Page 37 of Unknown Royal Baby

‘Iknowso. The last few days I’ve been getting snippets of memory back.’ He saw her sit up, alert. ‘When I was in London that week, we had meetings in the conference room of my suite.’

She nodded, her voice eager. ‘You remember our time together?’

In truth what he remembered most clearly were the physical sensations and erotic highs of sexual intimacy. Recalling the tight embrace of her body turned him hard with wanting. Memories of caresses and whispered endearments were a siren song that grew in intensity each day.

Better to focus on what they’d done out of bed.

‘I remember some of it. A couple of interviews. A man named Drucker, wasn’t it?’

Avril sat forward, hands clasped together. ‘That’s right.’

‘You didn’t approve of him.’ Isam smiled. ‘I recall you were quite fluent about his flaws.’

She lifted her shoulders, this time the movement seemed easier. ‘You asked for my opinion.’

‘Which proves I trusted you.’

Isam was more than capable of making up his own mind, so the fact he’d asked for her input was telling.

‘Is that all you remember?’

‘Bits and pieces.’ He still didn’t recall how they’d ended up in bed together, just the delight when they did. Despite Avril’s assurances, he was still uncomfortable, wondering if she’d downplayed his actions and hehadtaken advantage. ‘But enough for today to make sense.’

‘Today? What do you mean?’

‘You remedied a potentially disastrous situation with speed and aplomb. I’m grateful for your intervention.’

The colour in her cheeks deepened and her eyes shone. Avril liked being appreciated. Who didn’t? But she looked as if he’d handed her a prize, complimenting her on her competence.

Isam thought of what she’d revealed about her family. Having been abandoned by those who should have loved her, did she find validation in achievement?

‘Anyone would have done the same.’

He shook his head. ‘Not nearly so well. You made the ladies feel valued and appreciated. You anticipated their needs with genuine consideration. They were full of praise for you. I hear you even exchanged pleasantries in my language. When did you have time to learn that?’

‘I only know basic phrases. I tried to learn a little for Maryam. I wanted her to grow up knowing something of your culture and language.’

Isam was stunned. ‘Even though you thought I’d dumped you?’

Those warm, brown eyes looked away, over his shoulder. ‘Especially because of that. I thought if she couldn’t rely on her father, it would be up to me to help teach her.’

And she’d called their daughter a name that would work both in England and in Zahdar. For a moment he was silent, awed by her generosity, her determination to make their child’s life as rich and meaningful as she could.

‘I’ll help you learn. You can have a tutor, but I’ll help you myself too.’

‘While I’m here.’

He stiffened. Was she signalling she wanted to leave? He’d brought her here to marry her. That hadn’t changed.

Initially he’d been busy sorting through the difficulties of taking her as his bride so he could counter them. All the ways she wouldn’t fit in.

But there were positives. She was kind-hearted but sensible. She was good with people,hispeople. Today she’d held her own with as much assurance as any royal and in trying circumstances, thinking quickly and clearly. No wonder he’d hired her as his PA. She was determined to do her best for their child and he believed, once they were wed, she’d be loyal and supportive.

As for their sex life...he couldn’t imagine anyone more compatible.

HewantedAvril. She had the values and traits he desired in a partner.

And you’ve never felt so enthusiastic about the idea of marrying any other woman.

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