When they drove through the magnificent gates of the Maalouf residence forty-five minutes later, Hannah could not believe her eyes.

"I mean I know that you're rich, but damn, this place is huge!" she exclaimed as she took in the large, luxurious-looking mansion.

The manor appeared to have four storeys, made of white stone. Large windows were accentuated with beautiful carvings. A few of the elegant glass panes spanned over two floors. The lawns outside were well-maintained and there were a number of stone sculptures spread about the grass.

"I apologise for the over-indulgence. But if it's any consolation, we have many relatives living under this roof," he answered.

She nodded as she fixed the scarf, looking at herself in the mirror, checking her appearance once again. Her pupils were dilated and her cheeks were glowing. Hannah's body hummed in the post-orgasmic bliss that Tariq had given her repeatedly on the drive from the airport.

The euphoric feeling did not do much to appease the butterflies in her stomach. She could not help but feel slightly overwhelmed, knowing that on this trip, she was not just going to meet his parents, but most of his family. Needless to say, Hannah was beyond nervous and she hoped that she would make a good impression. Seeing her slightly anxious expression, Tariq reassuringly squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine," he said as they exited the car and entered the large manor.

Waiting for them inside the foyer, at the bottom of the double-sided staircase, were Tariq's parents Qasim and Chloe, as well as an elderly couple that Hannah assumed were his grandparents.

They were all dressed modestly, and the elderly woman wore a dark hijab on her head. Hannah noticed that there were a few other people walking about, but they paid them no attention as they went about their way.

"There's my grandson! As-salamu alaikum!" Aziza beamed as she walked past Hannah and hugged Tariq tightly.

"Wa alaikum assalaam Jida Aziza!" Tariq said with a smile while he hugged his grandmother before resuming his hold of Hannah's hand.

Noticing the movement, Aziza said, her voice critical, "So this, is the Hannah that Chloe couldn't stop gushing about," her brown eyes scanned over the couple she added, "I heard that she's a blonde, it's obvious that you and your father have a type. Where did I go wrong?"

Tariq's parents could be heard inwardly groaning in the background, his grandfather looking at Hannah apologetically as he remained silent as well.

"Jida..." Tariq started with a sigh, "Please, she's the first woman that I've ever brought to meet the family. Surely that must count for something? You haven't even greeted her properly as yet."

Hannah bit the inside of her cheek to refrain from saying anything out of turn. His grandmother was being most rude and she admired the way in which Tariq was calmly handling the situation.

"You're right, where are my manners," Aziza extended her hand towards Hannah, "welcome to my home. I apologise but, as you can imagine, Tariq is the heir to this family and I just want to ensure that the woman he intends to marry is deserving of him."

Reaching out to shake her hand Hannah replied, "I understand."

"Although judging from your empty ring finger it seems that he has not decided as yet." Aziza said as their handshake ended. Clearing her throat, she went on to say, "The youth these days, I mean what kind of woman has sex before marriage!"

"A smart one," Hannah said under her breath.

Tariq pressed his lips together as he tried to stifle a laugh at Hannah's words. He did his absolute best to keep a straight face, his fingers gripping Hannah's appreciatively.

"Mama!" Qasim finally spoke, "What's gotten into you? Why are you trying to scare her off?"

"Oh, you know how she is my love!" Chloe chimed in with a small smile, "It didn't work on me Aziza, I can assure you that it won't work on Hannah. Let them go relax, they've had a long flight. You can intimidate and interrogate them later," she ended jokingly.

Hannah observed the way Chloe spoke with Aziza. Clearly, they had the sort of relationship where Chloe, who was an outsider, was able to speak freely with Tariq's grandmother. Perhaps one day Aziza may grow to like her as well. However, she could not remain quiet any longer.

Speaking up, Hannah said, "With all due respect Mrs Maalouf, your grandson and I do intend to get married. You may not believe it, but we love each other very much," she paused and looked over at Tariq.

So much for her plan of declaring her love in Dubai. She gave him a small smile as his hold on her hand tightened. His hazel eyes were so full of love as he looked at her, the need to pull her into his arms and kiss her was overwhelming.

Continuing, Hannah went on to say, "I am just battling with some emotional demons that I need to get rid of before I accept his proposal. I want to be the best wife that I can be to your grandson, he deserves the best and I don't want to drag any unwanted baggage into our union. I hope that you can understand this and give us your blessing?"

Aziza stood there in slight shock, though a part of her was glad to see that the young woman was standing up for herself and her grandson. It was not that she was a mean woman by any means. But she purposefully liked to size up the people that were introduced to the family.

Being the matriarch, Aziza saw it as her duty to protect the hearts of the young men in her family, as well as their wealth. Similarly, her husband did the same when it came to the men that intended to marry into their family. The elderly man suddenly stepped forward and replied instead of Aziza.

With a smile he said, "Excuse my wife, her bark is worse than her bite. My name is Hafeez, welcome to our home."

With a polite smile Hannah said, "Thank you."

It was at this point that Qasim and Chloe came forward as well and hugged the young couple. Hafeez took the opportunity to pull his wife aside and the elderly couple spoke softly among themselves as they occasionally glanced at Tariq and Hannah.

"I've never seen our grandson look this happy," Aziza whispered to her husband.

Nodding in agreement, Hafeez replied, "One would have to be dead not to see how in love they are. I know that she's not Muslim, but I appreciate the effort she put into her appearance." With a chuckle he added, "It's more than what Chloe wore on her first meeting with us."

"Indeed, to be honest I am surprised at the respect that Hannah has shown," Aziza said approvingly.

Holding his wife's hand Hafeez stated, "You shouldn't be. I had no doubts that our grandson would have chosen a woman that's most suited to him.

Meanwhile, Chloe gushed over Hannah's outfit, "Congratulations to you both! You look so beautiful my dear! Kurtas really suit you! Have you guys set a date for the wedding yet?"

"Mum," Tariq complained, "give Hannah some air. I can assure you when we start planning for the wedding you all will be the first to know."

"Alright, why don't you two go freshen up and relax for a while. We will call you down when dinner is ready," Chloe replied as she held her husband's hand.

Nodding, Tariq excused them from the room and began to lead Hannah up the stairs. They passed a few people along the way, who politely greeted them with a smile and a nod.

"You'll meet everyone at dinner. I'll take you to your room so that you can relax and take a shower," Tariq said as he led her through the large manor.

"My room? We're not staying in the same room?" Hannah asked.

"For Jida Aziza to kill us both?" Tariq nervously chuckled before he added, "No, but that doesn't mean I won't sneak into your room when everyone is asleep."

She could not help but blush slightly in excitement, thinking about him secretly entering into her room later that night.

Stopping in front of an impressive double door, "This is your room," he said as he opened the door for Hannah, to reveal a beautifully decorated suite with an adjoining bathroom.

Tariq then looked left and right down the corridor. Once the hallways were clear, he quickly entered behind her and locked the door before pushing her up against the wall.

"I've been itching to do this since down in the foyer," he grabbed her and kissed her soundly. In between gasps he asked, "Did you mean what you said downstairs, do you really love me?"

A part of Tariq had known that Hannah was in love with him, as her actions had often said as much. The idea had been fortified in Tobago when she had told him that she was beginning to fall for him.

However, there had always been a small doubt in the back of his mind that she would regret their relationship and break things off. When she had declared that they both loved each other in front of his parents and grandparents, Tariq could not help the happiness that he had felt.

"Yes, I love you so much Tariq. I'm sorry that it did not come out the way I intended..." she began to say as he silenced her with another long kiss.

Moaning against her lips, he murmured, "Just like you, it was perfect. The only thing I regret is not being able to make love to you right now." His voice was low as he began to kiss her neck, "Promise to say those words again later tonight, when I'm buried balls deep inside you."

Hannah closed her eyes and moaned at his bold words, "I promise," she arched herself into his body, wanting to feel him inside her.

"I love you Hannah," his voice full of desire.

"Hmmm?" she teased him.

Growling softly, he pushed himself roughly against her, allowing her to feel his hardened length as he waited for her to reply to him. When she remained silent, her eyes twinkling with mischief, he pushed himself against her once more.

"Don't make me repeat myself," he gently bit on the clothed skin of her neck.

Pulling him away from her so that she could look into his eyes, "What if I want you to?"

A slow grin formed on his lips, he cherished her feisty nature, "I love you."

"I love you too," she smiled as she brought her lips back up to his.

————— ▲ —————

That night, Hannah met the rest of Tariq's family; at least those who lived within the large mansion.

Tariq had not been kidding when he had said that there were several family members that were living under the same roof. Hannah had lost count after meeting the sixth cousin and his wife and their children. Unlike her initial entry into their home, where Aziza's response to her had been cold, everyone else welcomed her warmly. By the time they had finished eating dinner, even his grandmother had warmed up to her and Hannah breathed a sigh of relief.

Hannah could not help but feel slightly jealous at the bond that Tariq's family shared with each other. She could not imagine what it was like growing up in a house full of so much love. While her own childhood mansion had been empty and cold, Tariq's was warm and inviting, bursting with family members.

Seeing the look on her face, Tariq's hand slid under the table and grasped Hannah's hand, linking their fingers together. With slow movements, his thumb gently stroked the skin on the back of her hand. The gesture, though simple, filled Hannah with a sense of calm as she felt herself relax.

As the dinner went on, a few of his family members asked her some questions and, after a while, she found herself relaxing even more. By the time dessert was served, Tariq's family had made her feel welcomed; even Jida Aziza expressed her joy and could not wait for the day they would be married. After all, how could she deny her grandson when she could clearly see how in love with Hannah he was.

Once dinner was over, Tariq walked Hannah to her bedroom. Of course, he let himself in and kissed her passionately against the door. They held each other tightly as their lips fought for dominance while moaning into each other's mouths.

After a few moments, a loud knock suddenly came against the door, causing the couple to jump apart. The voice of his mother rang out, amusement laced in her tone.

"I saw you sneak in there Tariq! You two better not be making babies!" Chloe shouted with a laugh.

Having swiftly let go of each other from the unexpected interruption, a soft laugh erupted between Tariq and Hannah as they tried to catch their breath.

"I'll see you later," he whispered against her lips as he left the room.

As promised, later that night when everyone was asleep, Tariq slipped into Hannah's bedroom. Locking her door behind him, he moved quickly towards the bed, throwing his robe off in the process.

The moon bathed the bedroom in its light and Tariq stood naked next to Hannah's bed. Having been waiting for him, she sat up as soon as he entered her room. She was wearing a white sheer chemise, her body slightly trembling with need as she looked up at him.

"I love how your skin looks in the moonlight. It always takes me back to that first night we were together, then again for our second time in Mikayla and Damien's kitchen," he said softly, his eyes slowly roaming over her body.

Hannah bit her lips as Tariq looked at her. She had always loved his eyes, which were a lovely shade of brown, edged with a deep forest green. Occasionally, the two colours seemed to swirl together, like moss creeping over rich soil. When he smiled, the hues seemed to kindle with a warmth that always rendered her speechless.

Pulling him down onto the bed, her hands fisted tightly into his hair. Groaning softly at her touch, his lips immediately found hers. Tariq did not kiss her gently; his lips were bruising and greedy. Hannah always loved his rough kisses. If they were to break up, she knew that she was forever ruined for any other man.

Her mouth attacked his in return with the same intensity and need. They momentarily paused to catch their breaths but, within moments, their lips were back on each other once again as they held each other in a tight embrace.

"As much as I love to hear your moans, you're going to have to be quiet tonight," he said as he kissed along her neck.

His hands bunched the material of her chemise as he pulled it off of her, leaving her naked and exposed to his gaze. Her nipples were tight peaks, begging for his lips. He obliged and lavished her breasts with heated kisses. She arched her back and held on to him as she writhed under his caresses.

"I need you," she whimpered softly.

"Yea? Tell me what I want to hear and I'll give you what you want," he teased her, wanting to hear her say three specific words.

Hannah could not help but moan in frustration, "Why must you always tease me-ah!" she suddenly gasped as she felt his fingers brush against her engorged clit.

"Always so eager for me," Tariq murmured approvingly at the wetness he found.

He continued to touch her, his strokes speeding up, bringing her to the edge of release before slowing back down, frustrating her.

"I love you!" she cried out in defeat.

"Shh, not so loud," he said with a grin as he pinned her hands above his head while settling between her open thighs.

He kissed her softly, then moved his lips to her neck once more. Simultaneously, he rubbed his hardened length against her wet slit, teasing her repeatedly.

"Say it again..." his voice a whispered groan as he slowly eased himself into her.

"Fuck... I love you," she moaned, trying to keep her voice down as she stared into his eyes.

"God you feel so good wrapped around me Hannah," he hissed softly.

Hannah threw her head back as her walls quivered around him. Tariq continued to slowly push his length into her until he was completely buried, the heat of her threatening to consume him.

"One more time," he murmured as his tongue licked the column of her neck.

The hoarseness in his voice caused her to raise her head to look at him once more. She could see that his self-control was slowly slipping as his brows were creased in heavy concentration. As much as Tariq was teasing her, he was torturing himself as well.

"I...love...you..." she replied, with each word, she clenched herself around him.

Cursing under his breath, he groaned as he pulled almost all the way out before slamming back into her, "I love you too!"

Tariq's powerful thrusts continued as Hannah dug her nails into his shoulders. He pounded as forcefully as he could, her body begging for more. His left hand came to cover her mouth, muffling her cries that were increasingly growing louder, each time he slammed forward.

Suddenly, he stopped as her felt her legs begin to shake. Arching her back, her eyes pleading, he resumed his movements, his strokes now slower but just as deep. He watched as Hannah's eyes rolled back into her head as he felt a gush of warm fluid rush around and drip down his shaft.

"So beautiful," he murmured as he removed his hand from her mouth to kiss her deeply.

Hannah was so happy that she decided not to run away from her feelings. To think, she would have allowed what she had with Tariq to not become a reality because of her past hurts. Coupled with the distrust that came with such pain, those things could sabotage one's future.

Tariq had made her realise that not everyone was out to take advantage of her. In fact, he just wanted a true and lasting love, something that she had not realised that she wanted for herself.

Moaning her elation, she kissed him back with just as much passion.

——————————

A/N: The term "As-salamu alaikum" is a common greeting among Muslims, meaning "Peace be with you." It is an Arabic phrase, but Muslims around the world use this greeting regardless of their language background.

The appropriate response to this greeting is "Wa alaikum assalaam" which means "And upon you be peace."

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