Page 9 of Unknown Royal Baby

His eyes rolled back and he gritted his molars at how very good that felt.

Everything about her felt good, which was why he’d broken another of his rules and spent the whole night with her.

Usually Isam slept alone, even after sex. He’d learnt years ago that it helped remind lovers that what they shared was mutual pleasure only, not commitment. He wasn’t ready for a long-term partner, not yet. For when he did, that partner would become his wife. It was what his country expected of him.

Now he’d spent the whole night with a woman. Not any woman but his PA, who, unbelievably, had been a virgin.

What was wrong with men in Britain that no one had tempted her into bed before?

Even as he thought it, he winced at the idea of Avril sharing herself with some other man.

He bent his head a fraction and nuzzled her hair. Last night it had been a revelation when he’d seen it loose for the first time. Thick and long enough to cover her breasts, it was a sensual curtain that only heightened her seductiveness.

He breathed deep, inhaling her honey scent. Not sugary sweet but like the rich dark honey from the mountains of Zahdar, full-flavoured and lusciously addictive.

Addictive is the word. You need to get up now and—

‘Youareawake.’ Her husky, morning voice was a caress, making his erection pulse against her. ‘Oh!’

Was that an ‘oh’ of dismay? Or delight?

Isam lifted his hand from her breast and drew away. Only to have her roll over and fix him with a searching stare.

Desperately he tried not to notice all the delicious curves on display. He swallowed hard and kept his attention on her face. She was flushed, a crease down one cheek from how she’d lain on the pillow, and her hair was rumpled. She looked so delectable he had to curl his hands into fists rather than reach for her. Pain scored his palms.

‘Youdon’twant to have sex with me again?’

Her mouth turned down in a delicious pout.

When had Avril learned to pout? At work she was all professional decorum. The way her lips thrust out was damned near irresistible.

‘I see.’ The pout disappeared and her expression grew sombre. ‘Of course. I wasn’t thinking. It’s time I left so you can—’

He grasped her shoulder as she rolled away, turning her back to face him. ‘Wait.’

It didn’t matter that he’d been telling himself it was time to get up. He didn’t like it when she wouldn’t meet his eyes.

‘It’s okay. I understand. I wasn’t meant to stay so long.’

The fact her words echoed his own thoughts only made him feel worse. Because, whatever this was, Avril wasn’t like any of his previous lovers.

You know what this is. It’s a minefield. A potential disaster. Sleeping with your PA! You’ve never behaved so appallingly.

Yet Isam couldn’t bring himself to regret what he’d done.

That, more than anything, should have raised a red flag. But he was too busy reading Avril’s dull flush and her unhappy expression.

He kept his voice soft. ‘Why do you think that?’

Her mouth turned down. ‘Because you’re a prince. And I’m...’ She paused so long he wondered if she’d continue. ‘Me. Ordinary. Last night was a mistake.’

She reached for the sheet as if to cover herself but he was lying half across it and refused to move, because inexplicably her words fired his anger. She’d merely stated the obvious, but he didn’t like it. Didn’t like her calling herself ordinary. Avril was many things but not that. As for her assuming last night was a mistake...

It didn’t matter that he’d thought the same himself. To hear her label it that was insupportable. He didn’t stop to question why.

‘Do you really think last night was a mistake, Avril?’

Her expression changed. Her jaw set and she met his gaze squarely. ‘No. It was wonderful. The most amazing thing I’ve ever done. But I understand that for you it’s problematic, sleeping with staff. Inconvenient. Maybe even embarrassing.’

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