Page 18 of Her Arabian King

“I’m sorry to hear that. I hope it’s not bad?”

“No, no. Just something to do with her work.” She could feel Howard throwing daggers at her back as he spoke, and Harper knew she had to turn and face the sheikh like protocol demanded – and before her father had a heart attack at her lack of manners.

Taking a deep breath, she turned and lifted her gaze to the sheikh. “Your Majesty.”

“I’m sorry to hear you’ll be leaving us soon.” His tone was gentle, but his dark gaze was not. His eyes promised retribution, and she swallowed hard. Shit. Her body was reacting to his gaze, alright, but instead of shrinking away in fear or bristling in anger, it was foolishly melting, her breasts swelling under the layers of lace and cotton.

Images blazed in her mind, of seeing his head bent over her breast, suckling her nipple—-

Shit. Why was she thinking about that now?

When she looked at the sheikh again, his nostrils had flared, and he was looking at her with eyes that glittered even more brightly now. Oh God. Those eyes told her he knew—-

He knew she was remembering last night, and it had turned her on. It had aroused both of them.

He murmured something softly in Rami to her father, and as her father answered, she used the time to get her body back under her control. Stupid, stupid hormones! Didn’t it know how dangerous it was to get addicted to someone like the sheikh? Crushing on him from afar was one thing. Actually doing something about it was another. A whole hella lot of another, and—-

“If you’re certain it won’t be a bother?” Howard’s careful tone drew Harper back to reality, and she frowned. What were they talking about?

“Of course not. It is on the way.”

“Then I’m sure she’ll be happy to agree.” Howard smiled at her. “Right, Harp?”

“Umm, right.” She still had no idea what they were talking about, but whatever. She just wanted out of here. “So...I guess I can go now?”

“Of course,” Khalil said.

Howard laughed. “I don’t think anyone will stop you this time, since you’ll be flying with the sheikh.”

She was what?

But there was no time to protest, with a limousine already rolling down the driveway within moments, and the chauffeur taking her luggage from her hands to stow it in the compartment. Before she knew it, the sheikh had already tucked her inside the limousine, and they were on the way to the airport.

“What do you think you’re doing?” she shrieked. “I don’t want to fly with you!”

“Then it’s too bad things have already been taken care of, qalifa. You will fly with me. It’s the only way you’ll be cleared to leave my kingdom.”

Harper stared at the sheikh. “Why are you doing this?” she asked finally. “I really don’t get it.” They had known each other for eight weeks in a span of eight years, and yes, he always paid attention to her, but that was it. And it wasn’t like he had been saving himself for her or anything (like she was). He had even been engaged to another girl, and after Sapphire March he had countless lovers – the Beasts article was proof of it.

So why now?

And why her?

Khalil was gazing at her contemplatively. “I suppose now is a good time as any.”

A good time for what, Harper wondered irritably.

“This would no doubt come as a surprise,” the sheikh murmured.

A surprise? What surprise? Her mind went overdrive, and then suddenly it came to her. “You’re seeing someone,” she said flatly.

Khalil blinked. “Eafi?” Excuse me?

“You’re seeing someone, aren’t you? Someone important, and you want me to keep my mouth shut about last night.”

Understanding came in a flash, and the sheikh said immediately, “No.” He shook his head, exasperated. “In the name of Allah, no.”

She could see that he meant it, and a tremor ran over her body. It was...relief, and the realization made Harper bite her lip hard. It wasn’t that she cared if he had a lover or not. Okay? She only cared because it meant she hadn’t hurt anyone. That was all.

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