Page 14 of Warming the Sheikh's Bed & Love in the Fast Lane

Layth’s body surged with adrenalin and desire. He had the advantage. He’d surprised her.

“Are you ready?”

“Ready?” She was eating him with her eyes. Staring at him as though she hadn’t eaten in a month and he was a buffet of sweets.

“You are coming with me.”

“I am?” She looked over her shoulder but Blondie was staring forlornly into his scotch. He seemed to barely realise Cassie was there anymore. “What makes you so sure?”

The look he gave her was pure sizzling challenge. “Let me put it another way. I am walking out that door now. With or without you. It is your choice.”

Cassie stared at him, her shock and uncertainty unpalatable in her mouth. She didn’t like the way he made her feel. Her cheeks flushed. Except sexually. Sexually he made her feel very good. But conversationally, she was forever wrong-footed. He wanted her, but he wanted her to acknowledge her own dependence too. He was only willing to put himself out on the limb so far.

Cassie recognised the self-preservation technique because she herself had employed similar on many occasions. She retained the upper hand in every relationship in her life. Except with Melinda. Her friendship with Mel was the only ‘real’ interaction she had.

“Fine.” She shrugged, hoping she came across as nonchalant. “Have a good night.”

She turned back to the bar, her insides quivering with dashed hope. No matter how great he was in bed – or out of it, as it had been with them – no man was worth being made to feel insecure over.

He was still there. As with the night in his apartment, she could feel his presence. She spun around, preparing to confront him.

But he was gone.

Her body lurched painfully; acid formed in the pit of her belly.

She’d been wrong. Layth Sati had walked out of the bar and out of her life.

She closed her eyes on the wave of complete disappointment. Pride cometh before a fall. Wasn’t that the expression? Well, she’d certainly let pride rule her behaviour. And while she might be gratified in time, in that moment, she was riddled with regret.

“I think I’m done.” It was Colin. Quiet now. Subdued.

“Me too.” She grimaced up at him. “Shall we head out?”

He nodded. Neither had any intention of going further than the street together.

“Do you need to say goodbye?” She nodded towards his friends.

“Nah,” he grinned, but it was wistful. “They’ll think I’ve picked you up. They’ll be happy with that.”

“Glad I could be of service.” They stepped out of the bar together, Cassie with her hands linked in front of her.

“I’m glad I met you.” His eyes linked with hers. “Another time, another place, I’d probably have tried my luck with you for real.”

She shrugged. “Another time, another place, I might have said yes.”

“Can I get you a cab?”

She scanned the road. “I’m okay. I might walk a bit.”

“Walk? It’s late.”

“So?” She shrugged. “I like to live on the wild side.”

He looked at her dubiously, but the set of her features convinced him she wasn’t likely to easily change her mind. “I’ll walk with you.”

“Ah.” She clutched her hands to her chest in an exaggerated gesture of gallantry. “A true gentleman.”

“I try,” he murmured.

---