Page 53 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Chapter Nineteen

Aliyah stared at Nadyah. "What's going on?"

Nadyah shrugged. "Beats me," she declared.

"Why don't I believe you?" Aliyah replied lifting a skeptical brow.

"My lips are sealed," Nadyah said, gesturing as if there was a zip on her mouth.

Aliyah saw Shahid standing by the side of the open helicopter door. He was looking straight up at the terrace, a broad smile on his face. What was he expecting her to do? Why had he come to the palace in a helicopter? Was this all for her? Aliyah felt butterflies tumble in her middle as she gazed down at Shahid. When he gestured for her to come to him, those butterflies really started fluttering uncontrollably.

Aliyah glanced sharply at Nadyah.

"I think your ride is waiting," Nadyah said smiling.

"But I'm not ready," Aliyah said sharply glancing down at herself.

Nadyah took Aliyah by the shoulders and gazed into her eyes. "Of course you are. You look beautiful, Aliyah."

Aliyah felt emotion moisten her eyes when she saw the look on Nadyah's face. Had this all been planned? Had Nadyah been in on it? Had that been why she hadn't said anything about Shahid until they'd come out onto the terrace?

"Go to him," Nadyah ordered softly, and Aliyah knew there was no refusing that instruction. She looked down toward Shahid. All she wanted was to be with him, right now. And he was there, waiting for her. There way no way on earth she was going to throw away this opportunity, no matter where it would lead.

Aliyah hugged Nadyah and then raced along the terrace to the stairs which led down to the garden.

Her shoes sank into the soft grass as she walked quickly across the lawn. She saw Shahid smiling at her. He looked amazing, dressed as he was in an elegant dark suit and bow tie. As she got nearer to him, the urge to go faster became irresistible. She started to race toward him, not quite at a running pace, but near enough. She started to laugh, and he opened his arms wide as she closed the distance between them.

Then she was in his arms, and he was hugging her tight, and they were laughing together. She gazed up into his eyes, and he smiled right back at her. He kissed her, and she didn't care if anyone saw them, even though she knew people would probably be watching from the palace.

When their lips parted, he gazed down at her. "You look incredible," he breathed.

Aliyah took a step back, suddenly wanting him to look at her, admire her. "You think so?"

"Absolutely," he growled, his eyes filled to the brim with obvious appreciation.

Aliyah looked behind him at the helicopter. "I didn't know you could fly a helicopter."

"There's plenty you don't know about me, yet," he replied. He glanced at the slowly moving rotor blades. "You want to come for ride?" he asked.

"We've got a wedding to go to," Aliyah answered.

He nodded. "We'll get there, soon enough."

She wondered what that meant. If they flew to Azim's so early surely they would be arriving too early.

Shahid went to the glass door of the helicopter and pulled it open. "Of course, maybe you've got a fear of flying you haven't told me about," he suggested, grinning at her.

Aliyah squinted at him. "I'm not frightened of flying."

He quirked a brow at her. "Really? Want to prove that to me?"

Aliyah nodded emphatically. "I will," she said moving to the door. As she stooped beneath his outstretched arm he gave her another warm appreciative look, as if he was drinking in the sight of her, now that she was so close to him.

She stepped up into the seat next to the pilot's seat. Shahid leaned in and tied the safety belt around her middle. His hands lingered just a fraction longer than was needed. Their eyes met and his head dipped closer, his lips claiming a brief kiss.

Their lips parted, and he closed the door. He went around the helicopter, and got in, taking his seat next to Aliyah.

"You sure you know what you're doing," she teased.

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