The Sheik's Reluctant Lover Page 0,28
he was holding over that desire. “Here’s what’s going to happen Rachel,” he said and pulled up so he was no longer touching her. “I’m going to take you home now and we’re not going to touch each other until we’re back at your place.”
Rachel was startled with that command and started to protest but he put a hand over her mouth to stop her. “And here’s why. You’re wearing a silk shirt without buttons up the front. The only way to progress further with what we’re doing is for me to rip that shirt off of you and view those very lovely breasts that I want desperately to see once again. But if I do that, I know that will snap you out of this haze of passion you’re feeling,” he said and even saw the desire in her eyes fade as the fear took over. He sighed and sat up, lifting her with him. “So from now on, when we are together, you will wear something that buttons up the front. Understand?” he commanded firmly. He stood up and pulled her so she was next to him, his hands on her waist and pulled her closer, forcing her stomach to feel what touching her had done to his body.
“I know that you’re afraid of what you’re feeling right now, but there’s no need Rachel. You’re safe in my arms and I won’t do anything right now.” He put his forehead against hers and took a deep breath. “But stand very still right now so I can maintain control.”
Rachel froze. She was so still she was even afraid to breathe until he lifted his head. Her hands were still laying softly against his chest but she wouldn’t let her fingers even twitch, much less move along his strong, muscular chest to explore what was underneath. Something she was very curious to do.
He laughed softly and his hands tightened on her waist. “You’re not very good for my ego, my dear.”
He took another deep breath then stepped back. “It’s time to get you home,” he said. “Pick whichever wine you prefer for dinner this Friday night,” he commented, taking her hand. “Can you work with Lucy on the menu? There will be ten dignitaries here for dinner. I have to fly out tomorrow but I’ll be back in time for the meal.”
“Of course,” she said, slipping into professional mode with difficulty. “I’ll have everything ready for the evening. I’ll get in touch with your assistant to get a list of the guests so there won’t be any international incidents.”
He looked down at her once again, then nodded. “I know you will be exceptionally lovely Friday night.”
She wished he hadn’t said it in quite that way, but she didn’t have time to figure out what he meant. He took her hand and led her out of the house and down to the helipad where he climbed in right behind her. The pilot was waiting for them and they were airborne just a few minutes after they entered the helicopter. Rachel wasn’t used to this kind of efficiency and was even more surprised when they landed on the top of a building only a few blocks from her apartment. The elevator ride down took them to the street level where his guards were already stationed with a team of black SUVs waiting to ferry her to her apartment.
She was uncomfortable with how much it was costing him just to take her home. “Rais, this seems like a lot of effort when I can easily drive myself to and from your house.”
He shook his head. “Not a chance. It’s a long drive and I don’t want you making that kind of a trip when you’ve had that much wine or even if it’s late at night, which many of these events will last.” He stopped when they were seated in the back of the SUV and looked over at her. “There’s an easy solution though.”
She saw the mischievous look and knew she didn’t want to hear it, but she laughed anyway and said, “What’s your idea?”
“Just move in with me,” he said easily.
She gasped, pulling back to get a better look at him. She knew that no other woman had ever stayed with him in that way. For that matter, no woman had ever spent the night with him. At least, she suspected that they didn’t sleep over. He generally took them out of the house and came back alone. Or that was