Page 39 of His Impossible Heir

Chapter 12

“I have to go,” she whispered, the watery sunshine filtering through the filmy curtains of his bedroom.

The bed was a rumpled mess and the pillows had vanished several hours ago.

“I know,” Daniesh replied, stroking a hand down her back. “What time is your flight?”

“Four hours from now.” Amanda blinked back the tears, wishing more than anything that she could stay with him forever. But Daniesh hadn’t talked about anything beyond today. Beyond her flight home. They’d made love for hours, neither willing to sleep since they both knew that their time together was coming to a close.

“I should shower and get dressed.”

She felt his arms tighten around her and closed her eyes, trying to stop the tears. Her heart was breaking at the thought of never seeing Daniesh again.

“Will you start a new story when you get home?” he asked.

If ever a question was designed to tell her that this romantic liaison was over, that was it.

“No. I have to finish the one I’ve been working on,” she told him, thinking about the laptop sitting in her suitcase. The detectives had come yesterday to return her laptop, suitcase, and cell phone.

And in a few hours, she’d return home. Everything would be back to normal.

Her life was back on track.

But…was it,really?

Amanda wasn’t so sure. She sat up, holding the sheet over her naked breasts. Even that was odd. Ever since she’d been free, Daniesh hadn’t allowed any inhibitions. They’d gone from the bed to the shower and then back to the bed, only pausing for food so they’d have the strength to make love again.

There were certain parts of Amanda’s body that were sore, but if he pulled her into his arms for another round, she wouldn’t resist. She…loved him. Adored him with all her heart. Walking into the bathroom, she turned the shower on, then stood there, watching the stream of water tumble to the marble floor. It took all of her energy to soap her body and wash her hair. When she stepped out of the shower, she wrapped herself in a towel, then came out to the bedroom to get dressed. Her suitcase had been delivered to the other bedroom, the one she’d slept in originally.

“I’m coming to the airport with you,” he told her.

She didn’t bother to look at what she grabbed. She simply pulled on clean underwear, grabbed a pair of black leggings, and one of the oversized sweatshirts she’d packed for comfort. When she was finally dressed, her wet hair pulled on top of her head, Amanda turned, finding Daniesh standing in the doorway. He’d showered as well, and was wearing a casual pair of jeans and a soft sweater that was probably cashmere. The material hugged his broad shoulders, revealing the definition of his biceps, reminding her of all the moments she’d held onto him over the past several days.

Biting back the sob that threatened to rip her heart out of her chest, she took a slow, deep breath, and shook her head. “I appreciate the sentiment, but…” she stopped, taking another breath and looking down at her feet. “I should just catch a taxi to the airport.”

Emma had called yesterday, asking if she had a ride. Amanda had told her she had everything taken care of.

“You won’t even let me see you off?” he snarled, stepping further into the room and pacing the thick, white carpet.

She turned, stuffing the clothes into her suitcase. “It would be easier.”

“You don’tdoeasier, Amanda!”

She stiffened, angry now. “What does that mean?” she demanded.

He turned, glaring at her, then spun around. “Nothing.” And a moment later, he stomped towards the door. But before he walked out, he braced his hands on the doorframe and sighed heavily. “Will you…at least…text me when you get home safely?”

She turned, unconsciously clutching a sweater to her chest.

“I will,” she replied, holding her breath.

Daniesh stared at her for a long moment and Amanda prayed he would ask her to stay. She would! It would devastate her to stay longer, but if it gave her a few more hours with him, she’d do it! She’d do anything for a little more time with him!

But he didn’t ask. As she watched, a muscle clenched in his jaw, but he remained silent. Finally, he left the bedroom.

It took every particle of self-discipline to keep herself together. She wasn’t sure how she did it, but she stuffed all of her clothes, the old and the new, into her suitcase. Then she grabbed the strap to her laptop case, her purse, and her suitcase, dragging everything with her as she made her way down the stairs.

It was the most painful moment of her life.

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