Her Improper Desire, page 4
The nerve of him!
It's another day at work, and it's a struggle to cheerfully greet the VIPs while I'm royally pissed at a certain sheikh. I was barely able to sleep a wink last night, and I only realized that was my punishment when I still don't hear a peep out of him come morning.
Grrrr!
Does he think going AWOL will make me miss him? He might have made my body ache for hours, but it only means he's good at seducing women. I bet I'd have absolutely the same reaction, if someone else were to play with my body like he does.
Really!
And what does he hope to accomplish anyway? Does he think leaving me sexually frustrated will make me so desperate...I'll end up seeking his company on my own?
Ha!
If he thinks that, then he's in for a—-
Eeeeep!
My co-workers crowd around me as soon as I step inside our manager's office. The hotel's housekeeping staff meets every week to discuss room assignments, but the excited looks on the other girls' faces tell me they have something a lot juicier in mind.
"What is it?" I ask curiously. "What happened?"
"Oh, please," Joanne says with a roll of her eyes. "Don't play coy. We know you went out on a date with Hal!"
Shit.
I shake my head and hastily make things clear before people start assuming things. "It was just a friendly date."
"Sure, sure."
Everyone's either winking or snickering like all of us are in on some huge secret, and no one seems inclined to believe me despite my vocal protests.
Great, just great.
This is so unfair to Hal, and so the first thing I do come lunch break is dash to the front desk so I can have a word with him.
Hal looks at me in surprised pleasure. "What's up?"
"Um..."
"Or can I hope that you're here because you've changed your mind? Have you realized that my kiss was way better than you expected, and you've decided to take me out of the friend zone?"
I can only shake my head with a laugh. "Stop it, okay?"
"Admit it," Hal teases.
I open my mouth to tell him I can't admit to any such thing when I suddenly feel the hairs at the back of my neck stand. I turn to look over my shoulder, and that's when I see the sheikh staring at us from a short distance, a hardened expression on his gorgeous features.
Shit.
How long has he been standing there?
"I'm right, aren't I?" I hear Hal say, and I force myself to turn around to face him. Keep it cool, I tell myself. If the sheikh can ignore me, then I can ignore him, too.
"Are you game for lunch?" Hal asks.
"Actually...I just want to talk." I unthinkingly grab Hal's hand as I speak, and all I'm thinking about is dragging him as far away from the sheikh as possible. It's only when Hal squeezes my hand back that I realize how this can be misinterpreted—-
Shit!
I take a look behind my back, and the sheikh is gone.
Shit.
"Seven?"
I force myself to look back at Hal.
"You know how much I like you, right?" Hal starts to squeeze my hand again, but his smile fades when I quickly pull my hand out of his hold.
"I'm sorry," I say miserably. "I know it seems like I like leading you on, but it's really not that."
"I see."
"I'm sorry." I know it's far from adequate, but saying sorry is all I can think of, with half of my mind still busy worrying about the sheikh. What could he be thinking now?
"It's fine," Hal assures me after a moment. "I can always ask you out again, and you never know. You might change your mind about me one day."
I slowly shake my head. "That's actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I know I'm not going to change my mind about you," I say awkwardly, "but the thing is..."
Hal looks concerned. "What is it?"
"Well..." I fidget on my feet, and then I end up babbling in my nervousness. "People have been talking about us. I'm not sure how they found out," I say in a rush, "but everyone seems to know we had dinner, and so I just want to say sorry in advance if they start asking you about it, and it makes things awkward for you. If there's anything I can do—-"
"There is," Hal says right away.
"Oh, great. I'm willing to do anything—-"
"You can have dinner with me again."
"—-but that."
"Then I guess you didn't really mean it when you said anything."
"Hal!"
"Kidding, kidding."
He really is too sweet, and life would be so much better if I've fallen—-
Shit.
I feel like someone's pulled the rug out from under me, and I barely hear Hal asking me if I'm alright as I feel myself pale.
This is so, so stupid, but the more I think about it, the more I'm convinced it is true.
I know how crazy this sounds, but I really do think I have fallen in love with the royal SOB...dammit.
Chapter Six
It's the weekend, and everyone's been talking about this exclusive party Damen Leventis is throwing. Celebrities and other famous figures have supposedly been invited, but there's only one name on the guest list that I care about.
His Highness, Sheikh Saif Al-Masri, the Crown Prince of the Kingdom of Huzna
Also known as: the royal SOB who's been radio-effin-silent for the past few days.
I know that's probably a hint in itself, but I'm done taking things lying down, and I actually have him to thank for that. Having a gun pointed at my head has helped me see things in perspective. Made it easier for me to distinguish what's worth my time and what really matters.
But before I can put my plan into action, there's one thing I need to do first—-
"We missed you so much!" Tahey is already sobbing as she throws her arms around me, while our other friend Story scowls and glowers...before giving me a quick, tight hug as well.
"Two years," Story growls as she pulls away. "You refused to see us for two years, and now you call us out of the blue just to say you want us to take you to a party?"
"Can you blame me?" I ask with a teary laugh. "Mom borrowed a mil from you each!"
Story crosses her arms over her chest. "So? I know you're not stupid enough to think we'd blame it on you—-"
"That's exactly why I stayed away. I knew you guys wouldn't blame me at all, but I still feel guilty."
"If you really feel guilty," Tahey says," then promise us you'll never give us the cold shoulder again. Like ever!"
"Because if you do," Story warns, "we're...we're going to punish you—-"
"Please don't," I say without thinking. "I've been punished enough—-"
Shit.
I know right away I've said too much, and the way my friends are suddenly staring at me wide-eyed is proof of it.
"Who's been punishing you?" Story demands.
"It's a man!" Being the hopeless romantic that she is, Tahey is already jumping up and down in glee. "It is, isn't it? And the reason you want to go to Damen Leventis' party is because of this mysterious man."
Shit, shit, shit.
I throw my arms wide open. "Can you give me another hug? I missed you guys so much!"
The other girls laugh.
"We know you're distracting us," Story grumbles, "but whatever."
And that's how I end up playing the fifth wheel as I tag along with Story and Tahey and their respective billionaire husbands.
"How do I look?" I whisper nervously to Story.
"Like your boobs are about to fall out of your gown," my friend whispers back.
"What?"
"And that's exactly why you're wearing it," Story reassures me.
Damen and his wife are at the door to greet their guests, and I'm surprised when the Greek billionaire recognizes me without trouble. "It's nice to see you all together again," he says with a smile.
Our former teacher, however, is as exuberant as always. "Oh my God, yay! Does this mean your self-exile has come to an end? Because—-"
The rest of Mairi's words disappear in her husband's kiss, and when Damen lifts his head, he doesn't miss a beat as he then adds smoothly, "What my wife means to say is that she's just as happy seeing all of you, just like old times."
My friends and I exchange grins. Mairi and Damen were our #couplegoals back in college, and it's nice to see that they're just as cute as ever.
A catering service has been hired to set up a lovely outdoor buffet while fresh summer florals make up the centerpieces adorning the guests' tables. I deliberately stay behind as the other couples head out, all the while trying not to be so obvious as I look around in search of—-
Holy shit!
The sheikh's hard, gold eyes collide with mine from across the garden, and the sudden sight of him leaves me lightheaded. It's only been days, but I feel like I haven't seen him for an eternity. It's almost like I'm seeing him again for the first time, and he's just so damn beautiful I feel like slapping myself.
Is this truly the same man who pointed a gun at my head...before pleasuring me with his mouth all in the same hour?
Most of the guests seem to be aware of his royal status, and the disparity between us has never been more obvious as I watch other people bow and curtsy before talking to him.
I always seem to forget Sheikh Saif is the future king of Huzna every time we're together, but seeing all these rich and famous people treat him with deference is making me question my reasons for seeking him out.
I feel like I'm this ugly duckling gate crashing a fête for swans, and the thought tempts me to run away again. This man is completely out of my league, but just as I'm about to step back, I see the sheikh disengage himself from his adoring fans...and stride straight towards me.
Oh shit.
Is he really heading this way...or is that what he wants me to think, just so he can have the pleasure of walking past me like I'm no different from a stranger? If the sheikh acts like he doesn't know me, I just don't know what I'd do.
Kill him, maybe?
Seduce him then kill him?
Or maybe I should just run—-oh, shit, he's in front of me now, and I...just...can't...breathe!
The whole world seems to fade, and all that's left is him. His heat envelopes me. His scent beguiles me. And when he finally speaks, the sheer sound of his voice is music to my ears—-
"What the fuck are you doing?"
—-until I realize what he's just snapped out in front of Miami's rich and famous.
Chapter Seven
What an asshole!
Did he just effin' growl those words for everyone to hear?
Is this royal SOB implying I don't belong here?
"—-dressed like that?"
Oh, okay.
I was jumping to conclusions, apparently, and he's not actually questioning my presence in a party like this.
Rather, he's just publicly insulting the way I look...which isn't exactly any better.
"What part of 'you're mine' did you not fucking get?"
Great, just great.
He's dropping more F-bombs than a B-17, and—-wait.
Did I assume wrong again?
Was he angry, not because I'm here, but because I'm dressed in a gown that - in Story's words - has my boobs about to fall out?
And did he just say I'm...his?
My stunned gaze flies up to him, and the sheikh glares down at me.
"Are you jealous?" I gasp out.
"I don't do jealous," the sheikh dismisses with a curl of his lip while shrugging out of his jacket. "But I damn well do possessive—-"
And that's how I suddenly end up with his jacket dumped over my shoulders.
"So if you dare try taking that off—-" The sheikh breaks off in a curse when he sees me already doing just that.
I shove his jacket back at him. "You have no right—-"
"Of course I have every right," the sheikh hisses, "since you belong to me!"
And there it was again.
Why does he keep saying those words when everything else he does and say is the opposite? How can he say that - how dare he say that...when he's able to disappear from my life for days?
"Come with me," the sheikh says all of a sudden, and I'm tempted to laugh and cry. How does he do it? Why does it seem like he's so attuned to my feelings, that he knows the exact moment I'm close to breaking down?
Story, Tahey, and even Ms. Yay start nudging each other as the sheikh takes my hand in a possessive grip, and I almost smile despite everything. Tomorrow's lunch is definitely a go, if only to give those girls a chance to grill me to death for deets.
The sheikh leads me to a dark, secluded spot in the Leventis' garden, and my heart skips a beat when moonlight reveals the way he's staring at me.
"I missed you."
My heart races even faster, but I tell myself I can't give in just yet. "If you really missed me," I say flatly, "then why haven't I heard from you for days?"
"Is that your way of saying you missed me, too?"
"You didn't answer my question."
"Nor did you answer mine."
"Why do you always have to have the last word?"
"Because it's who I am—-"
I can only gasp as the sheikh hauls me right up against his body, just so he can croon into my ears—-
"And you wouldn't want me any other way. Would you?"
The sheikh smirks down at me, but his cocky attitude disappears the moment he sees my lip start to tremble. "Seven—-"
"Just tell me why," I mutter. "Why did you stay away for days?"
A pained look etches over the sheikh's features. "I wanted you to have a chance—-"
"What kind of chance? A chance to forget you?" I ask numbly.
He suddenly lets go, and I'm left feeling empty and scared.
"Do you really not know?" he demands.
I shake my head, and frustration flashes in his eyes.
"How can you not know—-?"
The growl in his voice makes me raise my own voice. "Why don't you just tell me—-"
"Because you looked genuinely happy with him," the sheikh snarls. "Seeing you with him made me realize I might've taken advantage of your inexperience by sweeping you off your feet, but if you were given a chance to think things over, you would choose him over me."
I can only look at him now, torn once again between laughing and crying.
Oh, this sheikh and his choices.
It always has to be a choice with him, but...as cheesy as this sounds, and I know this doesn't sound like me at all, but...doesn't he realize that our hearts are born knowing whom they're beating for from the very start?
"I saw how you were with him," the sheikh says broodingly. "You smile and laugh with him in a way that you've never had with me."
"I've known him for years," I protest.
"And there's the way you look at that boy," Sheikh Saif grates out. "You think he's kind, don't you?"
"Because he is!"
"And what about me?" he growls. "Do you not think I can be kind, too?"
"Um..."
Shit.
What can I say without having to lie?
How can I say he's kind when we started off the wrong foot, and within the first twenty-four hours of meeting him, I've had myself held at gunpoint, blackmailed, and made to orgasm against my will?
"Well..."
The sheikh's jaw clenches. "It's fine. You don't—-"
Sheikh Saif stops speaking when I tiptoe and cover his mouth with my hand.
"No, you're not kind."
A muscle starts ticking in his jaw, and a smile wobbles over my lips.
"Far from it, actually—-"
The sheikh's fingers curl around my wrist, and I know I have to finish what I have to say in a hurry.
"But listen to this, sheikh!"
The fierceness of my tone grabs his attention.
"If I wanted someone kind, don't you think I'd be his girlfriend by now—-" A whimper escapes me when the sheikh still manages to get my hand off his mouth...but only so he can give my fingers a sweet, punishing little nip.
"Do you know why I came here?" I ask breathlessly.
Sheikh Saif's expression turns guarded at my question, and my heart skips a beat when I realize he still thinks he's got a serious rival in Hal.
Oh, sheikh.
Who knew a man like you could also be so clueless at times?
"I moped around for days...until I suddenly realized I've been acting stupidly out of character."
"And what does that mean exactly? That you are actually meek and submissive?"
I bite back a laugh at his mocking tone. "I'm saying I'm usually the type to go for what I want—-"
He stiffens.
"And you are that, Your Highness."
I hear him suck his breath, and the fact that I can affect him so makes me feel like hyperventilating.
"No more games," Sheikh Saif says harshly.
"Good," I say shakily, "since I'm not playing one."
"Then what the hell are you saying?" he growls.
I pull away from him and step back so he can see the truth in my eyes. "Isn't it obvious by now, or do you just want me to spell it out?"
Oh dear God, please let this be the right thing to do!
I throw myself at the sheikh, and as he catches me in his arms, I look into his eyes and say, "I'm in love with you, Your Highness. That's what I'm saying. I'm in love with you, and I don't care if you already have your future wife all picked out. It's not going to happen anyway since you're marrying me."
There's a second of silence, and then I see his golden eyes gleam, and my heart skips a beat because I can see that I have my all-too-cocky sheikh back once again.
He lowers me to my feet, and I raise one challenging brow at him. "Do you have anything to say?"
"Not much," he says politely, "except that I haven't said yes to marrying you, have I?"
Chapter Eight
Ha!
It's cute that he's playing hard to get, but with us standing this close to each other, I can also see his cock is already fully engorged and throbbing violently under his pants.
But...oh well.
If my beloved wants proof, I'll give him to it.
"Fuck." The sheikh grits the word out when I press myself against him...just as my hand slips between our bodies to boldy take hold of his erection.
