Page 40 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

CHAPTER TWELVE

Nicole spent most of the afternoon in her room. As she lay on her bed drifting in and out of sleep, she tried to convince herself that the reason she was here, in her suite, was to try and stay cool. Avoid the heat.

But she knew the real reason. Knew the real heat she was trying to avoid. The heat she'd felt when she'd been with Rashid.

What had happened with Rashid during their time together that morning had affected Nicole. Surprising feelings had been triggered.

Because of those feelings, Nicole had to keep her distance from him. It was that simple. She'd seen the way he'd looked at her; seen the approval in his gaze; felt her heart quicken inexplicably in response to those looks.

Nothing but trouble would come if she encouraged him. Nothing but trouble would come if she allowed herself to succumb to his obvious male temptations.

But there was a problem. Nicole had found avoiding looking at Rashid so difficult. He was incredibly handsome, and he had a special quality about him that she'd never seen in any other man. At first, Nicole had found that quality hard to pin down, but she'd given it a lot of thought since taking refuge in her room.

Rashid possessed a strength, mingled with a powerful sense of restrained passion. At every moment he seemed to be holding something back, seemed to be trying to contain a forceful desire which threatened to burst forth from him.

At the same time she'd discerned what looked like a barely hidden pain, a wound which hadn't healed, even in the solitude of his palace life. She could see struggle hovering behind that fierce gaze of his. Was it simply because she was here with him? Or was it something else? Something he hadn't yet confessed to Nicole? Could it even be that she had triggered a long, subdued desire in him?

One thing she knew for sure. Rashid liked her. Nicole knew she had a tendency to act impulsively.Being fooled by Hakim hadn't been the smartest thing she'd ever done. But, she also knew when a man was attracted to her. And Rashid was most definitely attracted to Nicole.

As she lay on the bed, with the cool air of the overhead fan caressing her body, Nicole let her mind wander to thoughts about the man who had both saved her and now had her captive.

It wasn't really true that she was Rashid's captive. She knew that if she really asked him, he would ensure her safe return to Qazhar city. Even if it meant serious consequences for him, up here amongst the people with whom he lived all year round.

Nicole and Rashid's agreement was based on mutual need. Her need to see Hakim lose out, and her desire to help Rashid because he had come to her rescue. For Rashid, there was obviously so much more involved. He and Hakim were clearly enemies.

Rashid was obviously intent on making a firm statement about the need for progress in this part of the country. It seemed like a noble desire, and one that fit in completely with what she'd learned about Rashid.

He was clearly a man of honor. She couldn't pretend to fully understand what was driving him, but she'd seen hintsthis morning when they'd shared details about their lives.

Their agreement for Nicole to remain in the palace was based on convenience. In the end, it would suit both of them. But, in the process, this proximity to such a devastatingly tempting man was starting to awaken feelings in Nicole.

Nicole stretched out on the bed and felt subtle tensions stirring within her, as she thought about Rashid. She'd felt those same sensations this morning. Trying to prevent him from noticing hadn't been easy.

She knew there was one crucial aspect to her stay in the palace. An important element. One that she hadn't anticipated when he had swept her out of the camp in the middle of the night.

It was simply this.

Nicole found Sheikh Rashid almost unbearably attractive.

Nicole's body had betrayed her on more than one occasion this morning. She knew that. Nicole had seen the approving glint in Rashid's eyes; she'd noticed the awkward way he'd reacted when she had met his gaze; she'd caught him watching her in the garden when she'd opened her eyes after taking the sun for a few moments.

It all added up to one inescapable conclusion.

Sheikh Rashid wanted Nicole.

The reality of that simple thought shocked her for a moment. Nicole felt panic twist in her middle. Nicole let out a groan, flipped over onto her side and thrust the pillow against her cheek, almost burying her face in the softness.

This wasn't going to end well, she told herself.

It was obvious what had happened this morning. They'd spent the whole time flirting with each other. It was that simple.

Nicole punched the pillow. Why did she have to always go and get herself into situations like this? Why couldn't she be like her sisters?

Sensible.

Then she remembered the mess Erin had gotten herself into. Her sister had agreed to a marriage of convenience for reasons too complicated to understand, as far as Nicole was concerned.

Nicole knew she was never very good at politics. Which was funny considering her mother was an ambassador.

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