Cupid's Queue

Chapter 20

When they drove through the magnificent gates of the Maalouf residence forty-five minutes later, Hannah could not believe her eyes.

"I mean I know that you're rich, but damn, this place is huge!" she exclaimed as she took in the large, luxurious-looking mansion.

The manor appeared to have four storeys, made of white stone. Large windows were accentuated with beautiful carvings. A few of the elegant glass panes spanned over two floors. The lawns outside were well-maintained and there were a number of stone sculptures spread about the grass.

"I apologise for the over-indulgence. But if it's any consolation, we have many relatives living under this roof," he answered.

She nodded as she fixed the scarf, looking at herself in the mirror, checking her appearance once again. Her pupils were dilated and her cheeks were glowing. Hannah's body hummed in the post-orgasmic bliss that Tariq had given her repeatedly on the drive from the airport.

The euphoric feeling did not do much to appease the butterflies in her stomach. She could not help but feel slightly overwhelmed, knowing that on this trip, she was not just going to meet his parents, but most of his family. Needless to say, Hannah was beyond nervous and she hoped that she would make a good impression. Seeing her slightly anxious expression, Tariq reassuringly squeezed her hand.

"Don't worry, we'll be fine," he said as they exited the car and entered the large manor.

Waiting for them inside the foyer, at the bottom of the double-sided staircase, were Tariq's parents Qasim and Chloe, as well as an elderly couple that Hannah assumed were his grandparents.

They were all dressed modestly, and the elderly woman wore a dark hijab on her head. Hannah noticed that there were a few other people walking about, but they paid them no attention as they went about their way.

"There's my grandson! As-salamu alaikum!" Aziza beamed as she walked past Hannah and hugged Tariq tightly.

"Wa alaikum assalaam Jida Aziza!" Tariq said with a smile while he hugged his grandmother before resuming his hold of Hannah's hand.

Noticing the movement, Aziza said, her voice critical, "So this, is the Hannah that Chloe couldn't stop gushing about," her brown eyes scanned over the couple she added, "I heard that she's a blonde, it's obvious that you and your father have a type. Where did I go wrong?"

Tariq's parents could be heard inwardly groaning in the background, his grandfather looking at Hannah apologetically as he remained silent as well.

"Jida..." Tariq started with a sigh, "Please, she's the first woman that I've ever brought to meet the family. Surely that must count for something? You haven't even greeted her properly as yet."

Hannah bit the inside of her cheek to refrain from saying anything out of turn. His grandmother was being most rude and she admired the way in which Tariq was calmly handling the situation.

"You're right, where are my manners," Aziza extended her hand towards Hannah, "welcome to my home. I apologise but, as you can imagine, Tariq is the heir to this family and I just want to ensure that the woman he intends to marry is deserving of him."

Reaching out to shake her hand Hannah replied, "I understand."

"Although judging from your empty ring finger it seems that he has not decided as yet." Aziza said as their handshake ended. Clearing her throat, she went on to say, "The youth these days, I mean what kind of woman has sex before marriage!"

"A smart one," Hannah said under her breath.

Tariq pressed his lips together as he tried to stifle a laugh at Hannah's words. He did his absolute best to keep a straight face, his fingers gripping Hannah's appreciatively.