One Night with The Sheikh: An accident of fate brought them together, and it would bind them for the rest of their lives.

by Clare Connelly

  “Oh? And what do I think you are?”

  She rolled her eyes, self-conscious suddenly. “I know the way I look. I know that men see big breasts and blonde hair, and think I must be lining up for one night stands.”

  “And you’re not?” He asked, leaning forward, so that his face was only an inch from hers.

  “God, no!” She shook her head, but when she realised that it brought her mouth within striking range of his, she cleared her throat and pressed back in the seat. “Look, to each their own. I think it’s great that women can have a healthy sex life in this day and age. I’m not a prude. But I don’t appreciate being hit on by men I’ve just met. Even if you are as sexy as they come.”

  Malik didn’t know whether he wanted to laugh in amusement or groan in frustration. He was not accustomed to being turned down. Even before he’d ascended to throne of Ashan, he had never found it difficult to entice women into his bed. The problem had been kicking them out when they no longer interested him. But the desire this woman had flared in him was intense. He wanted to explore it. And yet, there was something about her that was even more appealing than the way she made him feel. She was fascinating. Like a bug under the microscope, he was enjoying watching her squirm.

  “You think I’m sexy,” he repeated, and this time, when he moved closer to Charlotte, his mouth hovered just above hers.

  Charlotte gulped nervously. “Yes.” It was just a whisper. A soft admission of thought-guilt.

  “Good.” He took possession of her mouth, as he had wanted to do from the first minute he’d seen her. He’d intended it to be a light kiss, but the second they connected, his body had sparked with electricity, and the kiss had blown out of his control. His hands hungrily ran the length of her body. He balled her shirt in his fists and lifted it, so that he could feel her warm skin beneath. He could feel her heart, shuddering beneath his touch as he skimmed his hands over the lace of her bra. He lowered his mouth, nibbling and tasting the sensitive flesh to the side of her neck.

  Charlotte’s moan was almost his undoing, but he forced himself to remember who he was, and where he was. His driver was completely scrupulous but Sheikh Desara had a reputation and a code of honour to protect. Public love making was not acceptable. With eyes that glittered with promise, he lifted his head, but he kept his hands where they were, in contact with her generous curves.

  “Invite me into your hotel,” he demanded, moving his thumb in a rhythmic pattern across her sensitised nipple.

  Charlotte was tempted. Oh, so tempted. But she knew she couldn’t do it. She shook her head. “I told you, I don’t go in for one night stands. One kiss isn’t going to change that.”

  Malik’s respect grew, for he knew how torn she was. Her desire for him was as great as his for her, yet she was sticking to her moralistic declaration.

  “I understand,” he surprised her by saying. “I have no interest in a one night stand with you, anyway.”

  “You don’t?” She squeaked, immediately regretting that she’d said ‘no’ to what would undoubtedly have been a night of mind-blowing sex with this guy.

  “No.”

  “Oh.” She cleared her throat then handed the champagne back to him. The disappointment was gripping. “Then if you’ll just get my coat...”

  “First, I want you to promise me something,” he said quietly.

  “What is it?”

  “Have lunch with me tomorrow.” He named the premiere restaurant in the resort town, run by a famous French chef.

  “I... but why?”

  “I should have thought that would be obvious.” He said smoothly. “I don’t want a one night stand with you. But I do want you.”

  Charlotte lowered her eyes, her mind buzzing with doubts. “So lunch is what? A pre-cursor to seduction?”

  He reached over and lifted her chin with the pad of his thumb. “Yes.” He would have her. It was written in the stars as surely as her cheeks were flushed with desire and her pupils dilated with lust. Before he returned to Ashan, he would have conquered Charlotte Faber. Body, mind and soul, she would be his.

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