Page 68 of The Sheikh's Desert Princess

Instead of kissing her, he spoke: "Eva, you are everything to me." His voice was a low, emphatic growl, filled with absolute certainty. Eva felt her heart race even faster. She wanted to turn away from him, but knew, deep down that she couldn't.

Riaz continued. "You and I belong together," he said softly. "You know that is true." His eyes darkened with conviction. "We both felt the truth last night. There is no sense in denying that truth. We are destined to be together."

Suddenly the air felt hot. Breathlessness overtook Eva, and she felt a sudden tightness in her chest. Was this panic she was feeling? The urge to race away from Riaz pulled hard at her.

But that wasn't what she really wanted. Was it? Now that he was here, with her again, the temptation to be by his side was just too strong, simply too powerful.

Just like him.

He was so powerful, so persuasive. Every part of him called to her, drew her closer, in spite of all the rational thought sweeping through her mind. She'd always considered herself hard-headed when it came to this kind of thing. But, she had never encountered a man like Riaz. He was truly unique in every possible way.

His words rang through her mind like sweet music.

"You don't really mean that, Riaz," Eva said evenly, shaking her head.

Riaz was mere inches away from her now. "I mean exactly what I say." His eyes narrowed, intensity flaring in his gaze. "You belong with me, in my life. Destiny has brought us together. And I think you know that."

She could see the emotion flushing his skin, could inhale his masculine scent. There was no doubt or uncertainty in this man, she told herself. He had come after her because he was determined not to lose her.

Was she really going to throw all this away as if it meant nothing? Because, even though it terrified her, she knew that Riaz was like no-one she'd ever known.

Like no-one she would ever know.

Riaz made her feel more alive. With him there was a promise of something unique.

But it was all happening too fast.

"I can't, Riaz," she groaned.

"Can't? Or won't?" he retorted. His gaze was steady, unflinching.

"You know what I told you back there. We hardly know each other," Eva said.

Riaz shook his head emphatically. "Not true. And you know it."

Emotion whirled inside Eva and for a moment she was seized with real panic. She gazed at him imploringly. "What do you expect me to do, Riaz?" Eva moaned. "What do you want from me?"

There was a long pause and Eva felt as if her words hung heavily in the silent air.

Then, with shocking suddenness, Riaz dipped his head forward and claimed her mouth with a passionate kiss. Sensation flared to life in Eva. His lips were firm, persuading her with a force that was new. Eva felt his hands snake through her hair, and she reached up holding onto his shoulder, feeling the sheer power in his body.

Riaz's lips caressed hers, his tongue probing gently. Eva's pulse roared in her ears and she felt her entire being taken over by the sheer pleasure of his kiss.

She felt a familiar completeness sweep over her, the same sensation she'd felt last night when she'd been by his side in his bed.

With a shock, she realized that this sense of connection was something she wanted more than anything else. She craved it. He had uncovered something inside her she hadn'tdared admit to herself.

Now that he was kissing her, now that she was in his arms again, she wasn't sure she ever wanted this feeling to end.

His kiss lingered long and she savored every moment of it. Finally his head leaned away and she saw the sheer satisfaction on his features. There was a smile at the corners of his mouth. He looked victorious. But what exactly did he think he'd won?

"Riaz," Eva gasped. She hesitated and lowered her head.

When she looked up at him again, she saw that he was waiting for her to continue. He looked expectant. Hopeful. Could she dare say what she was tempted to tell him?

"You know I have to go back to my life," she said eventually.

Riaz shook his head sharply. "No. You're life is no more the same as it was than my life is now," he said. "Nothing can be the same anymore."

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