Read Online I Married a Sheik by Sharon De Vita - Free Book Online Page B

imported fragrances.
    No, this was something far too delicate, like a whispered memory one couldn't quite recall, the kind that stayed with you for a while, yet had enough of a kick to heat a man's blood and his imagination, making him wonder if her body carried that scent all over.
    He had a feeling it would be a pleasure to find out. "Are you sure you're all right?" He tilted her chin up, saw the shadows in her eyes.
    His breath tickled the small tendrils of hair framing her cheeks, causing goose bumps to rise and her heart to scamper like a terrified rabbit.
    She had to swallow hard before she spoke because her mouth had gone dry at his touch, at the tender look in his eyes.
    "Y-Yes, really, Ali, thank you." She glanced away. He was too close, and the intensity of his closeness was too much. "I appreciate what you did."
    She didn't want to admit she wasn't trembling as much from Aaron's ridiculous groping as she was from the fact that Ali was holding her intimately.
    Ali glanced behind him to be certain Aaron was gone. "The man is a rude, arrogant fool who should not be allowed out in public."
    "And those are probably his good points," she teased, glancing up at him, trying to break the sudden tension quivering between them.
    She couldn't believe how the man looked in a tuxedo. It was probably illegal to look that good, she decided, realizing that in spite of her own reservations and cautions, she wasn't immune to Ali's incredible good looks or unbelievable charm.
    Faith sighed. So, she was human, at least she could admit her appreciation for the male species, this male in particular, without losing her head. Maybe that was a healthy thing.
    Swaying with him to the soft strains of the music, Faith glanced up at him. "What are you doing here, Ali?"
    He shrugged. "The host is one of my clients." Smiling, Ali nodded in greeting to another couple who danced by. "I try to attend as many of my clients' functions as I can. It is good for business."
    She laughed. "Some business. The tickets to this gig were five thousand dollars apiece."
    He shrugged. "It is for a worthwhile charity, Faith, and I believe good causes deserve our support." Amused, and delighted to have her in his arms, he studied her face, noted in spite of her formal attire she did not have on a bit of makeup. She'd never looked lovelier. "And you, Faith? What are you doing here?"
    "Besides arm-wrestling with an ape?" She laughed. "Mr. Josslyn invited me. The Senior Mr. Josslyn," she clarified. "I've been trying to land his account for several months." She frowned, trying to concentrate on the dance steps. Ali's closeness, the scent she now recognized as only his, and the intensity of his gaze were making her nervous, causing her to lose her concentration. "He asked me to come this evening. It's the only night he's in town and he said we'd have a few minutes to meet."
    "And have you met with him?" His glanced at her unpainted mouth. It looked unbearably inviting, and he thought of his first impression of her the first day they'd met—she had a mouth made for kissing and kissing well. A well of warmth unfurled low in his gut, causing him to tighten his hand on hers, wanting to hold her closer.
    "Unfortunately, no. Something came up at the last minute and he couldn't make it." His hand was very soft, very gentle, yet strong, masculine. The kind of hand that could soothe or arouse.
    For an instant Faith wondered what it would feel like to have that hand warm her in other places. Female places. The thought made her blood seem to heat and pump faster through her veins.
    "Do not concern yourself about it." Ali flashed her a glorious smile that nearly made her stumble. She forced herself to concentrate on her feet and the dance steps as he led her around the crowded dance floor.
    "I have known Abner Josslyn for a long, long time. We have been partners in several ventures over the years. Once I tell him what a marvelous job you have done for El-Etra Investments, I'm sure