Page 75 of Her Older Sheikh

"Oh, Lei."

The other girl sounds as distressed as I am by the time I'm done, and this makes me feel even shittier...until I hear her next words.

"I wish you had told me all about this before. 93% of our encounters have already been completed, and they were all a success."

Relief pours into me, but wait—-did she say'ninety-freaking-three percent?

"If anything, having one unsuccessful encounter like yours can only make things look more legit. Not that we've cheated or anything, whichwe haven't," Andie takes care to stress. "But it's understandable that some people would be more leery if our success rate is 100%, soifyou really want to back out, just say the word..."

My head is spinning.

I didn't expect it to be this easy to back out, and I should be happy about it.

So why aren't I?

Andie clears her throat. "But on the other hand..."

Phew.

There's the counterargument I need to hear.

"Is it possible you're suddenly having cold feet because of this seriously huge sister complex you have?"

Huh?

What does Io have to do with this?

"You've looked up to Io your entire life," Andie points out, "and all of a sudden this older perfect sister you idolized completely lost her head over Nik...and had her heart so ruthlessly broken after it. Is it possible you're subconsciously worried that you'll end up doing the same? That if someone as perfect as your sister can get her heart broken, then what chances do you have of avoiding it yourself?"

My lips part, but no words come out.

I wish I can say Andie's got it all wrong, but there's this part of me that feels like she's hit the nail on the head. Am I suddenly freaking out because I've realized far too late that Dr. Somebody can be my kryptonite, the way Nik once was for my sister?

"I know you, Lei," Andie says softly. "You wouldn't have stuck this long or made it this far if you haven't developed any feelings—-"

Words fail me, and all I can do is make a blustering sound of protest.

Me?

Really?

How can someone like me have feeling feelings for a guy I've only talked to but haven't met?

Oh, c'mon now!

Andie clears her throat. "Look. You're free to back out if you want, and you won't have to worry about paying any penalties.Butcan I just tell you something as your friend?"

No.

"I haven't seen you happier than you were the past few days, Lei, and if you push through with your encounter, then you'll have the chance tostayhappy, too. Don't you think that's worth taking a risk for?"

Twelve

Adam straightened to his full height as soon as he heard the door slowly open. A girl stepped inside, and he couldn't help sucking his breath as he finally had his first glimpse of Temptation.

Ah.

He hadn't really allowed himself to imagine what she looked like, but what she turned out to be attracted him.

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