Chapter 39: Still

She had to learn to stay still while the priests whipped her or risk having more punishment added. Staying still while Zain touched her with such gentleness and while he gave her such pleasure would be easy compared to those punishments.

She was also curious to see what else he would do, her mind trying to calculate his touches and the reaction of her body. She'd remain still and find out what he'd do next. Zain was like an unexpected gift. As if God had decided that she had been punished enough and now deserved a man who appreciated both her mind and her body.

The reverent way Zain touched her hair was almost like worship. He made her feel female and fragile, and yet her cleverness did not anger him. She swallowed back tears of joy. Never did she think to have that.