Chapter11:

_Leah's POV_ Later that evening, after dinner, I headed to my room for a shower. The warm water was soothing against my skin, washing away the tension from the day, but my thoughts kept returning to Tariq. The way he had looked at me during dinner, the way he had teased me—it all swirled in my mind, leaving me feeling flustered and confused. Was he just being friendly, or was there something more? After I dried off and dressed, I heard a knock on the door. My heart skipped a beat, and I quickly wrapped my robe tighter around myself. "Come in," I called, my voice a little shaky. The door opened, and Tariq stepped inside, carrying a small jar of ointment and fresh bandages. His presence filled the room, making it feel smaller, more intimate. "I thought I would help with your wounds before you go to sleep," he said with a soft smile. "They're healing fast, but they still need some care." I nodded, feeling my heart race as he approached. I sat on the edge of the bed and lifted the hem of m