it gave me a glimpse of my Amalia. The one I knew was still there.
I met her gaze. “Never said I wasn’t. I’m always looking at you.”
Something familiar washed over her gaze, but it was gone in the same breath. Amalia tore her eyes away from me and pulled the items she’d bought out of the bag—a fresh baguette, two individual Kiri cheese blocks, and two eggs.
She walked past me and grabbed a knife. While she assembled the breakfast sandwich, I poured a cup of coffee for her, knowing she preferred it over tea.
After making it the way she liked it, I walked over to her. “Here,” I said, handing her the cup with the spoon still inside.
She glanced at me over her shoulder as she cut the now filled baguette in half.
When she just kept looking at my outstretched hand, my lips pulled down into a frown. “Do you not like coffee anymore?” I questioned, thinking I might have been wrong.
