*Luna*

About an hour and a half after settling in, all of us cleaned ourselves up and got dressed for an evening meal. Amir and I didn't get to see each other much since he prayed for forty-five minutes while Raul and Faisal did the same. Cami fell asleep in the room she is using, and I played with Sarah in our new room, relaxing a little, finally feeling right at home. Liberty came up to my room fifteen minutes ago to inform us about an elegant dinner they have planned for downstairs. So I hopped up and changed into a black cocktail dress that covered most of my scars and bruises. After fixing myself in the mirror one last time, I joined everyone outside. 

A massive dinner of different food groups were spread out onto the patio table. The smell of spicy Indian food, and the scent of juicy, tangy fruits loomed into the air immediately as I stepped through the outside doors. I gazed over the many dishes that were prepared, and saw different types of meat arranged in a row, followed by a row of cheese. A huge bowl filled with salad sat in the middle of the table serving as the centerpiece. I was glad there was a wide selection of food for each of us.

I grabbed a few slices of fruits, meats, and salad, then I glanced over at Sarah's plate, which had several items on it already. Liberty took care of her. I watched as both Amir and Faisal stood in the back, chatting to Raul and Colin in a deep discussion. After settling down in a lounge chair, I began nibbling off my plate. 

I ate more than I ever thought I could and even tried some grilled chicken from Cami's plate. Darren and Sue joined us, and I walked up to her to formally introduce myself. Other than looking exhausted and worn out, she seemed okay, and her appetite proved how hungry she truly was. 

She had long brown hair and looked to be in her early fifties, with a beautiful and kind presence about herself. After she and Darren ended up sitting down in a few lounge chairs, I took a seat beside Amir next to the pool.

Amir spotted me chowing down on a piece of sliced turkey, enjoying it to its fullest. "I see you are eating well. Sarah is too." 

I nodded and almost choked on a piece of strawberry I tossed into my mouth. "It's been so long since I enjoyed food like this. It's not bland or served on a metal plate." 

He narrowed his eyes, and I immediately felt horrible for going there. "I didn't-"

"No. It's all right. Eat. Please." He guzzled down his orange juice, and I noticed a muscle pulsed in his forehead. He hated that I was in there.

Then Amir hopped up and reached for more grapes, apples, and banana slices. He wasn't into eating anything that wasn't a fruit or a vegetable tonight. And all I wanted to do was lick my plate clean. I was savoring each taste. My gaze flicked away, looking at the group as they chatted and argued over who their favorite player in their sport's team was. Then my eyes casually met Faisal's. But he looked away and smiled at Cami while she ate, staring down at her plate. He was happy she was eating well, too. Both our guys were.

I brought my hand over Amir's knee after he settled down, and he gave it a tight squeeze. His head shifted toward mine, a jet black strand falling over his eyebrow. I smiled and tried to relax for him, and it seemed like that was what he needed, because he relaxed. 

I ate more, as much as my stomach could take, because I knew it was making him feel more at ease, and I sat silently, gradually gazing around at everyone, and the yard. It was in this moment that I couldn't wait to officially become Amir's wife one day. The wife of an intelligent, handsome, and beautiful courageous man. Even Sarah was warming up to him and whispered that she wouldn't mind if he was her "papa". I tore up after she said that, because that's what I wanted, and that was what I was receiving. 

"So, if you and Amir get married, will he be like a daddy to me?" Sarah asked me as I was combing her hair. I turned her around and smiled.

"How do you feel about that, my sweet pea?

"Well, he's all right. I love his skin. It's like touching silk. And I love his eyes. They look like beautiful marbles. And I love his personality. Papa has a great personality. He plays with me, and I can sense his devotion to my mommy. He's a good guy."

I felt a tear sliding down my eyelid. "Papa? You want to call him Papa?"

She nodded. "Amir is Papa. You two should definitely get married." Sarah wrapped her arms around my waist and held me tight. "And Mommy? I am team Aluna!" I laughed and held her little body against my chest, not wanting to do anything else. She approved of Amir, and that meant everything to me.

Twenty minutes after dinner, Sarah asked auntie Lib to take her inside and read her a bedtime story. So we all said goodnight to my baby girl, and I hugged her tight, never wanting to let go. She even hugged Amir and held his face with her tiny hands, running her nose against his. It was so precious.

Once everyone was settled around the pool, Amir stretched out, and I sat down beside his legs. The chatter was soft and quiet, not loud, or disturbing so Sarah could sleep. Raul and Mera both sat down on a bench as we chatted about different topics that came up. Decker kept gazing at his phone, but he chimed in whenever someone made a comment he paid attention to. He explained to us that his contacts were keeping him informed about Chase and Dr. Kim's activities. The both of them were now in California, visiting my father. I closed my eyes and exhaled a deep breath. They didn't know where we were, which was a good thing.

I didn't say much while everyone talked, mostly because my attention was on Faisal and Cami. 

There weren't many words to describe those two. Only "adorable" fit them. 

Sharing a lounge chair, Cami stretched out beside him with her cheek nestled under his chin. He continuously ran a hand up and down her back while he murmured several things into her ear. She'd smile and laugh. 

When I turned Amir's way, I watched as he was staring hard at his cousin. A few minutes of silence went by, and he snickered, then smiled down at me. I guess he was still getting used to seeing his cousin be happy with someone.

"Luna?" Amir said, holding my gaze. 

"Yes, prince?" I said, sliding my fingers around the hem of his collar.

"I was just wondering what you wanted to do for tonight." 

"Tonight?" 

His beautiful eyes narrowed into incandescent caramel slits. 

"What do you want to do, Amir?"

"Would you want to sleep in the same room as me?" 

"Mmm. I don't know. That is such a tempting offer. If you're sleeping somewhere else, you could always... visit... me. We have such a fascinating gift." 

"Hmm. Can I now?" 

"Or stay with me for real. I wanted to know your thoughts on the subject first."

"Well, the motel was different, and here we are in a home with a dozen rooms," he said, his voice rumbling in his throat. "But I would absolutely love to be in the same bedroom as you." 

I adjusted in my spot and brought my face close to his, gazing softly into his eyes. "So we are foregoing our individual rooms for a romantic fantasy suite? Like on The Bachelor?" 

He silently laughed. 

"I think I can handle myself. Besides, tonight is not the way I would want our first time to go. I don't have any rose petals, candles, or any other romantic, sappy stuff like that. I didn't bring chocolate or anything esle for you." 

I barked out a laugh. "You're worried about the setting when that means nothing to me. I'm a simple gal. I just want you. I want you like I crave my sweets." 

He leaned forward, running his nose against mine. "My baby loves her sugar."  

I nodded. "Lots of sugar." 

"If you are desiring for some sugar, just let me know. I'll provide it for you." He moved up swiftly and brought his knees on either side of my hips. Wrapping an arm around my waist, he laid his chin on my shoulder as I ran my cheek along with his, daydreaming about our next move. A shiver darted down my spine as I felt his lips brush against my temple. "I love sugar, too," he murmured. 

"I know you do," I mumbled, gazing softly into his eyes. "Would you like a taste of something... sweet?"

"Hmm..." He tugged me back against his chest, and I felt his arms hold me tight. "Always," he whispered, and I looked around as no one was paying attention to another one of our flirtations chats. They were all busy.  

Bliss.

But something kinky popped into my head that involved food-play, and I stayed mute, flushing in between his legs. 

Amir leaned back, tilting his head to the side, and stared up at me. "What's going through your mind, Moon?" 

"It's nothing," I lied, and chewed on the inside of my cheek. 

But he didn't believe me. He caught onto me. "Are you having impure thoughts about us, again?"

"Impure images?" I smiled and laughed. "Possibly." 

Amir's lips brush around my jaw and down my neck as a wave of emotions swept through me. "You don't have to hide your thoughts from me. I'd like to hear you tell me what they're about." 

I closed my eyes and smiled up at the sky. Neither one of us could get enough of each other's dirty mind, and that was alright with me. His fingers toyed with the top of my dress as his other hand lazily brushed my back. 

Only five seconds into almost telling him to take me upstairs and commit every sin there is, Darren and Sue were the first ones to call it a night. They shuffled past us, Sue sending me a small smile and a soft "See you in the morning." Raul and Mera were next, and the both of them darted off in different directions. Night broke and others began heading inside into the rooms they chose to sleep in. Ahmed was the last to walk through the sliding doors, bidding us a sweet "good night." 

Only Amir and I remained in the backyard, staring up at the starry sky. Knowing we were both alone, I crawled into his lap and nestled my head on his shoulder. Every few minutes, I'd feel his soft lips touch my forehead, then my cheek, followed by my chin and my mouth. Each kiss he gave me helped erase another minute at that horrible facility. His kisses had the power to help me move on from my past. Not that I would ever tell him that. I enjoyed feeling my soulmate show me how much I meant to him. And this feeling was the best thing ever. 

We didn't talk much, just stayed quiet and still, not wanting to go down the horrible parts of Memory Lane. We were away from St. Matthew's, and even though I wanted us to feel safe, I knew it wouldn't last long. Our future was unknown. Hunters were searching for us, for people with our abilities to find the science behind what we can do, and it was impossible to think we could stay here forever. We were too close to the hospital, and our powers will slowly fade away unless we rush off to Africa, which Cami has yet to tell us what part of the continent houses the community of TSE's.

Faisal had an antidote for him and Cassie when she arrives, and one for us. But I was reserved on that for now, because I didn't know what it was truly capable of or how he formulated it. I also began thinking about the other Tethered Souls inside that hospital, and those poor children who were treated unfairly. Sure, they had their revenge when we escaped, and they are also defectives, but not a single one of them deserved to be harmed like I was. Not a single one. 

I didn't really know what would happen from here on out, and even thinking about it made my stomach feel fuzzy and my muscles lock up. The next day was never guaranteed, and neither were the next couple of minutes. My breath caught as I sat here, knowing the next minute might not even come. Hunters could come any moment now and take us down. I shook my head, trying not to focus on that. 

Amir's arms tightened around my waist. "Penny for your thoughts?" 

I smirked his way and then bit my lip. "I wasn't thinking about anything sexual, just to clear the air." 

"That's not what I meant, Luna." He ran a hand around the back of my head and gazed softly into my eyes. "I wanted to know what you were thinking. You went silent on me. I'm not used to it." 

I considered not saying anything and just let the night take us a way, but at that moment, I didn't want to chicken out. I needed to woman-up and talk about my fears. I couldn't continue pretending that I had everything under control. It wasn't good for anyone. "Honestly, I'm frightened. More than frightened." 

He tugged me back against his chest and laid his chin back on my shoulder. His facial hair pricked against my skin, which caused me to shiver. He knew I loved that. "You have every reason to be. You'd be insane not to be frightened." 

I closed my eyes, rubbing my forehead with his. "What are you thinking about?" 

Amir chuckled softly, and I heard him gulp. "Me? Oh, you know, just how wonderful Allah is for bringing us together like this." 

"Was that really flowing through your mind?" 

He kissed a sensitive spot on my temple, sending a wave of shivers down my veins. "Yes. Honestly, I am thankful. We are here in this moment. Our daughter is upstairs, and we have friends who are risking everything for us. I am more than grateful. I have you in my life." 

I started getting teary-eyed when he called Sarah his daughter. That was... that was something that tugged my heart. 

Amir stilled, like he seemed to do whenever he saw tears flowing down my eyelids. He squeezed me gently in his embrace. "Sorry," he murmured, rubbing his face against my cheek. "I think of Sarah as my daughter, especially now since she likes me, and I should've thought twice before calling her that. I didn't realize it might make you feel uncomfortable." 

"Uncomfortable? Why would I be uncomfortable about that?" 

"Because... I don't know. Some mothers are uncomfortable when a man says that. We aren't married, but I hope one day we will be. You and Sarah are my girls." 

My heart did a trippy dance as he mentioned the word "married" again. I opened my eyes and smiled his way. 

He started shaking and scooted up. "Luna, when you were in St. Matthew's I was terrified the whole time something would happen to you, and Sarah would never see her mother again. I was scared out of my mind that I'll never be able to hold you or touch you. And when I saw you for the first time, my soul finally relaxed. I saw your beautiful eyes staring into mine, your perfect mouth slightly opening at the realization that I came for you. I was finally in the same room with the person I was paired for, and in that moment, nothing could tear me away. My business in Pakistan could call me and urge me to rush home, but I wouldn't have done it until you were free. That was the only thing on my mind. Seeing you for the first time, I was immediately thankful to God for watching out for me. I couldn't wait to reunite a mother with her daughter." 

"Amir..."

"I've never been more thankful in my life. But I am also mad at myself. It was because of me that you were in there. We first connected to each other, I kept a relationship with you when you had your own relationship going on. I should have stepped aside until you were ready to explore more with me. I was too eager and needy and selfish. That was against my better judgement. I wasn't thinking-"

"Stop," I whispered, wiping tears off my face. 

"I can't, Luna, because now you and Sarah have your identities taken away. Now you both have to be on the run. And I have ruined everyone's lives who are helping us. I could've stepped back and not let Chase see you talking to yourself. You found enjoyment by eating food that wasn't on a metal tray. And your forehead..." His jaw locked, and he shook whatever thoughts he had running through his mind. "I just wished that there was a way to fix this for you. I will fix it. Somehow, I'll do whatever I can to keep you safe. You and Sarah." He took a breath and leaned forward to kiss my cheek. "You'll both have a future to hold on to. I will make sure of it." 

"Amir, what happened to me isn't your-" 

"Some of it is," he said, voice cracking. "It is my fault. Things didn't have to go this way. If only... " 

"Don't! Stop it right now." I turned to face him, my dress catching at the edge of the chair. I placed both of my hands around his cheeks and looked into his eyes. "You didn't do anything. None of this is your fault." 

"Really?" he said in a shattering tone. "I think me leaning down and kissing you the first time was the start of it. Then I continued a relationship with you when somebody else was involved." I sort of giggled when he didn't want to say Chase's name. I almost puked just thinking about him.

"If I remember correctly, I made the first two moves, not you. And it was okay that you kissed me. I allowed our relationship to flourish like this." 

He shook his head, sending long, dark waves over his beautiful eyebrows. "I should've respected you and kept my feelings private. I could've kept you and Sarah safe had I slowed down my feelings for you." 

My heart ached at his confession. "Listen to me, Amir. This isn't your fault. There isn't one thing that I would change about us. Not a damn thing. Okay? Yes, the facility sucked, but I would experience it again if I had to, because we were joined together. There are things that I wouldn't mind changing, but not you—not my valiant Prince who came to his lady's rescue. I love you. You are my world, and my husband. You always were." 

Amir's lips parted on a sharp inhale. "Say that again, please?" 

I leaned forward and whispered, "This isn't your fault." 

He nipped at my lip. "You know what I want to hear." 

Running my nose against his, I pressed a soft kiss at the tip. "I love you." 

"Hmm..." He slid his hands down my arms, one stopping just below my elbow and the other cupping my cheek as his eyes search mine. "You said I'm your husband. Is that how you really feel about me?" 

I nodded. "Definitely." 

"I don't have anything to offer you. I just want you and Sarah to be happy," he pleaded with a shaky breath.

"We will be happy. We are, thanks to all of you," I said, tracing my fingers over the curve of his jaw. "I want to marry you and live a happy life with you." 

His chin lowered, and he pressed his lips to the tips of my eyelids, slowly making his way up to my temple. "You know, I would never try to pressure you." 

My heart fluttered. "You aren't. I want to be Mrs. Luna Khan. That's all I have wanted since you have entered my life. And later on, if it's okay with you, I wouldn't mind you adopting Sarah. She can have your surname." 

"Or she would be 'Malik'." 

I busted out laughing, forgetting about our new identities for a moment. "Malik... it has a nice ring to it. I like it. Blair and Serena Malik."

We both started laughing. "Better yet, Luna and Sarah Khan. That makes me feel giddy inside," he murmured, holding me tight. 

"Mmm. I know other ways to make you feel good," I mumbled, holding his gaze.

He ran his hands to my outer thighs, his long fingers trailing down my dress. "Should we take this elsewhere?" 

"We could." 

"I can touch you and feel you, finally, in person. No interruptions." He trailed soft kisses in a hot line down my throat. "But it's solely up to you." 

"What happened to not putting pressure on me?"

"Oh, yeah, that," he said, chuckling. "We've been skating around this heated tension for months.  I love every part of you, and I know we will get married at some point. I wouldn't mind exploring your body in person for once. The motel wasn't what I had in mind." 

"I know. I cried like a brat in front of you." 

"That is not what I meant. I was talking about before the lights hit the window," he said, shuddering.

"Oh." 

"What would you like to do, though?" 

I thought about all the people inside the house, but then his hands ran around my shoulders, causing my nerves to spiral in my skin. I felt his lips touch mine, and it felt like we just tied the knot and were about to begin our honeymoon. His fingers moved through my hair as our kiss deepened, our breath matching each other's. Rolling me onto him, he dropped a hand onto the top of my rear and gently tugged me forward. Many intimate things could happen out here, but this venue wasn't the right place. Windows and on-lookers were nearby. He then moved us off the chair and stood up, his arms holding my body. 

"I would do anything for you, Moon." Another deep, passionate kiss lit up my veins. "You are so beautiful, Luna." He gazed down at the watch he had around his wrist. "It's after midnight, my love. Happy Birthday."

I smiled as he took us through the side door, into the kitchen. "Happy Birthday, my husband."

***