Page 23 of The Sheik's Pretend Fiancee
He looked around, ignoring the sunshine that was pounding down over his head. Where would his mind be right now if he’d actually been able to kiss her again? Would he still be…hell, Tiro acknowledged that his cock ruled his decisions. He wanted Angela and he didn’t actually give a damn if he made love to her here or in his country.He didn’t care even a little!
Granted, he didn’t want to disrespect Khal. Or his brothers. Hell, the fact that Zayn, a man who was Tiro’s junior by a few years, was willing to take him on…in a freaking formal sitting room…simply because of a damn kiss in a different country, a kiss that never should have been…spoke volumes for the man’s integrity. The ass wanted to protect Angela’s honor, even though the premise was outdated.
Or was it? Didn’tTiro consider his honor to be something worth protecting? Yes, definitely. So why would a woman’s honor be any less important. Of course, Angela’s honor shouldn’t be tied up in her sexuality. Her honor should be a reflection of her actions.
And her actions were profound! She was a brilliant andwell-respected diplomat.
Tiro wasn’t sure where his mental gymnastics were leading him. Looking around, he wasn’t sure where his feet were leading him either. Where the hell was he?
He’d been walking toward…whatever…while he contemplated honor. This was a subject that hadn’t ever entered his conscious thoughtsuntil that damn video!
He headed toward the private suite that he’d been assigned to for the duration of his stay. He washed up and changed into a pair of slacks and a white dress shirt. He contemplated adding a tie, but hated the things. They felt like a noose and he only wore them when absolutely necessary.
Annoyed by how his thoughts had meandered over the past hour or more, he stepped out of the suite and looked around. “Any idea what’s next on the agenda?” he asked of the guards surrounding him. Aziz wasn’t in the group at the moment. The guards rotated responsibilities every few hours to keep everyone sharp and alert.
Someone stepped out of the shadows, a clipboard pressed against his chest. “Your Highness, Princess Angela is awaiting your presence in the family dining room for lunch.”
For the next two hours, Tiro was surrounded by Angela’s family. They were a big, boisterous, and affectionate family. It was unexpected, since Tiro considered most of his family members to be enemies. He had several uncles who had been banished from Ginisia due to their efforts to overthrow his government.
It was odd to be surrounded by people who only wanted the best for one another.
“No!” someone exclaimed several seats down from him at the table. “Don’t you dare tell him about that!”
Angela, seated across from him, frowned at one of her aunts. She’d been about to take a bite of a melon ball. “What?” she asked, lowering her fork to the plate.
Tiro watched her carefully, fascinated by the expressions flitting over her face in quick succession.
“One word,” her Aunt Tila giggled.
“No!” Angela hissed. She glanced at Tiro, then back to her aunt, her creamy cheeks turning a becoming shade of pink. “He doesn’t need to know about that!”
Another woman, he thought her name was Tasha, was failing at her feeble attempts to hide her hilarity. “Oh, hehasto know!”
“Know what?” he prompted again.
The whole table was paying attention now, everyone grinning playfully.
“You might as well tell him,” Rafi prompted Angela, throwing his arm over the back of her chair as he leaned in. He was talking to Angela, but looking at Tiro.
“Tell me,” he urged, fascinated by the color of her cheeks.
“One word,” Tasha blurted out. “Fiona!”
At that, everyone around the table burst out laughing, except for Angela and himself. He watched her carefully. He noticed that her hands were under the table and she couldn’t meet his eyes.
For some reason, he didn’t want her to be embarrassed. As much as he wanted to hear this story, he didn’t want to know anything at the expense of her self-confidence.
So, instead of letting her deal with everyone at the table mocking her, he stood up, placing his napkin over his plate. He didn’t care that the meal was only halfway through.
As soon as he stood, the laughter dimmed. It didn’t go away, but the hilarity wasn’t as loud. He walked around the table, all eyes following him. But Tiro ignored everyone as he stepped behind Angela’s chair. “Could I have a private word with you?” he asked, taking her hand so that he could gently help her to her feet. He led her out of the dining area and into the first vacant room he found.
When they were finally alone, he looked into her eyes, bending down slightly because she had her head bowed.
“Are you okay?” he asked, genuinely concerned.
“I’m fine,” she replied, lacing her fingers in front of her. “But I appreciate you getting me out of there. I adore my family, but they can be a bit…overwhelming at times.”
“Especially when they’re revealing childhood secrets, I suppose.”He leaned forward, kissing her forehead. She felt good.Soft and sweet and…all woman!
