Page 69 of The Sheikh's Desert Captive

When their lips parted he didn't hesitate before breathing his next words. Rashid peered into her eyes. "Nicole. You are more precious to me than anything else in the world."

Nicole felt her heart quicken. His voice was warm with emotion.

"I thought I'd lost you forever," he continued. "Finding you made me realize so much. That I was wrong about so many things. But, there is one mistake I'll never make again. I'll never let you go, again."

Nicole's breath halted for a second. What was he saying? What exactly was he confessing to her? Vague thoughts flickered at the back of her mind, thoughts about what he was about to say to her. At any other time those thoughts would have terrified her. But not now. The recognition about what he might say next merely triggered feverish anticipation in her.

Rashid's arms tightened around her and she realized the next moment might be momentous, could be life-changing. For them both.

"Nicole. I love you and I never want to spend another day without you."

Nicole knew that she'd been right. That quiet voice at the back of her mind had sensed what was coming. Joy filled her heart as she softened into Rashid's loving embrace.

"And I want to be with you, Rashid," she said.

His eyes widened, his face a picture of pure delight. "You do?" he asked quietly.

Nicole nodded.

Rashid kissed Nicole again and then lifted his head, gazing into her eyes.

"Nicole. Will you do me the honor of becoming my wife?"

The words sounded unreal, but also utterly beautiful. They almost drew the breath out of her body, almost made her utter a gasp of disbelief. Her mind went blank for a few moments. All she could feel was a raging torrent of emotion as it swept through her.

But, there was only one word she wanted to say to him in reply.

"Yes."

Rashid smiled. "My love," he gasped. And then he kissed her. This time the kiss seemed to last for an eternity.

He lifted his head back and peered into her eyes. "I will always treasure you above all else. I will devote my life to making you happy. I promise to honor and cherish you, forever."

Nicole could never have imagined mere words would make her feel like this. They sent joy coursing through her entire being. She knew that neither of them would ever be the same again. Not after this.

Nicole laughed softly. "I can't believe this is happening, Rashid," she said smiling at him, joy filling her heart.

"It is true. Just as my love for you will always be true. Forever, Nicole," he declared. He leaned closer. "We were destined to be together."

And when he kissed her again, she knew he was right. Fate had brought them together and their love would keep them joined for all the years to come.

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