Page 17 of The Sheikh's Willing Captive

"You know what gossip is like, Abdul," Razim said defensively. "It is hardly ever based on facts."

"I assume your return is permanent," Abdul asked Paige. Once again, Razim was sure he could feel her body press against his hand at her back. Paige merely smiled, offering no reply, and turned to the driver. "Can you bring my bags up?" she asked.

The driver bowed and went to fetch them.

"I'll see you to the apartment," Razim said to Paige.

To his astonishment, Paige turned and shook her head firmly. "I'll be fine," she declared emphatically. "You have those things to attend to, don't you?"

She was sending him away!

In spite of his best efforts, Razim felt the color drain from his face. Razim saw Abdul's eyes narrow. Had the man discovered the real nature of Razim's relationship with Paige? The distance. The coldness.

In that moment, had Abdul obtained a valuable understanding he would use against Razim?

Frustrated, Razim thought about insisting he accompany Paige. But, he saw the way Abdul was watching him. Scrutinizing Razim for even the barest hint of weakness. Examining Razim for confirmation of his suspicions.

Razim did the only thing he could think of doing. He leaned in and kissed Paige on the cheek. Her gaze was fixed on Razim as he did that. Her scent was intoxicating, and the touch of her soft skin against his lips fired familiar desire in him.

Then she walked away from Razim. The driver walked alongside her, carrying her bags.

"I'm so glad," Abdul said in a casual voice.

"About what?" Razim asked, although he could guess what was coming next.

Abdul grinned at Razim. "That all the rumors have been proven to be false. That your marriage isn't about to be annulled."

Razim fixed Abdul with a steady, defiantly calm look. "I don't know what made you think that."

Abdul waved a dismissive hand. "As you said. Maybe they're just rumors." He glanced at Paige and the driver. "Although, it would be such a shame if it were true. I can't imagine what it must feel to lose such a beautiful woman as Paige." Abdul peered at Razim. "Can you?" he added, probing for a reaction.

Razim clenched his fists and leaned closer to Abdul. "Keep your distance Sheikh Al Besarih. I'm warning you," Razim growled.

"What makes you think I wouldn't? She's your wife, Sheikh Al Kharif," Abdul snapped. "Unless you've got something you want to tell me."

Both men glared at each other for a few long moments. Then Razim shifted his attention toward Paige. She was entering the apartment block. He wanted to be up there with her. Anything to make sure she was going to be safe.

Abdul bowed to Razim and started to make his way toward the apartment block.

And all Razim could do was watch, temporarily impotent and fearful that his wife would not be secure in that apartment building.

No.

He would have to do something about that, he told himself.

CHAPTER SEVEN

Paige dismissed the driver and stood inside the lift with her bags at her feet. The lift door was about to close when a large hand was jammed between the doors. Paige's entire body tensed when she saw the figure of Abdul enter the lift.

"You don't mind if I accompany you for a few moments, do you?" he asked.

Paige glared at him, and forced herself to speak in a neutral voice. "Not at all."

Paige considered stepping out of the lift. She could easily call the driver back, if she wished. And the concierge was sitting at his desk in the main reception area of the apartment block.

Thinking of how Abdul would interpret that as an indication of her fear of him, Paige decided to remain in the lift. She pressed the button for the top floor penthouse.

"Of course," Abdul observed. "Only the best for Sheikh Al Kharif," he said acidly. Abdul pressed the number for the tenth floor.

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