Page 12 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Aliyah lifted a hand to his chin, feeling the stubble against her fingers. She smiled warmly at him and saw him smile right back at her. "That's not what I meant, Shahid. Of course, I understand what we've shared. I know how you feel about me. You've made that pretty clear."

He kissed her again, this time gently, as if sensing that the conversation wasn't over.

"We can't allow anything to get in the way of Azim and Lucy's big day. I think you'll agree," she said.

Shahid nodded. "I know what you mean. Even if I don't necessarily like it."

Aliyah turned away from Shahid trying to figure out what they could do. It was clear that if she and Shahid made any kind of announcement that they were closer now, it would throw all the focus away from Azim and Lucy. Every part of Aliyah screamed at her that she shouldn't allow that to happen. It went against everything she had stood for these past few years.

"I have an idea, Shahid," she announced.

His eyes narrowed with visible curiosity. "I'm listening," he said.

"I'm sure we can put on a brave face until after the wedding, and then we can see what happens," she said.

"Are you suggesting we pretend this never happened?" he asked.

"Just until after the wedding. And then we can see where we are. If things are still good between us then we can let everyone know."

"I think they've already guessed," he suggested.

"It still wouldn't be fair on Lucy and Azim, though."

Shahid sighed and smiled at Aliyah. "It's true what they say about you," he said.

"What's that," she asked.

"With you, it's all about other people. Never about yourself."

Aliyah squinted at Shahid. "Maybe not for much longer, Shahid," she replied.

Shahid moved closer. "Don't you think it's time you thought about your own needs?"

Aliyah knew he was right, but she knew she daren't even go there. Not yet, at least.

"So, you agree?" she asked.

Shahid sighed. "You're proposing we pretend we're just good friends?"

"It shouldn't be too hard, should it?" Aliyah asked.

Even as she said the words she knew that it was going to be almost impossible; knew that to be in such close proximity to Shahid for the next few days and convince anyone who was watching that there was absolutely nothing between her and Shahid was going to take every ounce of strength she had.

She saw Shahid consider her proposal for a few moments. She could see how hard he was working to come to terms with the idea of being around Aliyah and not being able to act on his feelings.

Finally, he nodded. "Okay. We can try," he said and sighed.Shahid took Aliyah in his arms and hugged her close. "Although I have to warn you I'm not going to find it easy being around you and hiding the fact that I want to have you all to myself," he murmured.

Aliyah felt emotion sweep through her body in response to those last words. Shahid leaned his head closer and kissed her on the forehead, as if testing his own restraint.

"I guess we should get back to the palace and start our little charade," he said.

Aliyah nodded and wondered just what she had gotten herself into. Thinking that she could be around Shahid for the next few days and convince everyone there was nothing going on between them, seemed like an impossible task. Were they seriously thinking of carrying on a secret relationship in full view of everyone else? The more she thought about it, the more impossible it seemed. She wasn't sure she could trust herself to be around this incredible, tempting man. And, as far as Shahid was concerned, she'd already seen the strength of his feelings for her. Would he be able to contain himself?

As they started to walk back toward the palace, she began to doubt whether it would be possible to resist the temptations of Shahid in the coming days.

---