Sheikh's Stand In by Sophia Lynn Read Free Book Online Page A

she brushed her fingers over his lips instead. She was not a woman who backed down from things, and with a defiant look, she slid her fingertips between his lips.
    Then Viviana realized that the joke was on her as he lapped at her fingertips, sending shivers up her spine.
    "Oh … Mikal, someone could come in …"
    "We'll hear them," he said softly. He took her hand, leaning down to nuzzle her palm. She had never realized that her hand was so sensitive as he caressed her skin there with his lips and his tongue.
    She felt as if she was caught in a sensual haze as Mikal made his way up her arm, paying special attention to the crook of her elbow. When he pulled her into his lap, she went willingly, purring with pleasure as she cuddled up next to him.
    "There, that's lovely," he said. "Don't we look like a proper pair of sweethearts?"
    "There's no camera here," she said, her voice more than a little husky. "You're putting on a show for no one."
    "Well, practice is quite important," he said with a grin. "And when the practice feels so good, I don't think I'm going to complain. Do you have any complaints?"
    "None at all," she said, wrapping her arms around his shoulders. She didn't need breakfast at all when Mikal felt this good.
    She was just leaning in for a kiss that promised to be nothing short of spectacular when their phones both beeped at the same time.
    "That's an odd thing," Mikal said with a frown, but Viviana was already slipping off of his lap.
    "You should get that," she said drily. "I'll bet our siblings just got the news."
    "Ah, yes, they have internet in Venice, as well."
    What are you doing?! Are you seriously going to marry Mikal?
    Viviana laughed quietly to herself as she shot off a quick reply.
    I know you have a thing about guys not being good enough for me, but don't you think your standards are a bit too high?
    Charlotte's response was crisp and to the point.
    You could get engaged to a hot dog salesman, and I wouldn't care if he treated you with love and respect. Of course I would expect you to know that salesman for more than a handful of days though. My daughter is older than your relationship. What are you doing?
    That one required a little more thought. Out of the corner of her eye, she could see Mikal texting his brother, a smile on his face. He was doing what he was doing for the best of reasons, but she could tell that there was a fair amount of pleasure in getting his brother's reaction. It was a younger sibling thing, she thought. She was getting some fun out of Charlotte's shock as well.
    I know what I'm doing, she texted back. Mikal is a perfect gentleman, and no matter how long this lasts, we're going into it with open eyes. Don't worry, big Sis. Enjoy your honeymoon. We'll be fine, and we'll see you when you get back. All my love to Aladdin and Annika.
    Charlotte's response took such a long time to come that she thought it wasn't coming at all.
    You don't have a successful relationship by looking at its end.
     After that Charlotte fell silent, and Viviana decided to keep her mouth shut. She wasn't sure what her sister and her brother-in-law would think about this sham engagement, but it would likely be better for all concerned if she kept everything as simple as she could.
    When she looked up, Mikal was just putting down his phone.
    "Well, I suppose you've been read the riot act as well?"
    Viviana giggled. "Well, Charlotte knows she can't stop me when my mind's made up. I hope your brother knows something similar?"
    "Well, he's not going to fly back here to try to straighten us out." Mikal hesitated for a moment. "I didn't tell him that this is just something we're doing for the good press. I had a feeling that the less people that know that, the better. Did you tell Charlotte?"
    Viviana felt a strange twinge inside her. She hadn't told her sister either, and for similar reasons, but there was something a little strange about keeping it a secret.
    "No, I didn't. I mean, I suppose we'll tell them