Page 51 of Only If You Dare

Chapter Sixteen

The distinguished beachfront hotel, Jumeirah, sat overlooking the Arabian Gulf’s crystal-clear waters. The wavelike structure beamed against the sun’s rays. But as the sun slowly set, a medley of lights lit up around the building, casting the architectural structure in an incandescent glow. Julian and I entered the upscale resort heading to the elevators that took us to the top of the high-rise building. As we ascended, Julian’s words reverberated through me.

Don’t you trust me?

There were many things I trusted about him. I trusted him to keep me safe while we were in Dubai. I trusted that he would keep me caught up on all activities during our stay. I trusted his judgment on all that Dubai had to offer. I trusted he’d be truthful and up front about this photo spread so my report would be polished. But, did I trust him with my heart? I swung my eyes in his direction. He stood next to me with his gaze sending a laser across my skin.

Yes.

Surprisingly enough, I wanted to trust him. I wanted to explore more of this undeniable chemistry we shared. But could I?

No.

I pulled my gaze away from his just as the elevator paused and opened letting on a group of women. The rules of Dubai’s culture must not have appealed to them because they were dressed in pool gear. The women wore skintight bikinis and bathing suits that rode down their backside holding a tight cup against their derrieres that sat almost on full display. I willed myself not to peek at Julian. He was a man after all, and if I caught him staring at the women, I was sure it would cut me just a little. One of the ladies turned toward him.

“Hey gorgeous,” she crooned.

“Good evening,” he responded. Her glance slid to me. “Hi,” she offered.

“Hello,” I sang.

She glanced back to Julian then me again. “Yours?” She asked, questioning if Julian and I were a couple.

I opened my mouth to speak but was swept up as Julian drew me near to nibble on my ear again. I blushed, and a wave of chills covered my skin.

“I guess that answers my question,” the woman said turning back to her friends. The elevator stopped, and the women exited leaving us alone again.

I eased out of his arms. “Are you sure you want to give the impression that we’re an item?”

“Yeah,” he said, “I’m sure.”

My heart rocked, and I looked away steadying the rising hitch of my breathing. There was that lingering question. The one I wanted to ask but didn’t.

“Is that a problem for you?” he inquired.

The elevator stopped again. “This is us, right?” I asked.

“Yes,” he said, “This is us.”

I exited the elevator stepping into the hallway. Julian pulled my hand into his and tangled our arms. We walked side by side to stop at a door at the end of the hall.

“This is you,” Julian said, his eyes casting a caress over my skin.

“Julian,” I said sliding my hand against his face, “you don’t owe me anything because of what happened back on the yacht. I don’t care to play games with you. Pretending to be a couple isn’t necessary.”

“I don’t want to pretend either. It’s not my style.”

I agreed with a nod of my head. “Then we understand each other.”

Julian eased his arm around my waist. “Bella, I have no intention of playing games with you. Not even for a second. I won’t deny that I want you much more than I’ve ever wanted anyone or anything. We agree we’re attracted to each other. We should explore it and see where it leads us. Let me take you to dinner. I feel guilty; I haven’t fed you all day. If you’ll allow it, that is.”

The shaded heat cruising through me was more potent than anything I’d ever felt. “Explore it?” I asked.

“Si Mi Amor…” Julian pulled my hand to his lips and kissed the back of it sending a torch through my veins.

“Um,” I was askance.

“Say yes,” he prodded.

---