The Sheikh's Second Chance Bride (Qazhar Sheikhs series Book 5) (3 page)

"Malik," Lana said with a forced pleasant tone. There was even a questioning tone in her voice, as if at last, she had the information he had denied her. "Lovely to meet you, Malik." She seemed to place an emphasis on his name, sending him a message. Was it a challenge?

Malik had to admit to himself that he liked the sound of his name on her lips. There was something about the way his name slipped off her tongue that made that hard knot in his middle twist even more.

Malik took Lana's hand, savoring the feel of her skin against his. He squeezed her hand gently and saw her eyes flicker imperceptibly.
 

"Lana. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance," Malik said. He saw the corner of her sweet mouth crease with a smile at the sound of her name. He deliberately softened his voice, lowering it to a deep growl. It was something he often did when he wanted to make an impression on someone, make them understand immediately that he approved of them.

"How formal," Mia exclaimed. "You'd think we were at some kind of dinner party or fundraiser," she said.

Malik saw Lana's head whirl around, and he was sure her face had paled slightly. Beneath the bright sun, her skin looked seductively clear, almost untouched by the sun's rays. Her blonde hair was bright, highlights catching the light in a seductive fashion.
 

He suddenly recalled the feel of her hair against the side of his face when he'd kissed her at the foot of those stairs in New York. The scent of the soft tresses had stayed with him long after he'd made his exit after the interruption of the woman at the top of the stairs.

Malik tried to clear his head of such thoughts, but the sight of the beautiful American woman standing in front of him had seized his attention with an intensity that had taken him aback.

Malik took in the sight of her features and tried to disguise the wave of approval that surged within him. Her lips were red and full; the green of her eyes caught the light, and they seemed to shimmer with the familiar intensity that had captured his attention in New York. Even across the room at the fundraiser those eyes had captivated him. There was something animal and hypnotic about them.

The moment of their reunion seemed to slow time to a crawl. The distant noises of the airport had faded into the background. All he could do in this instant was savor the sight of this American woman who he had taunted so mercilessly and then abandoned.

Mia squinted at Lana. "You and Malik haven't met before, have you?"

Lana flashed a glance at Malik. Her lips parted obviously with the intent to reply, but Malik quickly cut her off. "Don't be silly, Mia. How could we possibly know each other?" he said to Mia.

Mia looked unconvinced. She glanced back and forth from Lana to Malik. "It's just that, the way you two were looking at each other, it seemed like you were already familiar," Mia said.

Lana glanced at Malik, and he was sure she was about to say something to correct her friend.
 

Malik narrowed his eyes slightly and met Lana's confused gaze. She seemed to catch his drift and then turned to Mia. "I feel like I already know your future family, Mia. You've talked about nothing else since you gave me the wonderful news."

Apparently satisfied Mia curled her arm inside Rafiq's. "I can't wait to take you to the palace," Mia said.

Lana rolled her eyes. "That sounds just too good to be true. A palace?"

Mia nodded. "I know. Isn't it amazing?"

Lana turned to Malik. She looked up at the blue sky. "Is it always so sunny?" Lana slid down the dark sunglasses that were perched on top of her head. "I guess I'm not used to this amount of sunshine." She turned her gaze toward Malik. "Especially with New York winters. They're not renowned for their sunny days."

Lana lowered her head, and Malik knew she was awaiting his reply.

Malik shifted awkwardly. "I wouldn't know about that. I haven't been to New York in the winter. I don't go there as often as I'd like."

The corner of Lana's mouth creased with a sardonic smile. "Really? What a pity. You'd love it," she said wryly. "It such a contrast to all of this," she said gesturing toward the distant sand dunes.

Malik saw Mia frown. "Can I take your bags, Lana?" he asked quickly. It was all he could think to say. Desperate circumstances called for desperate measures.

Lana turned toward the plane where the bags were being unloaded from the cabin. "I suppose so," she said.

Malik saw Rafiq look questioningly at him. Malik's face froze in a neutral mask. It wasn't often Rafiq had seen Malik make such an offer to a woman, especially one he'd apparently just met. Was it so unusual for Malik to behave like a gentleman toward a woman? Apparently Rafiq thought so, judging by his expression.

Malik walked to the plane, picked up the two small cases and headed to the limo. With the driver's help, he placed the cases in the rear of the car. He watched Mia, Rafiq and Lana get into the car. As she dipped her head to enter the limo, Lana lifted her head and gave Malik a long look.

Malik got into the limo and paused before sitting down. Rafiq was sitting on the bucket seat with Mia and Lana taking up part of the lengthy main seat facing forward.

"You can sit next to Lana," Mia said with a smile.

Malik paused. There really wasn't anywhere else he could sit. He twisted and sat down on the seat next to Lana. He tried to avoid glancing at Lana's beautiful legs, and her petite feet. The scent of her perfume drifted toward him.
 

Malik looked at Lana and saw that she was studiously avoiding eye contact. This was going to be a very awkward drive home.

The limo eased away and soon they were heading through the main streets of Qazhar City. Mia and Lana chatted excitedly, while Mia pointed out the various city landmarks.
 

Malik had to admit that the obvious enthusiasm the two women felt in each other's company was strangely affecting. He knew they had both known each other for many years. When Mia had been talking about bringing her friend to the wedding, Malik had never conceived that the friend in question would be someone he knew, let alone the woman he'd kissed so wantonly and on a whim.

Malik drew in a deep breath and tried to calm his thudding heart. What was it about this woman that caused such a reaction? Wasn't he Malik Al Kharif, well-known playboy prince of Qazhar? Wasn't he the man who could have any woman he liked? Wasn't he the sheikh who so many women had tried to claim as husband and failed?

So, why was it that, right here, in the confines of this limo, just feeling the heat of Lana's body against his side was driving him to distraction? This closeness was making him firm with desire. He could hardly believe the sensations which were coursing through his body. How could he be so affected by a woman he barely knew, even if they had already kissed once.

Emerging from the outskirts of the city, the limo changed lanes, heading out into the desert and the car swerved slightly. As the car shifted, the side of Lana's body pressed against Malik's, and he almost groaned at the feel of her against him. He felt her thighs against his, the fabric of her dress barely able to conceal the delights of her flesh from his hungry gaze.

Her body felt so enticing, so utterly tempting, so insanely distracting, that he had to try and slide away from her. He had to at least try to behave himself. This was Mia's best friend, and he didn't want to do anything to spoil their reunion.
 

He moved slightly, pressing against the hard interior at his side. There wasn't room enough on the long seat to put a decent distance between him and Lana.

Malik tightened his jaw and started to chat with Rafiq, but somehow the words didn't come easily. His mind was a jumble of chaotic impressions. No matter how hard he tried to ignore the presence of the woman next to him, he couldn't force his awareness away from her.
 

In fact, after a while, as the limo headed out into the desert, Malik started to come to the conclusion that he didn't really want to avoid contact with Lana. Despite the fact that she hadn't said a word to him since the airport, he felt they had already communicated more than enough. It was a dialogue that didn't require any spoken words. The proximity was enough. Each brief contact of their bodies as the limo travelled along the desert highway said all that needed to be said between them.

They shared a secret.
 

That kiss.

It wasn't a dramatic, earth-shattering secret, or one that would drive a wedge between friends. Eventually, Lana would tell Mia all about her encounter with Malik. And he was sure Mia would be surprised and even excited.

But, for now, Malik settled back in his seat, content in the knowledge that Lana would be around the palace for the next few days.

It promised to be a fascinating time.

There was some unfinished business between them. That kiss in New York had just been the start.

And, Malik couldn't help wondering just where it would lead.

CHAPTER THREE

"Is everything alright, Lana?" Mia asked.

"Of course," Lana replied. "I've just been taken aback by how beautiful this room is."

And it was beautiful, Lana had to admit. She stood in the middle of one of the most sumptuous rooms she had ever had the privilege of being in. All around her were the trappings of wealth and luxury. Expensive furnishings; tasteful decoration and design; exotic rugs covered the floors. The doors to the balcony had been thrown open and from outside came a bewildering mixture of scents from the extensive gardens that bordered the palace.

Lana sighed. "I can't believe I'm here," she said.

Mia hugged Lana and smiled. "And, I'm so glad you're with me now."

Lana smiled at her friend. She'd never seen Mia look so happy. Her friend had always had a reputation for being studious and enjoying the company of textbooks more than the delights of male companionship. And now here was Mia, about to be married to a real live sheikh.

Mia had babbled excitedly once they had arrived at the palace, taking Lana on a brief tour of the extensive corridors and rooms of the palace. This was Rafiq's palace, and it would soon be the place where Mia would settle down to married life, and hopefully raise a huge family of children.
 

A tiny flicker of jealousy tugged at Lana. Just thinking about living in such luxury made her contrast the palace life with her own modest standard of living back home in New York. She didn't feel the slightest resentment toward her friend. It was obvious that Mia and Rafiq were deeply in love.

Now, that was something to be jealous of. Wasn't it?

And then there was Malik.

That was his name. She knew that now. Ever since that kiss in New York, Lana had tried hard to forget the feel of being in his arms, the sensations that his devouring, demanding kiss had drawn out from somewhere deep in her soul.

Malik.

She had to admit that when she had seen him at the airport, she had been momentarily stunned. In fact, she'd been sure it must have been jet-lag or the burning sun which had caused her to see things. But, there had been no doubting the reality of Malik's presence in the limo. The way he'd pressed up against her had triggered the same intensity of feelings that kiss in New York had evoked.

Malik.

There was no doubt he was handsome. Dangerously gorgeous. That didn't even come close to describing how good-looking he was. And here, in his own domain, he looked even more delicious than he'd looked at the New York fundraiser. He looked like he'd just stepped out of a desert fantasy. His dark looks were a challenge, a proud, defiant dare for every woman who looked at him. He held himself with such confidence, such assurance. It was a familiar quality amongst the rich that Lana had met in her brief time working fundraising events.

But, there was undoubtedly something different about Malik. He possessed an additional quality. He had an animal, primal sense about himself. He exuded sensual promise.

Why was it so hot in this room? Lana fanned herself and smiled at Mia. Her friend's eyes narrowed. "Is there something you're not telling me?"

Lana shook her head. She glanced up at the overhead fans. "It's just so warm in here," she explained.

"You'll get used to it," Mia said.

"I'm only here for a few days. Then, it'll be back to the grind in New York."

Mia tugged on Lana's arm. "You must tell me all about your work. It must be so exciting to mingle with the elite."

Lana waved a dismissive hand. "They're all the same, after a while. Money has a way of changing people."

Mia nodded. "I know that," she said. Mia told Lana all about how she'd been called to Qazhar to sort out a financial problem that Rafiq had been having with money from his investment funds going missing. It had all turned out for the best since it had brought Mia and Rafiq together.
 

Mia threw open double doors. Inside was revealed a gloriously designed bedroom with the biggest bed Lana had ever set eyes on.

"Wow. That's what I call a bed," Lana observed.

"Everything in Qazhar is extra large," Mia replied and then seemed to realize just what she'd said. Her face colored slightly.

 
Lana dug a friendly elbow in Mia's side. "I'll pretend I didn't hear that," she said.

Mia glanced behind her and seemed relieved that no-one had overheard her remark. "Let me show you the view from the balcony," she said moving across to the French doors. She pushed them open and stepped out onto the balcony. Lana followed and drew in a sharp, appreciative breath.

"It's like a fairy-tale garden," she gasped, feeling genuinely awed.

Before her she saw a riot of color; perfectly kept lawn stretched away into the distance; trees had been planted in neat rows; displays of flowers dripped color throughout the vision of loveliness that had been set down in the middle of the distant desert wilderness. The scents of flowers intoxicated Lana's senses.

Mia smiled at Lana. "I thought you'd like this. Rafiq and I love walking in the garden."

"I'll bet you do. It must be so romantic."