Read Online Shadow of the Sheikh by Nina Bruhns - Free Book Online Page B

grabbed on to an objection he couldn’t argue against. “Even if what you say is true—and I don’t believe it for a second—she wouldn’t leave Joss and me like that. With no explanation.” Just as their mother had…
    â€œWhat would you have had her say?” Shahin argued. “In any event, she did phone you and wrote the note so you wouldn’t worry. But believe me, she intended to stay. She wants to be with us.” He tugged her closer to his body. “Just as you will.”
    She didn’t think so. Shahin might not be planning to let her go in the morning, but she had no intention of staying. Hello? She wanted nothing to do with a cult of vampires! Shahin wasn’t that sexy.
    Besides, he wasn’t interested in her anyway. She was just collateral damage .
    She tried to block him out, but his otherworldly energy, potent and shiveringly seductive, spilled through her, weakening her resistance. Her breasts tingled, and a rash of goose bumps splashed over her arms where his fingers touched her. Okay, maybe he was that sexy. But Sheikh Shahin was far too dangerous to mess with. This whole thing was dangerous and insane. She had to warn Joss.
    She tried to pull away, knowing if she didn’t,she’d be lost. “We’re not talking about me,” she insisted. “Or even Gillian. But Josslyn. Vampire or no, no one can make her marry a man she’s not in love with!”
    â€œIt’s not my decision, kalila . And from what I’ve seen, your sister is more than capable of taking care of herself and making her own decisions.”
    â€œYes, but—”
    â€œSeth is very angry right now, but as I’ve told you, he is not a monster. I’m sure he will listen to her if she objects.”
    â€œIf?”
    His tension gave way to a lazy, bone-melting smile. Watching the change in demeanor from captor to seducer, her whole body tingled.
    â€œSeth-Aziz is a very powerful and charming man,” Shahin said. “I’m sure he will persuade her of his…many attractions.” He paused to let his gaze drift slowly down her body, then started to walk her backward into the tent. “And perhaps, my dear, it is time to persuade you of mine.”
    Alarm buzzed through her. Along with an unwanted wash of intense arousal. Heavens. What was wrong with her? “Shahin—”
    â€œI like how you say my name, kalila ,” he murmured, parting the curtained door behind her with a hand and kept backing her up.
    She struggled to keep her wits about her as shewas enveloped by the cool dimness of the tent—and a thick fog of awareness. His endearment echoed in her heart like a love song. Kalila. She really wished he would stop calling her that. It was messing with her will to stay strong.
    â€œI’m not your sweetheart,” she croaked, pushing at his chest. But he was immovable. Like the Sphinx. “Are you a vampire, too?” she asked, terrified of the answer.
    â€œNo. Just Seth-Aziz.”
    Thank God! Her heart spun with relief. And something else.
    â€œWorried?”
    â€œWhat do you think?” She tried to wriggle from his grasp. It was no use.
    His warm breath stirred her hair. “Why do you fight me?” he murmured. “You know we both want this.”
    Maybe she did want him, physically. There was no denying it. But…if she gave herself over to him, what was she really consenting to? A brief fantasy affair…or to spend forever in some mythical cult she didn’t believe in?
    She licked her lips, desperately seeking a way to delay what seemed more and more inevitable. “I do want you, Shahin. But…I’m…I’m covered in martini and dust, and—”
    He stilled and his expression turned wry. “Ah,I understand. The desert heat. My smell offends you.”
    â€œNo, you smell wonderful. It’s just—” She knew she’d made a tactical error when that