Page 26 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Chapter Nine

The next morning Aliyah made sure she took breakfast later than everyone else in the palace, especially her parents. The last thing she wanted was to have to face any awkward questions. So, she slept late. Or, to be more accurate, Aliyah stayed in her room until later that morning, wide awake as she had been for a large portion of the night. Because sleep had been almost impossible, after what had happened with Shahid the day before.

After a late evening phone call, during which Aliyah had avoided talking about Shahid, Nadyah had agreed to come over to the Al Kharif palace this morning.

She was scheduled to arrive early but, before her friend arrived, no doubt intent on grilling Aliyah for as many details as possible, Aliyah had spent the time at the breakfast table doing what she had done all last night in bed.

Trying to understand the craziness of yesterday.

No matter how hard she tried, she couldn't get her head around yesterday's events. Had she really wound up telling Shahid that there was no point in them pursuing a relationship? In the cool light of the early morning sun, it certainly seemed that way. Was that what she'd intended to say?

Aliyah had tossed and turned all night, driven mad by two things. The memory of being with Shahid at the beach, how wonderful it had felt being in his arms.

And the warring emotions which had driven her to push him away.

For the moment, at least.

Because, after thinking about it for most of the long night, she'd come to one conclusion. Despite what she'd told herself yesterday, in spite of every cautious voice in her mind screaming to be careful, she knew Shahid had managed to find a way to get under her skin; get into her heart. She'd known that simple fact yesterday. And today, the more she thought about it, the more it seemed even clear to her.

When Nadyah finally arrived Aliyah resisted her friend's casual attempts at extracting information from Aliyah. Finally, after coffee, they had both agreed to take a walk through the seemingly endless warren of cool palace corridors.

They paced the long hallways arm in arm, just as they'd done as inseparable childhood friends. A part of Aliyah was grateful that Nadyah had come over, even if it meant she'd have to be on her guard. Wandering like this through the palace would be a good way to ensure they wouldn't be overheard by Aliyah's parents.

Life had changed a lot since Aliyah's three brothers had married. For one thing, the palace was a whole lot quieter. That was fine, Aliyah reflected, but there were times when she missed the bustle and noise that three alpha male brothers could create.

Now Aliyah had another problem. Her very own alpha male who seemed intent on wooing and winning her in spite of Aliyah's obvious reluctance, a reluctance Aliyah was still struggling to understand. It was almost as if there was a switch inside her which closed the door on Shahid every time he was close to her.

They made their way along a corridor at the rear of the palace which stretched the entire length of the palace. The doors to the various accommodations were all safely closed. Aliyah was sure they wouldn't be overheard. Their footsteps echoed down the hallway. It felt good to be with Nadyah, just taking the time to reflect on things.

Aliyah chatted with Nadyah, trying to avoid the subject of Shahid, even though she knew it wasn't going to be easy to avoid the subject.

Finally, just as Aliyah had expected, Nadyah made her first move. "You didn't tell me when you got home yesterday," Nadyah said grinning at Aliyah.

Aliyah squinted at her friend, prompting her to continue.

"Was there a detour on that road that I don't know about?" Nadyah added, narrowing her eyes which were bright and mischievous.

Aliyah shrugged. "I told you last night on the phone, Nadyah. Nothing happened."

Nadyah's eyes narrowed, and Aliyah felt as if she was suddenly being cross-examined. "Hah! I knew it," Nadyah exclaimed and laughed. Her voice echoed down the long, white marble corridor.

Aliyah paused and glared at Nadyah. "What do you know?"

"Shahid," Nadyah replied.

"And?" Aliyah prompted.

"I'm not surprised he found a way to spend some time with you."

"You make it sound like he forced me to do something," Aliyah said.

Nadyah shook her head. "I don't think Shahid has to force you to do anything, Aliyah. It seems to me you've already made up your mind."

Aliyah's mouth dropped open in pretend shock. "And what exactly have I made my mind up about?" Aliyah asked.

Nadyah quirked a knowing brow at Aliyah. "Do I have to spell it out?"

Aliyah groaned, the sound of her frustration carrying all the way down the corridor.

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