Page 49 of The Sheikh's Matchmaker Bride

She turned and looked at him, quirking a brow. "I'm not the only one who makes noises, as far as I remember," she challenged.

Shahid shrugged. "You just make me feel so good," he murmured. "What am I supposed to do? Pretend you don't make me feel more alive? Pretend you don't make me feel happier than I've ever felt?" He nibbled on that place behind her ear; the part of her which made every nerve flicker into life.

Aliyah closed her eyes and savored his touch. She wanted him to consume her, needed his every touch. She felt his arm reach round and settle beneath her breasts, and she thought he was about to start again. Correction. They were about to start driving each other crazy all over again.

But, just as his lips started to trace a line across her bare shoulders, she thought again of what time it must be, how late she could be.

Shahid seemed to sense the change in her. He lifted his head. "What's wrong?"

Aliyah lifted the blanket up, covering her breasts. Shahid sat back against the headboard of the bed. She turned and saw his naked body, saw the extent of his arousal and realized with a tightness in her chest just what was she was about to refuse. What she about to deny herself.

"I have to go," she said sharply.

Shahid's brows furrowed. "Why don't you stay here until tomorrow," he suggested.

Aliyah shook her head. "I can't do that. Everything I need for their wedding is back at my parents palace."

Shahid nodded. "Okay." She could see the disappointment on his face.

She slid off the bed and started to get dressed. As she did that, she saw Shahid lean back and simply enjoy the sight. There was a wicked grin on his face as she pulled on her panties, and a hungry look in his eyes as she hooked on her bra. It felt sensual and erotic to have him watching her like that, she told herself as she pulled on her dress.

She slipped on her flat shoes and then she was ready to leave. Or as ready as she'd ever be, considering that all she wanted to do was stay with Shahid all night long.

She watched as Shahid got out of bed and started to get dressed. She felt need tug at her as she watched him get dressed. He had an incredible body, lean and muscular. Memories of how it had felt, his skin, his heat, invaded her mind. She felt her face flush and saw that he'd noticed. The corner of his mouth creased in an appreciative grin. He lifted one brow at her and she whirled away from him. She had to get out of here, and right now, she told herself. This was sweet torture.

After he dressed, he came to her and kissed her, holding her tight, as if trying one last time to stop her from leaving.

Then they left the bedroom, walking hand in hand down the palace corridor. There was no-one around. She wondered where the servants were, but she was relieved that she and Shahid could walk like this, holding hands. She enjoyed the way he held onto her hand, his fingers snaking gently through hers. It was as if it didn't matter anymore who knew their secret. The pretence felt well and truly over.

They made their way to the cars parked out front. She lowered herself into her car and looked up at him before closing the door. He was leaning against the roof, his gaze fixed on her.

"How are you getting to Azim's palace tomorrow?" he asked.

She was taken aback by the question. Of course, everything was different now, wasn't it?

"I had arranged to go there with Nadyah. She's coming over first thing in the morning. And then I think the plan is for us to travel with my parents."

He grinned and nodded. "I guess I should already know that, since I'm supposed to be in charge of guests' travel arrangements to and from the palace."

She saw hesitation in his eyes, as if he was considering saying something to her. But then she saw his brows furrow and he sighed.

"I guess we'll see each other tomorrow, then," he said casually. Somehow she'd expected him to say something more than that, and for a moment she felt a tinge of disappointment. But then he leaned down and wiped away her doubts with a kiss. Once again, the temptation to stay, welled up inside her, but she pushed it firmly away.

Their lips parted and he gazed at her. "Tomorrow is going to be an amazing day, isn't it?" he said softly. She inhaled his wonderful musky scent, triggering the memory of their love-making.

"I hope so," she replied.

His gaze became suddenly intense. When he spoke his voice was full of determination."If I have anything to with it, tomorrow's going to be a day neither of us will ever forget, Aliyah," he declared.

Now what had he meant by that? She peered into his eyes. "I guess we'll be on the dance-floor again," she said.

Shahid nodded. "And so much more. This time they won't need pictures."

Aliyah squinted at him. What was he planning?

He kissed her one last time. Only, she knew this wouldn't be the last kiss they'd share. The certainty of that thought burned like a hot flame in her heart now.

Then he stood up and she closed the door. With a wave she drove away from the man who'd utterly changed her life.

---