The Sheikh’s Tempted Prisoner by Holly Rayner Page 0,26
I said something like, ‘I don’t think the cows like that very much!’ Got a good laugh from the people around me.”
He stepped over to her, cradling her chin in his palm and filling her heart with warmth.
“You were a kind and gentle soul from a very young age, then.”
“I guess so,” she said, beaming.
Their moment was broken by the sound of her stomach growling. Lily blushed crimson, but Atnan simply laughed.
“It appears we have worked up your appetite quite effectively. Come, let’s see what we can whip up. Then, perhaps I will think about other places we can explore.”
He held his hands out to her, and when she placed hers in them, he lifted her to her feet. Glancing at the ground, she cleared her throat.
“About yesterday,” she began, hesitating.
Atnan stared at her, saying nothing. Lily took a deep breath.
“I’m sorry. I should have listened to you about the dangers. I don’t know what I would do if I were to get injured here, and I just wanted to say thank you—for catching my fall.”
His gaze was intense as he watched her give a rather clumsy apology. Then he did something that surprised her: he pulled her into his arms and held her tight.
“I like your adventurous spirit, Lily. It’s just prudent to be cautious. You are right, after all. If either of us gets injured, it will certainly put a wrench in my plans.”
“What plans?” she asked, looking back up at him.
His expression closed once more, and he patted her shoulder as he stepped away.
“Oh, just plans. Everyone has them. For now, my plans are to ensure that you are fed and cared for.”
Lily waited until Atnan had turned around to frown fully. He was still hiding something from her, even after they had made love, even after they had felt so close. Not wanting to indulge in that feeling, she brushed it aside, instead trying to focus on the good she had experienced with Atnan. She didn’t want to break out of their new and delightful bubble.
She fell into step beside him as they made their way toward the kitchen, Atnan reaching over and lacing his fingers with hers as they strolled. It was a nice feeling, holding hands. Lily cast her mind back, trying to remember the last time she had held hands with a man like that. It might have been elementary school, which was a depressing thought.
When they entered the kitchen, Lily took her usual seat at the island, watching as Atnan opened the fridge and felt around.
“Hmm,” he said, sounding concerned.
“What is it?” she asked.
“It appears we’ve polished off a good majority of our food supply. I’ll have to pop out to the market to get us some provisions.”
“Can you do that?” she asked.
Atnan turned, his expression amused.
“You forget that we met because I was out and about in the city. I do leave this place from time to time, you know.”
“Just for supplies?”
“Yes, and when I need information, but that’s neither here nor there. Why don’t you get comfortable with a book and I’ll be back within the hour? There’s a village not far from here that I can shop at without being identified.”
“You sure you don’t want any company?”
The thought of being left alone in a rusted-out palace wasn’t exactly enticing, not to mention that the thought of parting from Atnan so soon after their night together had her longing to join him. The outside world wasn’t exactly alluring at the moment, but Lily realized then that she would go anywhere with Atnan if he asked her to.
Atnan shook his head.
“It will only take a short while. Besides, you deserve to relax and enjoy a quiet morning. The market can get a bit rambunctious at times. Please, get some rest and I will be back to cook for you before you even notice that I have gone.”
He walked up to Lily and planted a cherishing kiss on her brow. She held his hands tightly as she looked up at him.
“Promise?”
He chuckled and pressed a gentle kiss to her lips.
“Promise,” he whispered.
He grabbed a bag and gave her one more lingering kiss farewell before he left the kitchen. Somewhere in the distance, Lily heard an engine start, and a car drive away.
The silence that followed was nearly deafening.
How had he managed to spend so much time alone in that palace? It was cavernous without someone there for company, and Lily found herself meandering around for a while, walking around the library and