Midnight Under The Stars. Оливия Гейтс

      ‘Tell me why you were so determined that I marry Kalila. Tell me, Avery. Spell it out.’

      ‘Because you’re the marrying type and because she’s perfect for you and because—’ she choked on the confession ‘—and because I thought it would make it easier if you were married.’

      Emotion flared in his eyes. ‘And did it?’

      ‘No.’ The words came out as a whisper. ‘No. It didn’t. Nothing does. But that doesn’t stop me hoping and trying.’

      ‘You don’t have to do either.’

      Yes, she did. ‘Nothing has changed, Mal—’

      That clearly wasn’t the answer he wanted and he looked away for a moment, jaw tense. ‘No? If that’s true then it’s just because you are the most stubborn woman I’ve ever met. But I can be stubborn too.’ Without giving her a chance to respond, he closed his hand over hers and pulled his phone out of his pocket. After a brief one-way conversation during which he delivered what sounded like a volley of instructions in his own language, he hung up. ‘Is there anything in your bag that you need? Because if there is, tell me now.’

      ‘Need for what? Who were you phoning?’

      ‘Rafiq. You remember my Chief Adviser?’

      ‘Of course. I love him. I would have offered him a job on my team if I’d thought there was any chance that he’d leave you. So what completely unreasonable request have you placed in the poor man’s lap this time?’ As the words left her mouth she heard the sound of a helicopter approach and looked up, her brows lifting as she saw the Sultan’s insignia. ‘I see you and discretion have parted company.’

      ‘There is no longer a need for discretion. There is, however, a need to get the next part of the journey over as fast as possible.’

      ‘You’re leaving in style, Mal, I have to hand you that.’

      ‘We’re leaving in style.’ His grip on her hand tightened. ‘You’re coming with me.’

      It was a command, not a question.

      Avery’s heart stumbled but whether that was because of his unexpected words or the feel of his fingers locked with hers, she wasn’t sure. ‘What about Kalila?’

      ‘Can we stop talking about Kalila?’ His tone was raw. ‘She has my protection and I will do my best for her, but right now I don’t want to waste any more time thinking about it.’

      ‘I really ought to get back to London. I have the Senator’s party to run and I can’t just take time off.’

      ‘Of course you can. You’re the boss. You can do whatever you like. Call Jenny and put her in charge for a few days.’

      ‘I couldn’t possibly do that.’ Her mouth was dry and her heart was pounding. ‘It’s out of the question.’

      ‘Really? The advice you give others is to face your fears—’ ebony eyes glittered dark with mockery ‘—and yet I don’t see you facing yours.’

      ‘There’s nothing to face. I’m not afraid.’

      ‘Yes, you are. You’re terrified. So terrified that your hands are shaking.’

      ‘You’re wrong.’ She stuffed her hands in her pockets. ‘So if you’re such an expert you’d better tell me what it is I’m supposedly afraid of.’

      ‘Me,’ he said softly. ‘You’re afraid to be alone with me.’