Bitter Almonds (38 page)

‘I know the basics. Huda explained things.'

He groaned. ‘Huda? Didn't your mother say anything? Fatimah?'

‘Mama tried, I was too embarrassed, so I told her I already had the talk with Huda. And Fatimah? She said you would know what to do and I shouldn't worry.'

He studied their clasped hands in his lap. The skin showing from his open collar glistened with sweat and his chest heaved with every breath. His leg next to hers pumped up and down. Was he impatient? Irritated by her ignorance? Or could he be plain nervous? Perhaps Fatimah was wrong, and now he expected
her
to do something.

She squeezed his hand. ‘Omar?'

Lifting his gaze, he swept her with those darkened irises, exquisite and all-consuming, speaking a language she couldn't quite grasp. He kissed her naked shoulder. ‘There's nothing to worry about.'

‘It isn't going the way it should. Not like Huda explained.'

‘What the hell did Huda say?'

She pulled her shambled dress tighter. ‘She said it would be quick. Look at me.' She bit her lower lip. ‘I'm half naked and you have not even taken off your shoes.'

He cleared his throat and stood before her. Stepping out of his shoes, he took off his shirt and slid out his belt. His fingers lingered over his fly zipper. ‘Would you like me to go on?'

She shook her head in denial, but didn't look away, either. Audacious or brazen, she didn't care what Huda thought of her. His tight body was too beautiful not to openly admire. The muscles under his shimmering skin rippled like waves breaking on the shore. ‘You are shaking?'

‘I ache for you, Nadia.' He closed the distance. ‘I want you to be mine.' His voice poured like liquid chocolate, like hot syrup blanketing all in its way.

‘Huda said it would be painful. I didn't think it would be painful for you too.'

He cradled her face in his palms and dipped his head. ‘I can't promise it will not be painful at first, but I can promise you this.' He held her mouth captive in his for a long kiss. ‘I will do my best not to be quick.'

She didn't know what that meant.

He took his time explaining.

Acknowledgments

I owe one person my utmost gratitude and respect: my late father, Hasan Taha. I had written this story under his guidance and with his encouragement, engaging him as much as possible on a daily basis, absorbing his thoughts, memories, and the feelings he experienced growing up during the timespan of the book's events. I had hoped he would see how it turned out, but he passed away two months before I signed the publishing contract. My father was the reason I started on this path, and remains the constant power under my wings. I only hope I made him proud.

I have relied on the unconditional love and support of my affectionate mother, Nawal Abu Quara, whom I could never thank enough for all that I am, and ever will be. Her involvement and consistent belief that I would get this story out never wavered. She made me believe in my writing abilities when I suffered serious doubts at times.

I am deeply grateful to my husband, Saad Saleh, who stood by me during all the emotional and time-consuming stages I went through while writing this book. On the road to visit our kids in college, driving back and forth from Houston to Austin too many times to count, he patiently listened to me read out loud chapter by chapter as I developed the story. His feedback was extremely valuable, and his suggestion for the title was the icing on the cake.

My appreciation goes out to my lovely kids, Leila Saleh and Bassel Saleh, who tolerated my absentmindedness and preoccupation with imaginary people on paper. My children's constant smiles and warm
embraces helped me get through the complicated process of writing this story, showing me patience and maturity beyond their years.

I am thankful to my brother, Bassel Taha, for his love and cheerful attitude that keep propelling me forward.

I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the Head of English Publishing at Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing, Thalia Suzuma. From the instant she acquired my manuscript, to the instant it came out, as the book it is, she has been extremely and expertly supportive, seeing with a sharp eye angles and plot threads and suggesting improvements wherever needed. My thanks also go out to the editing team, specifically copy editor Michelle Wallin, and the team of cover artists at BQFP, who worked hard to produce the final book with its jacket.

The following persons have been instrumental with their backing, help, and encouragement: Sana Dabbagh, Manal Broeckelmann, Roger Paulding, Sharon Dotson, Barbara Andrews, Luke Chauvin, Joe Night, Sandra M. DiGiovanni, Paula Porter, Bob Gregory, Louis Allen Epstein, Julian Kindred, Carol Swiantek and Alexandra Chasse.

Bloomsbury Qatar Foundation Publishing

P O Box 5825

Doha, Qatar

www.bqfp.com.qa

BLOOMSBURY and the Diana logo are trademarks of Bloomsbury Publishing Plc

First published 2015

© Lilas Taha, 2015

Lilas Taha has asserted her right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act, 1988, to be identified as Author of this work.

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage or retrieval system, without prior permission in writing from the publishers.

No responsibility for loss caused to any individual or organization acting on or refraining from action as a result of the material in this publication can be accepted by Bloomsbury or the author.

British Library Cataloguing-in-Publication Data

A catalogue record for this book is available from the British Library.

ISBN: HB: 978-9-9271-1800-5

         TPB: 978-9-9271-1804-3

      eBook: 978-9-9271-1801-2

           PB: 978-9-9271-1819-7

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