Seduced by the Sheik (The Raminar Family #1)- Elizabeth Lennox Page 0,39

over. They still have a lot of healing to do. They don’t trust their world right now. They need time to talk and work things through. Even I didn’t realize how wounded they were until they told me that story. I just thought they were imitating you with your stoic silence.”

He hugged her, pulling her against him. “And you thought to show them that we were strong enough to take on the world.”

“Well, you’re still only human,” she teased.

He laughed, shaking his head. “Not in their minds, right?”

Harper smiled, relieved that he understood. “No, in their minds, you’re their superhero. So, don’t blow it,” she teased.

“Come on. Let’s get dressed for dinner.”

“Shouldn’t your family dine with the girls alone?”

“No way. They trust you and I want you there. You’re eating with us. Don’t argue.” He pulled her along behind him, then admitted, “By the way, there are some new dresses in your closet. You don’t have to wear them if they make you uncomfortable, but I’d love to see them on you.”

She stood outside of the door to her suite, not sure what he meant by that. He’d bought her clothes? “Um…okay. I’ll look at what’s in there.”

“Good.” He bent and kissed her again. One of those tantalizingly brief kisses that she was learning to hate. “I’ll see you in an hour then.”

A moment later, he was gone, walking briskly down the hallway and she lost sight of him as he rounded a corner.

Stepping into her suite, she sighed as she leaned against the door. Today was a good day, she thought. Good breakthroughs and…she’d ridden a horse! Good grief, she’d actually ridden a horse! And Amit…well, her interactions with him today were a bit more confusing but still…exciting!

She smiled to herself as she made her way to the shower. Goodness, she hadn’t realized how much she smelled like a horse! And with that, she laughed as she stripped off her clothes and flipped on the water. Yes, it had been a great day!

Chapter 15

As soon as she stepped into the salon for pre-dinner drinks, Harper knew that tonight would be different. First of all, she was dressed in a different dress. The black sheath dress she’d worn the previous nights was still hanging in her closet, but next to it had been three new dresses in bright, shimmering colors. She’d hesitated about wearing one tonight, but in the end, she’d had such an adventurous day, she hadn’t wanted to lose that momentum. So here she was, standing in the doorway with six pairs of eyes watching her as she skimmed her hands down over the navy blue silk that hugged her figure and showed more cleavage than she was used to. Back in her suite, she’d thought the dress looked beautiful and feminine. But now, standing here in the doorway, Harper wanted to change back into her high-necked black dress.

Amit must have noticed her hesitation because he stepped forward, taking her hand before she could get away.

“You look amazing, Harper,” he whispered softly into her ear, his deep voice sending shivers of awareness down her spine.

“Thank you,” she replied back, feeling silly and…yes, beautiful. Especially when he stepped back and let his eyes move appreciatively up and down her figure.

“Come, I’ll get you some wine.”

Yes, wine would be great! Anything to settle her nerves.

“Fabulous dress!” Talia said when Amit led her into the group.

Elsa was grinning at her as she snuggled up against Tarin’s chest. “I like the dress!” She whispered, still not sure she wanted to speak loudly. But the words were progress and Harper knew that the girls needed to test out this new world where they could speak and not have another family member disappear.

“I like it too,” Ellora announced, but her voice was a bit louder. Still, she looked around, almost as if she needed to count her family members, ensuring their safety.

“Thank you ladies,” Harper replied, and accepted a chilled glass of white wine from Amit. When their fingers touched, she felt it. That sizzle was still there! Still powerful.

Conversation floated around her, but Harper wasn’t aware of the topic, or even the words. The sound was more of a soft buzzing that intermingled with the heated gaze Amit slid her way whenever he looked at her, or when he put a hand to the small of her back to lead her into the dining room. He led her to the seat next to his at the table, his hand sliding over her shoulder