Location: A rooftop lounge in the Gulf. The call to prayer just ended. The air is thick with spice and secrets. The first time he saw her, she was seated, legs tucked beneath her, fingers wrapped delicately around a glass of mint tea. A black abaya flowed around her like ink, not a patch of skin visible except her hands and a flash of kohl-lined eyes. But her eyes, oh god — they told stories her lips never dared. He leane...

The boat skimmed across the still water like it was afraid to make a sound. Ethan sat beside Lena, but they hadn’t spoken in ten minutes. Not since the dock disappeared behind them. Not since she had removed her sandals and let the breeze play with the hem of her dress like it belonged to someone else now. She looked calm. Too calm. Ahead, the island rose like a secret—lush, quiet, untouched except for one villa nestled h...

I'm Sasha, and I've been happily married to my black husband for five years. We live in Dubai, surrounded by the luxurious amenities of the Gulf region. Compared to all other countries, Dubai has been a great city for both of us to both earn a considerable income and enjoy our lives of freedom. It's been a month since he left for his new appointment in France, and my visa is still being processed. This is another morning...