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Valeria’s face morphed into understanding as she smiled in her direction, not looking straight at her, which made Zara frown.
Zara’s eyes gleamed with mischief and scoffed, “Friend, myass—”
“Zara,” I warned her.
She poked her tongue out in return, which was pierced with a metal barbell. I did not want to know what my sister had been up to or the reason for her piercing. I trusted her to take care of herself.
“It’s so great to finally meet you, Valeria! Khalid has told me so much about you, but he must have forgotten to mention how pretty you are,” Zara gushed, smiling at her and carefully hugging her so that she wouldn’t shock her with a sudden touch.
My cheekbones slashed with color. I scratched my neck when my sister and my lover started bonding instantly. Seeing her with my family made my heart swell. I wondered what would it be like if they accepted Valeria as their own family. She could be a part of my family… if she wanted.
Only if I was brave enough to admit my feelings towards her.
I swallowed the lump in my throat, wanting the images of a potentially brighter future with Valeria to vanish from my head.
“You have changed, my son.” My grandma’s warm hand patted my arm. “You look happier. Relaxed. I haven’t seen you smile like that in ages.”
“What do you mean?”
She nodded at the two women, who were grinning and chatting animatedly. They were acting as if they were long-lost friends.
“I approve of her.”
“Zara?” I stalled.
“Ow!” My grandma pinched my cheek as if I was eight again.
“You know what I mean, and you are man enough to know what’s good for you. Don’t break her heart, and if you do, remember that I will only have one grandson and one granddaughter. I will replace you with Zayed,” she warned me, walking away with a raised chin, her maid cautiously walking beside her.
I rubbed my cheek and gazed at Valeria, hating the idea of ever causing any pain or hurt to her. I wouldn’t be able to live with myself if I did.