Page 41 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

Chapter Fourteen

What an incredible experience, Shahid told himself as everyone started to make their way out of the reception hall. He'd just been through a marriage ceremony with the woman who was responsible for turning his whole world upside down.

And it had felt good!

So good, he admitted to himself as he walked alongside Aliyah. He glanced at her again, trying to catch her attention, just as he'd tried to do during the last few moments. And, just as before, she seemed determined to avoid any kind of eye contact.

Why was she doing that? Hadn't she realized the importance of what they had just shared together? Shahid reflected on that a moment as everyone made their way along the corridor, heading to the sitting room where they'd been told refreshments were waiting.

He'd wanted to kiss her up there on the podium. In fact, he'd had to restrain the urge to wrap his arms around her and hold her close, even in front of everyone watching. He'd reached the point where he didn't care, anymore.

Even saying pretend vows to Aliyah had fired up his need, ignited a powerful desire that he knew just would not be denied. He knew that now, knew there was nothing that was going to stop him winning her, claiming her for his own. Those words had been so sweet, so tender and so incredibly meaningful.

"Wasn't that lovely," Nadyah said to Shahid dragging him back to the moment.

"Wonderful," he agreed with his sister.

She quirked a brow at him. "That's all?"

Shahid glanced ahead at Aliyah. She was busy talking with Lucy.

"What do you want me say, Nadyah?" Shahid asked quietly.

"I don't know. I was expecting a bit more than that, I guess," she responded.

"Just glad to be of help," Shahid added trying to sound casual.

Nadyah leaned her head closer to him and whispered. "You two looked so good up there. You know that, don't you."

Shahid frowned at her. "What are you getting at?"

Nadyah frowned. "You know. Don't try and pretend."

"I thought that was the whole point of what we just did. It was all pretend," Shahid retorted.

"Is that the only thing you and Aliyah have been pretending about?" Nadyah asked slyly.

Aliyah turned quickly and looked back at them, smiling. "Somebody mention my name?"

Nadyah looked suddenly sheepish. "No. Shahid and I were just saying how lovely you looked up there. Weren't we, Shahid," Nadyah said looking to him for support.

Shahid nodded. "Of course," he agreed. Aliyah's gaze met his for the first time since they'd left the reception room. His heart quickened when she smiled straight at him. He felt a tightening in his middle as he gazed at her beautiful smile, her bright eyes. He smiled right back at her and then she quickly turned away from him as Lucy said something to catch her attention.

"See what I mean?" he heard Nadyah say.

Shahid looked at her quizzically. "What?"

Nadyah shook her head and grinned. "Nothing, Shahid. I don't need to say anything more."

They all made their way to the sitting room where the table between two sofas had been laid out with tea, cold drinks, and small, delicious looking cakes. Lunchtime was near, and Shahid wondered if Aliyah was planning to stay, or whether she would make her excuses and leave. If she did that, he had a decision to make. He had to speak to her before she left.

Tomorrow would be the wedding, and he guessed there were plenty of things to keep everyone busy. Aliyah would probably be involved in those preparations. He was sure of that, but he knew he had to find a way to get her alone.

The conversation amongst everyone drifted to details of the wedding plans. Shahid tried to listen, tried to show a real interest, but the truth was, the only person he could think of was Aliyah. She sat opposite him next to Nadyah. Every time she looked at him, his pulse began to race faster, and he had to seize firm control of himself. Just seeing her sitting across from him was driving him mad, he realized.

Shahid needed to know just what she was thinking, how she felt about the whole, crazy mess they'd gotten themselves into this week. He needed to get a better sense of what her intentions were. Was she about to end it all? Did she intend to push him away once and for all? Or was there still a chance for them?

If so, he knew he had to do something to show her just how much she meant to him. Hadn't he already done that, he asked himself? What would it take to win Aliyah over? Why was she so determined to keep him at arm's length? Had he miscalculated the whole thing, or read the signals wrong?

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