Page 6 of The Prince's Seduction

“Thank you for your compassion.”

He flashed a boyish grin that caused her stomach to do back flips.

“I didn’t realize anyone had noticed.”

“Oh, I definitely noticed,” anger flashed in his eyes, but disappeared as quickly as it had arrived. “I have noticed everything about you since you arrived, Clara McKellar.”

His dark gaze roamed her face. She swallowed hard in an attempt to moisten her suddenly parched throat. Thankfully he saved her from having to comment. With a smirk, he said,

“Well since we are here in the garden I might as well really give you a tour.” Clara looked around, just realizing that they stood in the middle of a breathtaking garden. She hadn't noticed, as he had completely occupied her attention.

“Wow, this is so lovely,” she breathed.

“Lovely indeed,” he whispered. She turned to discover him looking at her. She flushed, sure that she was red from head to toe. He held out his hand.

“Come.”

She eyed his outstretched hand warily before placing hers in it. They walked along a cobblestone path lined with small bulbs, deeper into the midst of impressive arrangements of flowers and neatly trimmed topiary. Glancing down at their hands, she shook her head slightly. What in the world was she doing walking in a garden with her hand intertwined with a Sheikh’s? Tariq led her up the steps of a gazebo. She studied the area, realizing that they were completely obscured from the view of the palace.

“This has got to be the most magical and grand garden I have ever seen, Your Highness- er Tariq,” she quickly corrected, when he gave her a pointed look. “I could stay out here all night.

“I am glad you like it,” he said, pleased.

Unable to control himself any longer, Tariq snaked a hand out to pull her to him, catching her off guard. She shrieked as she came up against his chest.

“Tariq, what are you doing?” She gasped.

“Something that I have been dying to do since I met you.”

His lips captured hers before she could protest. Clara stiffened in his arms but instantly melted into him when his lips moved gently over hers. Flames ignited inside of her. The blood seemed to rush through her veins straight to her head, causing her to feel lightheaded. It was as if she was floating. She had wanted to kiss him when she first met him as well. She tilted hear head back to allow him better access to her mouth.

Ceasing the opportunity, Tariq deepened the kiss, his tongue sliding between her lips. Clara let out a soft moan. Her knees would have buckled beneath her if not for his strong hands spanning her hips, holding her up. His mouth against hers felt like the most natural thing in the world, which scared her to death.

Feeling overwhelmed, she pushed against his chest. She couldn’t do it. She wouldn’t. He didn’t notice the slight movement, at first, too caught up in the heady feeling of her body pressed against his. Clara pushed harder until he reluctantly lifted his head. She stumbled backward. Noticing her horrified expression, he frowned.

“Clara, what’s the matter?”

“I-I can’t do this.”

“You can’t deny that you wanted that kiss, Clara.” He reached for her, but she evaded his grasp. His jaw clenched at her reaction. He put both hands in the air in surrender. “I’m sorry, but I am finding it difficult to keep my hands off of you.”

Of course, I wanted the kiss and I want much more, Clara thought. But she simply could not risk the damage of her fragile heart right now. “Whatever this is between us can go no further.”

Tariq huffed in frustration, “Why not? What are you afraid of?”

“I’m afraid of getting hurt again,” she blurted out.

“What do you mean again?”

“I really don’t want to get into that right now.”

Tariq looked ready to argue, but the pleading look in her eyes had him relenting.

“Fine, but you will open up to me soon, in every way,” he drawled.

Clara picked up on his double meaning. She gulped, fearing that he was right. He probably would wear her down eventually.

“You should return to your guests,” she told him before turning away and scurrying off.

Tariq was left alone, stunned by Clara’s reaction. He sulked. It was not a reaction he had expected from her nor was it a reaction he got from women. They always fell into his arms and his bed willingly. His lips curled into a smile. He would give Clara a bit of time, but he would have her where he wanted her in due time.

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