Unexpectedly Expecting the Sheik's Baby - Elizabeth Lennox Page 0,6

A woman can contribute just as much as a man.” Her lips pressed together and she dropped her gaze to her hands folded in her lap. Well, not exactly folded. Her fingers were gripping each other in an effort to not gesture wildly. “But perhaps we will just have to agree to disagree on this subject.”

“And where do you stand on the question of marriage? Do you reject marriage completely or are you just against anyone in your professional realm knowing about your marital status?”

Nasir watched her mouth, fascinated and intrigued. She was such a sensuous beauty and yet, she tried to hide it behind a stiff, starched suit. The contrast between her pale skin, full mouth, and sparkling eyes compared to that hideous suit was fascinating. She probably had no idea that her efforts at minimizing her femininity only enhanced it.

Cassy laughed, finally understanding that he was teasing her. With that laughter, her irritation over his sexist comments dissipated. How could he do that so easily? One moment, she was ready to kick him and the next, she could read the teasing glint in his eyes. It was oddly flattering that he would tease her.

Shaking her head, she took a deep breath. “I beg your pardon, Your Highness, but why do you care about my opinion on marriage? It really isn’t relevant.”

Nasir leaned back, shrugging one shoulder. “It might be more relevant than you think.”

He took a bite of his lunch and changed the subject. Once they were on more neutral subjects, Nasir noticed she relaxed and he enjoyed the way she laughed occasionally, and how her eyes sparkled when she became irritated. He appreciated that she wasn’t afraid to argue with him, that she challenged him. That was a good sign. It was rare that someone in her position felt comfortable enough to make a point and speak openly. She was refreshing. Even more so since his interest was obvious and yet, she didn’t throw herself at him, or drop hints that she was his for the taking. Even more of a challenge, he thought with growing interest.

They conversed throughout the rest of the meal, but too soon, the lunch break was over and he needed to consult with his aides before resuming the meeting for their afternoon session.

Lifting her hand, he kissed her fingertips, then turned her hand over and placed another kiss on the delicate skin of her wrist, tightening his grip when he felt her shiver and try to pull away. Cassandra must have understood the look in his eyes. He felt the trembling and noticed that she held her breath for a long moment. She wasn’t sure how to react and that gave him a slight pause. She wasn’t as experienced as his previous lovers, Nasir realized. Ms. Cassandra Flemming was a beautiful mixture of innocence and experience.

Cassy was starting to hate the effect that deep, masculine voice had on her. And he kissed her wrist! Who did that? She’d seen it in the movies, but…in real life?

“I enjoyed our meal together, Ms. Flemming. Thank you for a delightful respite from the tense negotiations today.” With that, he stepped back, bowed ever so slightly and then moved off to discuss something with his aides who were waiting patiently by one of the large windows of the conference room.

Cassy watched, fascinated by the body language and the man. The others seemed to be offering him advice and the tall, dangerous man listened intently, but with a look about him that clearly conveyed that he wasn’t making any decisions just yet.

“Looks like you made a conquest,” Darren commented as he sauntered over to stand beside her. “Guess I wasn’t wealthy enough.” He snorted at his comment and Cassy looked over at the smoothly professional man just as he shook his head, glaring at their client.

“A conquest?” she asked, her shoulders stiffening at the insinuation.

Darren looked at her with an expression of…triumph? Maybe revulsion? Immediately, something shriveled up inside of her. Was he implying that she…that he…? Her eyes moved from Darren’s blue ones to the darker gaze watching them. She had no idea that her mouth had fallen open slightly in response to her co-worker’s awful comments. Nor did she realize that the taller man seemed to understand what was being said simply by the way her shoulders curled in slightly, as if protecting herself.

Darren understood Nasir’s furious glare and jerked to attention as Nasir whispered something to his aide. Cassy was completely unaware of the