Khalid nodded gently, his expression, especially the dark depths of his eyes, filled also with sympathy and concern. But was there love? Was it even possible that they could fill with love?
She was focusing on that emotion when she had promised herself that she wouldn't take that path. She had promised herself that she wouldn't ask for anything more than to be his lover. If it was meant to be, then the love would come. If it wasn't, she would deal with that, too.
Her heart wasn't following that directive, though. It was aching, demanding that she do more, and, at this point, she had no idea what that more could be.
"Have you managed to find out why I was targeted?" She spoke to Shayne, knowing he would have been on the phone with his contacts by now.
"Nothing conclusive." He shook his head. "You know how it works, Marty. It takes more than a few hours."
"Knowing that doesn't help," she muttered irritably.
"I can understand your anger." Khalid moved closer, the sensuality, the sexuality that was so much a part of him seeming to surround her. "Though I feel I must point out, had you not run from me this morning, then this would not have happened, Marty. You would be in my bed now, filled with pleasure rather than facing the knowledge that you're in danger."
"Thank you for pointing that out to me," she said with false sweetness. "How ever have I made it through my life without you there to spread your little gems of wisdom?"
"Never fear, little flower. I'm here now." His smile was tight, his gaze narrowed on her. "I'll make certain you don't forget it."
Shayne's chuckle drew a glower from her. She didn't need his particular brand of amusement at the moment. Glaring back at Khalid, she wondered exactly what it would take to shake loose that smooth persona he insisted on wearing.
"The last I heard, you don't do straight relationships, Khalid," she stated. "How was I to know you prefer me to stay rather than sending me on my way, as you do your other women?"
Mockery filled his expression now. "I have never sent a lover on her way, precious, as I'm certain you know. As a third, I've usually been sent on my way."
"Poor guy, he's been so unloved." Shayne smirked as he leaned against the dresser and crossed his arms over his chest, watching them curiously.
He was definitely going to begin irritating her soon.
"That's your own fault," she informed Khalid as she ignored Shayne, her voice brittle now. "And rather beside the point."
Turning from him she pushed her fingers through her hair and fought to hold back the emotions trying to tear through her.
"I needed to think," she finally told him before turning back, his silent patience raking across her nerves. "And I need to work. I want to find out who the hell thought they could take shots at me and get the hell away with it."
"It's too late to regret your decision to come to my bed," he told her with a flash of dominance. "If this is part of why you need to think alone, then you can forget it."
Unfortunately that dominance did nothing to still the arousal burning inside her.
She arched a brow. "Did I say I regretted it? I believe I've made my position fairly clear, Khalid. It's been my intent for years to get into your bed. You're the one who was determined to keep me out of it."
"And now you will stay in my bed." The growl in his voice surprised her. "I'm no notch in a bedpost, love. You don't want to attempt to play such a game with me."
They had an audience, an amused one at that. Not that she was beginning to care. Shayne may as well learn the lesson Khalid was going to get into his thick skull sooner or later. No man dictated to her.
"Then perhaps you should put yourself out to stay in that bed as well," she snapped back. "I'm no notch, either, Khalid, and I won't be made to feel like one."
She felt too delicate, too female next to him. She didn't feel like a fully trained agent; she felt like a woman begging to be touched. A woman willing to give the man she desired everything he wanted, and she couldn't decide if she was pissed off or resigned to that.
"Be patient, Marty." Khalid shook his head at her accusation. "There is much I must deal with now that you're here. Things I must take care of soon. That will require many hours away from you. And perhaps from our bed."
"Patience isn't one of my virtues." She cast a glare at him before moving away, only to turn back to face him. "What's going on, Khalid? All the warnings, the dire predictions. I'm sick of waiting for the truth from you. What kind of trouble are you in?"
She was getting closer. The truth was there; at least at this point he was willing to admit that there was much more to what was going on here than whatever work he was doing for her father.
"A woman's patience is an inspiration, just as is her tenacity." A small smile tipped his lips as he watched the suspicion flicker in her eyes. He was evading her question, and they both knew it.
Glancing at Shayne, she saw his knowledge of it as well. What the hell was he keeping from her?
"Don't play word games with me, Khalid. You want too much from me to insult me in that manner."