Page 61 of My Arabian Billionaire

“Harper---”

She shook her head, and the sheikh stopped speaking.

“Don’t.”

And his lips tightened.

She found the strength to yank her hand away, only to realize she didn’t have to try so hard, his fingers readily relinquishing itshold---

Ah, God, he was letting her go so easilynow.

And that said everything, didn’tit?

Khalil’s fists clenched against his sides as he saw Harper’s shoulders start to shake. When she raised her eyes to his, he sucked in his breath at the sight of her tear-stained gaze. He started to reach for her, unable to helpit---

She shook her head violently. “No.”

And his arms fell back to his sides.

“Just t-this once,” Harper said tremulously, “I want you to tell it to me s-straight.” The tears fell faster with every word, but even so, the words kept pouring out, needing to be said. “Because you already know, don’t you?” And her voice caught. “You already know I know. D-don’tyou?”

Silence.

And God, that silence said everything.

She fell to her knees.

The sheikh knelt down in front of her. “I’m sorry.” His voice was harsh. “I’m so damn sorry.” It destroyed him to see her so broken, knowing that he was the cause---

But there was nothing to do, his hands tied by the gold bands of his crown.

He started to tell her why he was doing it, but she shook herhead.

“You don’t have to explain.”

And he saw in her eyes that he truly did not haveto.

He saw in her eyes that sheknew –

She knew he loved her. But she also knew he was aking.

“I’m sorry.” Khalil’s voice was hoarse.

A choking sob, the sound telling him that she knew he was sorry…understood why he was doing this…but that it wasn’t enough.

And he could no longer help himself.

Even knowing he had no right to touchher---

He just hadto.

The moment his hands cupped her face, her tears streamed faster.

His lips moved, and so didhers.

The words flowed, silent but heard.

I loveyou.

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