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His masculine chuckle was telling, “You amuse me, American.”
“How so?” I asked with a chin tilt of defiance.
“You wish for me to hunt you. To chase you.” He lifted his glass and sipped at the golden liquid inside. His eyes found mine over the rim, and I stifled a gasp at how powerfully he affected me.
“I will not chase you, Julie. You will come to me when you are ready.”
A trickle of cold ice ran down my spine. He’d set out the gauntlet, and my fighting nature recognized it for what it was—a battle of wills. Well, fine, two can play that game. I flipped my hair and fought to tear my eyes from his, resuming a cold stare out at nothing in particular. I muttered, “Not gonna happen.”
He rumbled with laughter and strode away without another word. When I was certain he wasn’t going to return, I turned to look at his perfectly sculpted body in his perfectly tailored suit slacks. I felt my lips part as I took a breath and stared shamelessly at his confident departing walk. When I looked up, I saw my reflection in the big window, ogling his behind, and then I saw him—seeing me looking. I turned too fast and spilled my drink over the railing, almost falling down in the process. Damn bastard, anyway—arrogant asshole!
When I returned to the table, Omar and Anna were gone and just Amir sat there, apparently waiting for me. He casually looked up from his meal, “Anna was feeling ill. You will return with me.”
“Whatever,” I said as unfazed as possible.
He went back to eating and in a conversational tone he asked, “So, Julie. Tell me about this future career of yours.”
I smoothed my skirt and took a sip of water, still unable to think about eating. I hated feeling this off around him—no one ever rattled me the way this guy did. “I just graduated law school. I have a few interviews scheduled as soon as I return home.”
“Ahhh, so you will be an attorney? A pit bull in the courtroom, no doubt.”
“More like corporate law—take-overs, corporation restructuring—that kind of thing.”
“Ahhh, so a covert operative?”
“I guess.” I sipped more water. “Amir?” He gave me eye contact, and my entire body felt as if he’d electrocuted me. “Why are you being so formal?”
“Am I?”
I shook my head slightly, “I mean, maybe not formal—I don’t know—just distant. We had amazing sex—we slept together—we were intimate. Why does it have to be this way between us?”
He set his fork down and wiped the corners of his mouth. Then he carefully set his napkin on the table and pushed his plate away. He leaned back and studied me, as if calculating something. “Julie, forgive me, but I am only following your lead.”
“My lead?” I squeaked. “What does that mean?”
He leaned forward and narrowed his eyes at me, “You were the one that stated it was simply a—thing—nothing more, and you were not interested in me as a man, as in us attempting a relationship. Was I incorrect in my interpretation of your words the other night?”
I stammered, realizing I didn’t have a leg to stand on. “Um, no.” I lowered my eyes, and again I felt like crying.
Amir slid to me and picked up my hand, “Why does this cause you sadness?” I shook my head and shrugged. I had no words. He tilted my head up with a strong finger on my chin and made me look at him. I blinked and my chin quivered.
“Tell me, Julie. Explain the duplicitousness of this situation? Tell me why you are so upset with my casual conversation.”
“Um, I don’t know—you’re right—sorry. Just caught me off guard.” I realized my words made no sense.
He lifted just the right side of his mouth in a cute as hell grin, “So you do like me? You do want more?”
My voice was much too high, “No—I mean—um, no—I can’t.”
“Ahhh, but you want!” he said in such a way I knew that he knew how I was feeling. Then he added in an almost whisper, “I want you with a need that is ripping me up inside.”
CHAPTER TEN
I knew it took a lot for Amir to tell me how he felt. He’d tried being aloof, like me, but both of us were finding it nearly impossible. I wanted to stay cold and detached—I couldn’t! My air caught in my chest, and my body clenched in reaction to his statement. I managed a strangled gulp and lowered my eyes, trying to find words. I choked out, “Me too.”
He slid even closer and his huge hand went to my neck, “Julie—princess—look at me.” His tone was that of a commander of many. I obeyed, and his expression softened, “What is happening between us? I have no reference.”
I shook my head slightly and licked my lips. My mouth was suddenly parched, and I couldn’t stop the trembling in my legs. “I don’t…”
