Page 13 of The Prince's Seduction

“Stop it. I’m trying to focus on your sister’s speech. You should do the same,” she hissed.

Tariq chuckled but remained silent. A round of applause sounded when Salma came to the end of her oration. She glanced at Clara, who gave her two thumbs up. She beamed and indicated that she was going to mingle with the crowd.

“It seems you are free to go now,” Tariq noted.

“I’m staying here in case she needs help with anything.”

“She is busy socializing. Come, I have not seen you for two days.” He pulled her toward the exit. She scurried along before anyone happened to look in their direction and witness him holding her hand. She huffed in annoyance. He had no qualms about anyone discovering their affair. He led her up the stairs to his private suite. By the time they came to a stop in front of his door, she was out of breath. He yanked her toward him before opening the door and kissed her with fervor. Once they were inside, she pushed at his chest until he finally let her go.

Clara took a steadying breath and squared her shoulders.

“Tariq, we can’t do this anymore.”

He stilled.

“What are you talking about, Clara?”

“This thing between us, whatever it is it has to stop.”

He took a step toward her, causing her to shrink back.

“Like hell it does.” He paused, rubbing a hand across his face. “This is about your fear of getting hurt again, isn’t it? You have to get over your hurt and move on. Have you not had enough time to see that I won’t hurt you?” Brown eyes pleaded with her.

She shook her head.

“It’s only been five months. You are way out of my league, Tariq. It will not be long before you tire of me and move on to the next woman.”

“What kind of a man do you take me for?” He sneered.

She swallowed, “A man who has had many lovers, you said so yourself.”

“You are different, Clara. I will not let you go,” he said softly. The steel conviction in his tone sent a shiver down her spine.

“You have no choice.” She let out a long sigh, “Look, I will be moving out soon. You won’t even have to see me.”

“I said you are not going anywhere,” he growled.

She glared at him.

“The ruler of the world act is not going to fly with me. You can’t make me stay here. I have found an apartment and I will move out in a few weeks. I have already mentioned it to Salma. She was a bit disappointed but she has accepted it, as should you. ”

“I will make a few calls and ensure that you do not get that apartment or any other in this country.”

Clara gasped.

“You are not serious.” She waited for him to tell her that he would do no such thing, but he remained silent. “You wouldn’t dare,” she hissed.

He cupped her chin and brought his face closer to hers, “Just you try me, Clara,” he drawled, his accent more pronounced.

She yanked her chin from between his fingers. “If you even try, I will pack my bags and disappear, I swear it. You don’t own me.”

“Oh, but I do Habibi.”

Clara stomped her foot. “We’ll just see about that.” She whirled around and exited his room, slamming the door for good measure. She stomped down the hallway, her eyes filled with tears. She ran into Salma on her way to her room.

She took in Clara’s face, which was twisted with rage and a touch of fear.

“What is it? What has my brother done?”

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