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CHAPTER ONE

I re and abuse from my captors Omar stayed with ht in a larger bed so that he could sleep with ht

“My love, Iafter the nurse had left “I know you said you’ve forgiven me, but I must, if only for myself—if only for my own amends”

He stroked ently traced a thumb across the dark purple bruise on the left side of my face

“I see the darkening bruises and your discomfort, and it tears at my heart My main objective, always, since the first hter, passion and fulfillment I seek to always make you happy What just happened to you, the rief I a to take your pain as my own”

I slowly exhaled through er, “I love you Oed ave hirin at his tortured expression

“And no, I only ed my life in the best of ways Omar You opened my heart to the idea of love—the idea that this kind of powerful love even existed I really didn’t have a clue before you swept me off my feet”

Omar furrowed his brow, “Perhaps it would have been better if I’d left you to your own devices? Perhaps it is better to not know?”

“You’ve got to be kidding me Seriously Omar, would you rather not know? Would you rather not have ever felt e feel for each other?” He quickly shook his head at my stare

“So, it works both ways Yeah, I a and the doctors said there isn’t any perether” I looked down for a brief moment and quietly asked, “Do you have doubts now? About us? I mean…” I looked back up, and a lone tear trailed froht eye, “I an quivering

O chin and assertively shook his head, “Anna! Don’t you even think what you are thinking NO! I want you o You areback You are mine! Is that clear?”

I weekly nodded, I was exhausted, and ainst the pillow and mumbled, “Okay, I just had to make sure I love you Omar”

Oed body closer to his and cradled me in his arms He kissed my neck and then my cheek and I turned to meet his lips It was a short kiss, but full of emotion

“You will sleep now oddess I will not leave you You are safe in my arms Sleep my beautiful queen”

In theat invisible assailants Omar immediately pulled me to his chest, but I was not fully awake and didn’t realize he represented safety All I felt was restrained, and as I ht an in earnest at the sudden jolt of pain