Page 12 of The Prince's Seduction

Chapter Six

“I do not know why I’m so nervous,” Salma expressed, pulling at her gown. Clara was surprised to witness the usually poised and confident Princess in such an anxious state.

She reached out to still Salma’s hand.

“Stop pulling at your dress you look amazing and you will do exceptional tonight.”

“What if my speech is not captivating enough?”

Clara rolled her eyes and snorted.

“Your speech is perfect. You made me read it over a million times, remember?”

Clara smiled. She and Salma had become great friends over the past five months. They worked together in perfect unison and have even taken to going out together.

Salma snickered, not in the least bit guilty.

“If my brother was not so busy, I would have tormented him instead of you, I swear.”

Clara’s heart fluttered at the mention of Tariq. They had spent a lot of time together as well. She had taken to spending passionate nights in his bed whenever he was home.

“Is he coming to the charity even tonight?”

“Yes, he promised me he would be here. He should be back by now.”

“Oh, that’s nice,” Clara said, feigning indifference. So she would be seeing Tariq tonight. Her fingers caressed the diamond bracelet adorning her wrist. He had given it to her two weeks ago after another romantic night together. She had refused to take the very expensive piece of gift at first, but he had worn her down after two days and she finally allowed him to put it around her wrist. She was surprised Salma hadn’t asked her about the bracelet. But, Clara suspected she knew and was just too polite to mention it.

“Well we should get to the ballroom, guests will be arriving soon,” Salma said.

“Yes, let’s go.” Clara’s mind strayed back to Tariq. She anticipated seeing him tonight, although they have only been apart for two days. Why was it getting more difficult to get through days without seeing him? Her steps faltered when the realization hit her. She was in love with him. She let out a low distressed moan.

“Are you alright?” Salma asked, stopping to look back at her.

“Uh, yes I’m fine,” she lied.

How could she have allowed herself to do the one thing she said she wouldn’t do? She was supposed to avoid falling for him at all cost. But she foolishly thought she could have a fling without developing deep feelings. She had to save herself by ending their relationship. She was convinced that is what she had to do to save herself from the heartbreak she knew Tariq would deliver eventually.

*****

“She is doing an amazing job, is she not?” Clara’s breath snagged in her throat when the voiced sounded behind her. She didn’t turn around. Tariq was close enough for her the feel the heat radiating from his body.

She returned her attention to Salma, who was giving her speech from the podium.

“She is doing an awesome job.”

“I am very proud of her,” Tariq said.

“So am I.”

He leaned forward.

“I realize that the both of you have become very close. Has she found out about us?”

“She hasn’t said anything to me.”

“I suspect she does, but I don’t care. You look delectable, by the way, Clara. I cannot wait to watch this lovely dress fall from your body later.”

Heat rose up to consume her. She flushed instantly and glanced around the crowded ballroom of the palace to make sure no one was taking notice of their exchange.

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