Too fragile for the beast

Chapter 39

As the chauffeur opened the door, Arsh let her climb in first. She slid onto the soft leather seat, her fingers brushing the luxurious interior like she didn't belong there. Arsh followed, settling beside her, one arm resting casually along the back of the seat.

The car pulled away from the runway, carrying them through the quiet, awakening city. Shafiyya pressed closer to the window, drinking in everything — the blend of old and new, the soaring mosques, the street vendors already setting up stalls.

Her world had been so small until now. And suddenly, it was as though Arsh had picked her up and dropped her into another universe.

She hugged her shawl closer around her, thoughts spinning.

But still, beneath all that nervousness, a spark of wonder lit inside her chest — a spark she couldn't quite suppress.

By the time the car pulled up to the hotel, the sun was high in the sky. Its golden rays reflected off the sleek glass facade, making the building sparkle like it was carved from light itself. The vehicle glided to a stop, and Arsh stepped out first, offering his hand to Shafiyya once again. She took it, her fingers brushing against his, feeling a mix of excitement and nervousness.

The lobby was grand — high ceilings, polished marble floors, and soft ambient lighting that gave the space an air of understated luxury. Shafiyya's eyes wandered over every detail, her mouth slightly parted in awe. Arsh's presence beside her was grounding, yet his calm dominance made her heart beat faster.

A bellhop whisked their luggage away as they were led to the elevator. Shafiyya noticed the floor-to-ceiling windows along the corridor, offering glimpses of the city and the distant sea. She couldn't help but steal glances at Arsh, who walked a few steps ahead, hands in his pockets, the picture of effortless control.

When the elevator doors opened, their suite was revealed — spacious, elegant, and modern. But what immediately caught her eye was the private swimming pool just beyond the sliding glass doors. The water shimmered under the sunlight streaming in, surrounded by a small deck with two lounge chairs and soft towels neatly folded.

Shafiyya's eyes widened, her hands clasped together instinctively. "It... it has a pool," she whispered, voice tinged with wonder.

Arsh's lips curved into the smallest of smirks, just enough to hint at his amusement. "Yes. Private. Just for us," he said, walking inside and dropping his coat over a chair. "It's 2 p.m. now. We've had a long day — travel, jet, car... I suggest we freshen up and rest a little before exploring."

Shafiyya nodded, feeling her body sag with exhaustion. The jet, the flight, the new surroundings, and the thrill of being here with him had drained her completely. She moved toward the bedroom area, glancing once more at the pool through the glass doors, imagining herself swimming later once they had rested.

Arsh disappeared into the bathroom to freshen up, leaving her alone for a moment. She leaned against the balcony railing, letting the warm Turkish sun brush her face, her mind a whirlwind of emotions — awe, nervousness, curiosity, and the growing flutter of feelings she was still trying to understand.

When she finally turned to the bedroom, she noticed Arsh had changed into casual clothes, his movements fluid and relaxed. He gestured toward the king-sized bed. "Rest. We'll figure out the rest of the day later," he said softly, his voice carrying that rare gentleness that always made her heart thump.

Shafiyya nodded silently, letting herself sink into the soft sheets. Her eyes closed briefly, exhaustion claiming her, but even in rest, she felt a shiver of anticipation for what this trip might bring — a mix of calm, wonder, and the subtle, unspoken tension of being alone with Arsh in a world completely unfamiliar, yet now hers to explore with him.