Page 9 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

"What's so bad about that?" he said an edge of pride in his voice.

"Nothing, I suppose," she replied. "It's just that you seemed to do it every time I was around."

Shahid's brows furrowed, but there was still good humor flickering in his eyes. "What are you trying to say, Aliyah?"

"Nothing. It's just something Nadyah told me."

Shahid looked suddenly scandalized. "You and my sister have been talking about me behind my back?"

"We always did, Shahid," she explained. "Even when we were younger. Nadyah always likes making fun of you."

"And today?" he asked, and she realized she might have gone too far this time. Was she trying to lead him on?

She paused and then said: "Nadyah mentioned you might come over."

"Did she say why?" he asked.

Aliyah simply shook her head, adding nothing.

Shahid paused and she halted, facing him. She saw his eyes narrow and there was a sudden intense look in them that she knew without a doubt he was going to say something they both might regret.

"It's the truth. I came here to see you, Aliyah," he declared in an easy tone as if it was the most obvious thing in the world. There was a calm assurance in his voice and she wondered if he had practised saying those words.

Aliyah turned her face away from him, eager that he shouldn't see how that simple statement had affected her. Because, the truth was, those words had triggered something in her and she was determined he wouldn't see the instant effect they'd had on her. He'd always had a way of catching her off guard and now was no exception.

For a moment everything was very quite and then, gradually the sounds of the world around her eased back into her attention.

She could hear the birds singing, hear her heart thumping, hear the gentle tumbling sound of the nearby waterfall.

Aliyah felt her pulse racing. Her mind was a whirl of confusing thoughts and she struggled to find just the right thing to say. Why were the words so difficult to pin down, she asked herself.

Finally, she turned back to face Shahid and saw that he was waiting expectantly for her response.

She tried to smile at him, shake off the statement he'd made, trying to make it appear like like just one more silly thing he might say to her. Just like so many things he'd said to her all those years ago.

But, one look at his face told her there was no use even trying that. There was determination and purpose in that look. His gaze held a familiar intensity that Aliyah knew all too well. Nevertheless she gave it her best shot.

"Now why would you want to see me, Shahid? I'd have thought you'd have better things to do. I know you're always busy. At least you have been these past few weeks," she said smiling at him. She realized the last words might have sounded like a criticism of the fact that he hadn't contacted her since the wedding. His expression didn't alter one bit. He didn't take the bait and she could see a hint of even stronger determination behind those eyes.

"Because I need to ask you a very important question," Shahid declared.

Aliyah felt butterflies tumble in her middle and her throat tightened. Shahid stepped closer and she knew that if he wanted he could reach out and touch her. But he didn't. She reached down, holding onto the fabric of her dress, realizing with a start that she had twisted the material in her tense fist.

Aliyah gazed up into Shahid's eyes. "What question is that, Shahid?" she managed to utter, hearing her voice crack with emotion.

His gaze drifted down the length of her body and it was as if he was mentally undressing her. In spite of every attempt at appearing unfazed, Aliyah felt her body tingle as his gaze ran the length of her.

He moved even closer and she caught a hint of his scent, the same intoxicating aroma which had almost overpowered her weeks before. There was something elemental about that scent.

"I think you already know, Aliyah," he said. His voice had dropped to a low growl.

"I'm not sure I do," she said knowing that it was a lie. Of course she knew what he was trying to communicate to her. It was the same thing he'd whispered into her ear as he'd held her close. The same words which had sent her running from him in panic that evening.

She looked at him and saw a sudden flash of uncertainty on his features. Was he backing off?

Then he leaned closer and rested his hand on her arm. She felt electricity trace a line up her arm. The feel of the rough skin of his fingers on the softness of her bare arm was exquisite. He didn't curl his fingers around her arm, but merely rested his flesh on hers. She glanced at him and saw him draw in a deep breath.

Shahid glanced down and spoke quietly. "It's about what happened at the wedding," he murmured not looking straight at her as he spoke. Then he lifted his gaze and narrowed his eyes. "I need to know what you're thinking." He drew in a deep breath and his nostrils flared. He leaned his head closer and lowered his voice. "What you've been feeling about what happened."

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