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‘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.
