Promised to a Sheik by Carla Cassidy Read Free Book Online

must have been terrified,” he murmured as he ran a hand up and down her slender back.
    She sighed once again, then stepped back from him, and they continued to walk. “It’s funny, I wasn’t frightened while it was all happening. I never believed Donny would actually shoot me. What I worried about more was Donny getting hurt by the police.”
    The fact that she had been concerned for the boy impressed Omar. “If that had happened to you inGaspar, I would have thrown the boy into a dungeon.”
    â€œDo you have dungeons in Gaspar?” she asked.
    â€œNo, but I would build one specifically for people who threatened the safety of what belongs to me, for people who would attempt to harm you.”
    Her eyes brightened, and she smiled at him. “While I don’t necessarily approve of the method, I appreciate the sentiment.” Her smile fell away. “Besides, Donny didn’t need a dungeon. He needed help. We learned later that both his parents were severe alcoholics and that Donny had spent the previous two years raising his three younger sisters. He was frantic about his diploma because he was certain without it he wouldn’t be able to get a good job, and he was trying to save up enough money to take his sisters and leave his parents.”
    â€œA sad affair,” he replied. “However, I can understand why you were reluctant to return to the school.”
    â€œActually, I returned the next day and finished out the school year and thought I was fine.” Again the shadows appeared in her eyes.
    â€œBut you weren’t fine.”
    She shook her head, dark strands flying on either side of her heart-shaped face. “I think for a couple of days I was kind of in shock, then I started having nightmares about the whole thing. The nightmares don’t come as often anymore, just occasionally. But I made the decision that I didn’t want to go back this year.”
    â€œI don’t blame you. I’m sure the idea of entering that building again must be difficult.”
    â€œThat isn’t why I decided not to go back.”
    He looked at her in surprise. “Then, why?”
    She waited until they had left the pasture and she’d carefully locked the gate behind them before she replied.
    â€œI think that whole incident with Donny made me realize just how short life is, that it can be taken away from you in the snap of a finger. I just decided I wanted to take some time off and enjoy life to the fullest.”
    â€œAh, so what you seek is a confirmation of life,” he observed.
    â€œYes, something like that,” she agreed.
    He grinned at her teasingly. “They say the best way of doing that is to make love.”
    Her cheeks warmed with sweet color. “I wouldn’t know about that.”
    He looked at her in surprise. “You have never made love?” he asked incredulously.
    She raised her chin. “Well, it certainly hasn’t been from lack of opportunity,” she exclaimed defensively.
    â€œI wouldn’t have dreamed anything to the contrary,” he replied with amusement. “I just assumed in this day and age that you had enjoyed an intimate relationship before.”
    They had almost reached the cottage, where his car was parked out front. “I guess I’m more old-fashioned than I pretend. Besides, I simply haven’t met the right man,” she said.
    Omar pulled her into his arms once again, enjoying the way her eyes flared in surprise. “You have met him now, Elizabeth. I will be the man who will introduce you to the pleasures of making love.”
    â€œOmar…”
    Whatever she was about to say was drowned out by Rashad yelling his name and holding up the phone. Omar frowned, torn between his desire to spend more time with Elizabeth and the duty that called him yet again.
    â€œI must take that,” he said. “Rashad would not have called me if it wasn’t an important