The Sultan’s Suite. The place they’d spent their first night together.
Avery tried to slow her pace but he gripped her hand firmly as they walked along the curving path that led to the exclusive desert villa. And it was no use pretending that he was forcing her. She was a grown woman with a mind of her own. She could have walked away at any point in the past few hours, but she hadn’t. And what did that make her? A fool, definitely.
If only he hadn’t accused her of being scared. That comment alone had made it impossible for her to refuse, and—
—he’d made it impossible for her to refuse!
Her eyes narrowed dangerously.
She turned her head to look at him, the movement sending her hair whipping across her back. ‘You are an underhanded, manipulative snake.’ She kept her voice low so that the manager couldn’t overhear but clearly Mal caught the words because he smiled.
‘Save the compliments until we are alone, habibti.’
‘You made that comment about me being afraid because you knew I’d have to prove you wrong.’
‘So does that make me manipulative or you predictable?’
The fact that he knew her so well didn’t improve her mood. ‘I suppose you think you’re clever.’
‘Desperate,’ he murmured, his thumb stroking her palm. ‘Desperate would be the word I’d use. Even famous people have needs, you know.’
She did know.
And the contrast between his gentle, seductive touch and the raw desire she saw in his eyes unsettled her more than words could. The heat rushed through her and suddenly she was truly afraid. Not of him but for herself. She’d spent the past months trying to get over him. Hauling herself out of bed every day and reminding herself that she was not going to ruin her life over a man, even a spectacular man. And yet here she was, about to risk it all again.
And now there was no Kalila. There was no virgin bride. Nothing to keep them apart.
Nothing except all the usual reasons.
She tried to snatch her hand from his but his grip was unyielding. ‘This is a mistake.’
‘If it’s a mistake then I’ll take it like a man.’
That offered her no comfort because his masculinity had never been in question. From the hard-packed muscle of his wide shoulders to the powerful legs and the iron self-discipline that drove him, he was more of a man than any she’d met.
‘You’re going to regret this.’
And so was she.
When he’d told her to drop everything and come with him she should have pleaded workload or an event that couldn’t possibly continue without her personal attention. Anything that would have got her out of this situation.
But the manager was already bowing again as they reached the doorway of the exclusive villa and it was too late for her to back out.
‘The doctor is waiting for you, Your Highness, as instructed.’
Mal murmured his thanks and Avery frowned.
‘Doctor?’ She tugged her hand free of his and pulled off her hiking boots. It was a relief to be rid of them because they were heavy and hot. ‘Who needs a doctor?’
‘You do. I want you checked after that scorpion bite.’
‘Oh for goodness’ sake, I’m fine.’
‘The doctor will decide that.’
‘He might send me home,’ she muttered in an undertone. ‘Have you thought of that?’
‘Or he might send you to bed, where you are going to end up either way.’
‘You think so? Maybe you’re a little over-confident, Your Highness.’
‘And you are the most aggravating woman I’ve ever encountered. The scorpion met its match. Even now it is probably engaged in a session of psychotherapy as part of the recovery process.’ Mal stepped forward and there was a brief exchange with the doctor, during which Avery tapped her foot impatiently.
‘I am as healthy as a horse.’
‘When I hear that from a professional I will be reassured. If you go through to the master bedroom, he will examine you. And try not to take your frustration out on the doctor. He’s an innocent party.’
‘You think I’m frustrated?’
‘I truly hope so. But we’ll talk about this later.’ Maddeningly cool, Mal strolled towards the bedroom and opened the doors and her heart skidded in her chest because there in the centre was the hand-crafted bed that had witnessed the shift in their relationship from friends to lovers.
The sensual, unashamed luxury of the suite unsettled her as much as the look in his eyes.
‘What’s the doctor supposed to do? Declare me fit for action?’ Her response was flippant and she realised that she hadn’t thought about the scorpion bite for hours. She’d been too caught up in all the drama and the swirling mess of her own feelings. She’d been too busy thinking about him.
And he knew it.
He hovered while the doctor examined her and Avery almost felt sorry for the man as Mal subjected him to a volley of cross-questioning until finally he was satisfied.
Exhausted, she flopped back against the pillows. ‘You terrified that poor man. His hands were shaking. For God’s sake, Mal, ease up on people, will you?’
‘I just wanted to make sure he was thorough.’
The room was the ultimate in sophistication. Decorated with elaborate woven rugs and antique furniture, the doors opened onto an uninterrupted view of the desert. Last time she was here with him she’d taken a picture of the same view at sunset and made it her screen saver. Seeing it again now made her heart lift and ache at the same time because it brought back memories of a time when life had been close to perfect.
The mattress dipped slightly as Mal sat down next to her. ‘You are thinking about the last time we were here.’
‘No. I don’t do that sort of thing. If you wanted sentimental then you picked the wrong woman. But you discovered that a while ago.’ Sliding away from him, Avery sprang from the bed. ‘What I was actually thinking is that I need a shower. My hair is full of sand. My clothes are full of sand. Right now I’m more camel than human.’ She shot towards the bathroom because it was the only room with a lock on the door, but he caught her easily and pulled her firmly back towards him.
‘There is nowhere to run. It’s just you and me, habibti.’
‘And you only have yourself to blame for that. I told you you’d regret it.’
‘Do I look as if I’m regretting it?’ Smiling slightly, he slid his hands either side of her face, tilting her head. ‘Do you really want to fight? Because I’ll fight if that’s what you want. Or you could listen to an alternative suggestion as to how we can spend this time we have together.’
‘No.’ The word was meant to be firm and decisive. Instead it sounded more like a pathetic plea and he frowned, the smile fading from his eyes.
‘How long are you going to keep pretending this isn’t what you want?’
‘As long as it takes for you to get the message. What I want is a shower.’ Her voice was croaky. And she was terrified. Terrified of the thought of doing this again. Of risking everything. Of being hurt.
‘Shower first?’ He lifted his hand and freed her hair.
‘First?’