✔️The Sultan's harem (Completed)

Chapter 36: My gentleman

Serena's POV

I did not realise when I fell asleep. But when I woke on in the morning, I realised that I was sleeping. Alone. The cloth partition was gone. And I was alone in the tent.

I recalled the previous night, first I felt goosebumps as I remembered the bone-chilling roar of the lion. And then, I felt shy realising how I initiated the act of kissing.

First I rejected him. And then, out of blue, I kissed him. He must be thinking that I was a madwoman.

Suddenly I heard the footsteps approaching the tent. I pretended to sleep (because I didn't know who to behave in front of him. Like, should I behave as if nothing happened or behave like his lover? He hugged me back so I guess he still likes me)

"Wake up sleepyhead" he chuckled as soon as he entered the tent.

I was sleeping on one side, my back facing him. I shut my eyes while he slowly spooned me from behind.

I wondered for how much time I would be able to keep the pretence going. My heart was beating so fast that I was sure he was able to hear it.

"Stop acting. I know you are awake," he whispered in my ears. I almost trembled due to his proximity. However, I didn't want to be caught red-handed. So I didn't even budge a bit.

Suddenly I felt his hand holding me by my waist. He pulled away my hair that was shielding my neck and started kissing my neck.

"You are not snoring. I know you are not sleeping. Please wake up." he pleaded gently but again, I was too proud to be proved wrong.

He then started sucking my right earlobe. And I melted from within.

"You know why to have I removed the partition? Because now I can't stay away from you. I love you Serena." he whispered and he took my hand in his and kissed the back of it gently.

I was certain that he would never cross his limits with me. With or without partition. So I did not get up. Maybe after some time he would accept the defeat and leave me alone. I would then sort out the question about how I must deal with him.

"I Have encountered worst situations than the one we faced yesterday. But I have always managed to be fearless. Yesterday was different. I was scared of losing you. I wondered how empty my world would be without you. I know you will eventually leave the palace. But I can't bear the pain of losing you. I know that you will never marry me. Because then would mean marrying into the toxic life that I live. But I would never stop hoping. "

A silence prevailed after that. I heaved a sigh of relief. Maybe now he would leave me alone to deal with the confusion I have about him. But no. He had some other plans.

"I want you to wake up. So that I can show you how much I love you," he said as he gently bit the nape of my neck.

If he won't leave me, then I won't stop my pretence. Nope. However, I was affected by the strange things that he was doing to me.

He entwined his legs with mine. He spooned me with his arms engulfing me. His hands in mine.

"The first time I had seen you when I was visiting your village with my mother. We both were in disguise. I saw you fighting with the shopkeeper because he was dishonest. You were not scared of pointing out his dishonest practices. The second time I saw you, I was more impressed because you had the audacity to slap my vizar, in front of me. You were not scared of death. I didn't fell for you because of your beauty. No. I had the most beautiful women at my disposal. I fell for your bravery and your attitude. I knew that you would make a perfect queen for my people. You had prejudice against me but I knew that if you would spend some time with me, you would know me. And accept me. And I know, you have fallen for me. Else you would have never initiated the kiss."

I was touched by his confession. But I stayed mum. Else it would be proved that I was awake all time and his suspicions were true.

"If you won't wake up, it won't take me time to do the delicious things that I have planned for you!" he whispered again. It was a threat maybe.

I knew he would never dare to do anything without my permission. Nope. He was a gentleman. My gentleman. I smiled to myself and this time, tried to fall asleep. Now have a talent that I can sleep anytime anywhere. I never knew that it would come in handy in such moments. It was still dawn (I could see the darkness outside the tent ) so there was no harm in sleeping a little bit more.

I felt him withdraw. And leaving the tent. Not before lovingly putting a shawl on me.