Page 32 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

"I don't think I went into much detail," Shahid said slowly, watching Aliyah for a reaction.

Her brows furrowed. "I'd hope not," she exclaimed.

"Look, Aliyah. Let me explain," he started to say. Shahid took one step toward her, but the look she gave him made him halt.

"What's there to explain, Shahid? You said it all when you left me at my parent's palace yesterday."

Shahid peered at Aliyah. "Remind me of what I said," he ordered.

"You know what you said," she replied. There was hurt in her voice now. He hadn't realized what he'd done the previous day had had such an effect on Aliyah. What was wrong with him, he demanded of himself. Had he totally misjudged Aliyah?

Aliyah sighed heavily. "Apparently, it didn't stop you from going back to your old ways, did it?"

"What are you talking about?" he asked sharply.

Aliyah gazed at Shahid sardonically. "I think you know what I'm talking about, Shahid," she said, a note of defiance in her voice now.

He moved a little closer to her, and this time she didn't give him that look. "Tell me, Aliyah," he said. "What have I done to upset you?"

"I'm not upset, Shahid," she replied. She narrowed her eyes. "What gave you that idea?" she retorted.

Shahid gazed intently at Aliyah. "It's just a feeling," he explained.

Aliyah rolled her eyes, and he saw her jaw tighten impatiently. "You know very well what I'm referring to," she said firmly. She paused and glanced away from him. He could see her features tighten as she obviously tried to control her emotions.

Finally, she looked back to him, her eyes filled with defiance. "Did you enjoy your little night out?" she demanded.

"When?" he asked.

Aliyah groaned. "Last night. When you were out with whoever you were with," Aliyah accused.

Shahid frowned, giving Aliyah the best confused look he could summon up. "I wasn't out last night," he replied.

"But..." he heard her say. He saw her mouth drop open slightly, and saw the surprised look on her face. Right now, he thought he'd never seen a more tempting expression on Aliyah's pretty face. Sensing victory, he added: "I was right here at home the entire night," he explained.

Aliyah's brows furrowed and he saw the momentary confusion in her eyes. She looked at him, a disbelieving expression on her face. "But, Nadyah told me that you said..." Her voice drifted off.

"What?"

"You were here?" she asked.

Shahid nodded. "I had a visitor," he said.

Her features were fixed into an expectant mask. She was desperately trying to control her reactions. He could see that now.

"Who?" she asked, and he could see the hesitation in her eyes, almost as if she really didn't want to know the answer to that question.

"Zarif came over to see me," Shahid said.

"Zarif?" Aliyah ejaculated. "What was he doing here?"

Shahid laughed. "He is my older brother," he said with a grin. "I suppose he is allowed to come visit me." Shahid matched Aliyah's gaze. "Isn't he?" he teased.

Aliyah dragged her gaze away from Shahid. He could see her trying to gather her thoughts, as if he'd caught her off guard.

"What's the matter," he asked. "You don't believe me?"

Aliyah looked at him and shook her head. "It's not that. Of course I believe you," she said.

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