“Did you do this for me?” he asked as he nibbled the inside of her legs.

“Of course not.” Sara managed to respond. “Why would I?”

The damn woman would not hold still. He might as well use that to his advantage.

Tariq settled between her legs and reached up with one hand. He slid it under her hip and lifted her toward him. Inhaling her scent, he smiled. She still smelled of strawberries. He raised his head so he could watch her face and set about driving her crazy. He ran his free hand up the inside of her legs and across her mound. Her eyes darkened, and her eyelids drooped, heavy with arousal. He dipped his head and slowly licked up her slit.

He could feel her gathering moisture as he nibbled lightly along her lips. Parting them, he licked and sucked every inch of her, top to bottom, teasing around her clit. Watching her, he silently dared her not to look away as he found her opening and slid two fingers inside. She was dripping, velvety smooth, and so very tight. Her inner muscles gripped his fingers.

Twisting them around, he knew he had found the right spot when Sara’s lips parted and she began to pant and buck, driving herself onto his fingers.

“Tariq, more. I need…”

He smiled at her and lowered his mouth to her clit. At long last. Ah, she was delicious. Sara began to rock in time to his sucking, but she soon began bucking as he increased the intensity. Harder, faster, with his mouth and his fingers, still buried in her pussy. As he rubbed harder against her G-spot, Sara screamed and pushed her hips hard against his mouth, her every muscle spasming with her release.

Her orgasm shot through her, and Tariq gentled his ministrations while she bucked and rocked against him. He lapped easily at her opening, slid his fingers out of her sweet, sweet body, and sat up. He caressed her legs and hips with light, massaging strokes until he felt her muscles relax and her breathing ease. As she lay back exhausted, he stood, and after a moment of watching her, he went to the bathroom for a warm washcloth. He cleaned her gently, and when she curled up on her side and seemed close to sleep, he pulled the duvet over her.

“Get some rest,” he said quietly. “You’re mine now, both of you. And I’ll always protect you.” Then he left the room, closing the door behind him.

18

Tariq walked into Amir’s office later that morning to find his brother sitting with Malik. Amir was just picking up the phone and pressing a number. “Adiva, get me Sara’s number please,” he said.

“I need to speak to you about Sara, actually,” Tariq said and pulled out a chair to sit down.

“I know you don’t like her, but I want to check on her. Make sure she’s okay and find out when she will be back at work.”

Tariq sighed heavily. “She will not be back,” he said. Amir put the phone down slowly, looking at his brother. Malik looked lost.

“What is going on? What’s wrong with Sara?” Malik asked. “I was hoping to see her today. I have updates about El-Sultari.”

“She is—”

“Good morning, Amir.” Sara walked into the room, barely sparing a glance for Tariq. “I’m sorry I had to take so much time off. I’m eager to get back to work.”

“What are you doing here?” Tariq asked. This woman was going to be the end of him for certain.

“Coming to work,” Sara replied, smiling sweetly.

“Are you well enough to?” Amir asked.

“No, she isn’t,” Tariq replied.

“I am fine,” Sara said, somehow managing to speak through clenched teeth.

“She is pregnant, not disabled, Tariq,” Amir said. “She’s the best assistant I’ve ever had, and I’m not going to let you use this as a reason to get rid of her.”

“Thank you, Amir,” Sara said.

“You’re pregnant?” Malik asked in shock.

“She is. And I have some authority here since she’s carryingmychild!” Tariq hadn’t meant to say all that.

“What?!” Amir and Malik spat out at the same time.

Sara turned on her heel and walked out. Tariq didn’t even bother to explain the situation to them. He went after her, following her to her office. He shut and locked the door behind him.

“You shouldn’t be here,” Tariq declared. “Did you even eat anything?”